How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor: Tips and Red Flags

Perhaps your area was hit with a hailstorm or windstorm and your roof was damaged, or maybe it’s simply time to replace your aging roof. In either case, it’s important to choose the right roofing contractor – and here are five tips and red flags to consider.

#1: Deal only with roofing contractors who are licensed and insured.

It is both reasonable and wise to confirm that a roofing company you’re considering is licensed to do contracting work in your state, and has both general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. If you request confirmation of this and a roofing contractor hesitates, gets upset or tries to change the subject, this is a major red flag. A reputable company will provide you with the information you’ve requested and won’t have a reason to try to stop you from verifying the information.

#2: Be suspicious if you are being pressured to get started.

It’s normal for a contractor to encourage you to hire his or her roofing company, but once it crosses over into pressure, that’s another red flag. If the contractor asks you to begin work without a contract or wants you to sign a contract that contains information you don’t agree with and/or you don’t understand, slow down. Make sure you are provided with a clear, easy to understand written estimate and contractor’s agreement. Get clarification if you still want to move forward with a contractor and, if your gut tells you something isn’t right, don’t sign.

#3: You can’t make a “profit” on roof repairs.

Some roofing companies will tell you that you can make a profit with your repairs when insurance companies are involved. They’ll recommend that you turn an inflated bid into your insurance company and then they’ll reassure you that their company will charge you less and let you keep the difference. That’s not a “profit.” That’s insurance fraud.

As a more general rule: if something seems too good to be true . . . well, you already know how to finish that saying.

#4: Ask friends and family members for recommendations and ask roofing companies for testimonials.

If you know that someone has had roof repairs or a replacement done, ask him or her about the contractor. Was the company easy to work with? Did they show up when promised and complete the work in a reasonable timeframe? How well were you treated? Was the price fair?

When talking to a contractor, ask to see testimonials and/or check their website for them. Also check the Better Business Bureau to see how they are rated and to see if there are unresolved complaints against the company.

#5: Ask how the roofing company expects to be paid.

If a company wants cash only, that’s a definite red flag. You’ll want to pay by credit card, debit card or check so you’ll have a record of your transaction. And, don’t agree to pay for everything up front. A deposit of one third down is reasonable, but companies that require all money up front have no incentive to finish your project in a timely fashion or to resolve complaints.

Camden Roofing and Construction: residential and commercial roofing contractors of choice

We provide superior craftmanship as well as outstanding customer service to customers, and are licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado and Texas. We are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with a rating of “A,” and we have been serving our customers well since 2010. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, which means we can provide extended warranties on our roofing installations that are backed by Owens Corning.

If you need roofing services, contact us online or call 704-858-2141 today!