Finding the Right Roofer for the Job

Roof repairs and installing a new roof are not cheap home improvements.  In fact, the roof is one of the most costly home improvement investments that you will make during your ownership of the building.  That being the case, it is important to find the right roofer for the job.  That can be especially challenging and daunting after hearing roof repair nightmare stories.  If you are in the market to hire a roofer for your home, follow the steps below to help ensure that the person you hire will be the best person for the job.

Word of Mouth
Forget about opening the phone book up and cold calling roofing companies right from the start.  While you may have to resort to that at the end of your search, the best way to begin the roofing contractor search is to ask around.  Talk with friends and family members who have had their roof repaired or replaced to find out which companies and contractors they recommend and which ones they suggest you shy away from.  Word of mouth advertising is the best or worst free advertising.  Many contractors, especially those in the roofing industry, know that jobs done right and to the customer's satisfaction lead to recommendations and more business.  Jobs that have not been completed properly or a string of dissatisfied customers will quickly lead to a loss of credibility.  If homeowners in your neighborhood are currently getting their roof repaired or replaced, consider talking with about the people doing the job.  Sometimes contractors will give a discount if they are completing work in the same neighborhood.

Estimates
Estimates should be given free of charge.  Understand that roofing companies will usually try to find out what other companies have bid and manipulate their bids to look attractive to you.  While this may sound like a good thing, the price should reflect all the work and material that will be needed to complete the job.  Without an accurate estimate it will be difficult to determine if a contractor is going to be the best choice for your roof repair.  An accurate estimate can only be gleaned by actually inspecting your roof, so if the contractor spends only a couple of minutes looking at your roof, chances are that he is not going to see all the issues that need to be taken care of.  Also remember that the lowest bid may not be the best one for your roofing job.  It is important to evaluate each estimate for what it contains and the estimated date of completion.

Instinct
Trust your instincts.  This may sound like an odd way of selecting a contractor, but in reality homeowners often have a gut feeling about those they are considering hiring.  It is important to feel comfortable with the person you have selected, so be sure that you go with your instincts.

Finding the right roofer for the job can be incredibly challenging.  Some companies never call you back, other companies give astronomical estimates and others just make you uncomfortable.  However, by listening to the recommendations of family and friends, your chances of finding the right roofer greatly increase.