As homeowners, we value our home as more than just a house. Our home is where we make memories and spend time with our loved ones, and it is a special place we can call our own.
With so many roofing companies, finding the right contractor for your home feels overwhelming, so we’re here to help.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to identify a quality roof contractor and recognize warning signs that you should avoid.
Essential Credentials: Licensing and Insurance
Did you know that roofing contractors do not need a state license in Ohio? This means homeowners must be extra careful when choosing a roofer. One of the most important factors is whether the roofing company carries proper insurance, including worker's compensation.
Without worker’s comp, you might have to pay for medical bills or legal claims if a worker gets hurt on your property. Insurance protects both you and the contractor from financial risks related to accidents, property damage, or faulty workmanship. Hiring a roofer with full insurance coverage helps keep your project safe. It also protects you from unexpected costs. This gives you peace of mind during the roofing process.
Customer Feedback -
Read the Reviews!
Customer reviews and testimonials are a goldmine of information. They provide insights into the contractor's work quality, professionalism, and reliability.
Look for a contractor with a high number of positive reviews - 4.7 stars or higher with a minimum of 100 reviews. This indicates a consistent track record of customer satisfaction. The 100 review minimum isn’t because the largest roofer is always the best fit, but because you should be able to get an honest feel for the contractor with that many reviews.
Look for comments about:
- Timeliness
- Communication
- Quality of work
- Cleanliness of the job site
- Handling of issues or complaints
Remember, a few negative reviews are not necessarily a red flag. It's more important to see how the contractor responded and resolved the issue.
Professional Awards and Certifications
Industry awards such as the 'Best of HomeAdvisor' and the 'Angie's List Super Service Award' are popular recognitions that celebrate companies based on their dedication to customer satisfaction and active community engagement. While these awards often consider paid memberships and customer reviews, they testify to a company's effort to build a solid reputation. Companies that receive these accolades often have a high volume of satisfied customers, showcasing their commitment to quality service.
Similarly, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) remains a trusted indicator of a company’s dedication to resolving issues and maintaining positive customer relationships. While the BBB rating
primarily reflects how well a company addresses customer concerns, it also highlights a business's proactive approach to customer service. An A+ rating is excellent when evaluating contractors, providing valuable insights into customer satisfaction levels.
Other Awards or Certifications to Pay Attention to:
Here’s a list of some BBB Awards and others that are evaluated with a thorough selection process, with independent judges and criteria (this is not a complete list):
BBB Torch Awards for Ethics
BBB Spark Awards
The Blade’s Top Workplace Award
Just know that while these awards are a great recognition, they’re not a “rubber stamp” that guarantees that you’ve found a great contractor. Not every contractor with these badges upholds the same standards, so homeowners must dig deeper and consider the other factors outlined in this article.
Written Contracts and Clear Communication
A trustworthy roofing contractor will always provide a written contract. This contract should detail the scope of work, materials to be used, and the cost. It should also include the start and end dates of the project.
Clear communication is another positive sign. They should be able to explain the project in terms you understand and be responsive to your questions and concerns. During the project, they will inform you of any changes or issues. This is why we have a customer experience manager and an on-site manager who can answer all homeowner's questions.
In conclusion, a written contract and clear communication are essential. They ensure you know what to expect and can hold the contractor accountable.
Strong Warranties and Guarantees
A reputable roofing contractor stands behind their work. One of the ways they should do this is by offering strong warranties and guarantees. This shows they have confidence in their workmanship and materials.
The warranty should cover both labor and materials. The materials warranty will come from the product manufacturer, which will be anywhere between 10 to 50 years, depending on the quality of the materials. The contractor will provide the workmanship warranty, which typically lasts one to ten years. As a general “rule of thumb,” the longer the warranty, the higher the likelihood you’ve found a reputable contractor that will be around for years to come.
In addition, some contractors offer satisfaction guarantees. This means they will make any necessary adjustments until you are happy with the work.
Extensive Services and Material Options
A trustworthy roofing contractor offers a wide range of services. This includes everything from minor repairs to total roof replacements, ensuring that the contractor doesn’t try to sell you a total replacement unless your roof needs it.
In addition to services, a reputable roofer provides various material options. They should offer products from well-known manufacturers and be able to explain the pros and cons of each. A wide range of services and materials allows the contractor to meet diverse customer needs and broad industry knowledge.
One thing to watch out for: Some contractors only offer materials from one manufacturer, and it’s not because those are the best materials for your home. To earn some certifications like “platinum contractor” or “preferred roofer,” some manufacturers require that a contractor can only install their products. So, if your contractor only gives you one option, ask them why they recommend that product and see if they have in-depth knowledge about the rest of the industry and what is being offered.
Bringing it All Together
Choosing a reliable roofing contractor ensures your project goes smoothly and your investment is protected. By looking for these key signs of professionalism, transparency, and a high number of great reviews, you can confidently select a contractor without needing to get multiple estimates every time.
For more guidance or to schedule an estimate, contact us—we’re happy to help!
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