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How To Choose The Best Contractor For A Roof Replacement

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A roof replacement is an expensive investment and one of the largest home renovation projects a homeowner will face. Deciding on the best time to replace your aging or deteriorating roof is never easy, but selecting the right contractor to do the work is arguably the most important choice you can make. While using high quality, sturdy roofing materials is important, a new roof is only as good as the roofer you select to do the job. Hiring a bad contractor to do an expensive roof replacement can lead to a significantly shortened lifespan for your new roof. 

Finding a good roofer isn’t always easy. Like with any product or service, there is a wide range of contractors on the market with varying degrees of skills and experience. But by doing the proper research and knowing what to look for in advance, you can find a high quality roofer at a fair price. Once you’ve decided that your home needs a new roof replacement, consider these five tips to help you choose the best contractor:

1. Ask For Referrals And Check Online Reviews

The most surefire way to hire a good roofing contractor is to seek referrals from people you know and trust. Start by asking any friends, family members, neighbors, or co workers in the Oviedo area who have recently had their roof replaced. You can also ask your community group or neighborhood association. Finding someone you trust to vouch for the quality of a roofing contractor can give you peace of mind. Word of mouth is the most popular way good roofers drum up new business, so many make it a habit of asking satisfied clients for referrals. 

If you don’t know anyone locally who has had a recent roof replacement, try doing some online research. Check multiple review websites and make a list of highly rated contractors in Oviedo. Check each contractor’s rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Remember, studies suggest people are twice as likely to share a negative experience than a positive one.

2. Seek Multiple Quotes For Your Roof Replacement

After you have done some upfront research and narrowed down your choices, it’s time to ask for bids and proposals for your roof replacement. The actual cost of a roof replacement will ultimately be determined by your roofing materials, the pitch of your roof, and the quality of your contractor. 

Once you’re ready, ask for quotes from at least three contractors so you can set a benchmark on service and offering. Remember, when it comes to roof replacements, you often will get what you pay for and quality roofers aren’t cheap. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop around. Just be wary when a roofer offers a very low bid, as there could be a reason behind it. Inexperienced or less skilled contractors sometimes have to turn to low rates in order to win new clients – so if you’re looking to have the work done as cheaply as possible, be sure to factor in your risk appetite. 

3. Ask For Proof Of Insurance And Certifications

Before choosing a contractor, ask to see proof of insurance and certification – and double check that the documents aren’t expired. In the state of Florida, all roofers are required to obtain a roofing license before working on any residential or commercial roofs. To receive a license, the roofer must have four years of education or experience and pass an exam. However, many roofers operate without the proper credentials and are able to lure clients with low prices.

When it comes to insurance,  your contractor should carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance at a minimum. Never accept a bid from a contractor that doesn’t have the right licenses and insurance – even if it’s a close friend or family member. Working with an unlicensed or insured roofer opens you up to an enormous amount of risk.

4. Ask About A Roof Replacement Warranty

The type and length of the warranty offered on your roof replacement should play a large role in your decision. A warranty is the best way to protect yourself from a bad roof replacement. There are three common types of warranties related to roof replacements.

• A manufacturer’s material warranty generally covers your roofing materials. As long as your roof has been maintained, a manufacturer’s warranty protects you if there is any deterioration to your shingles or tiles – though certain conditions apply. The average manufacturer’s warranty is about 30 years.
• A manufacturer’s full system warranty will cover your basic roofing materials, such as your shingles, and also covers any other manufacturer products such as flashing and accessories. It also covers materials and labor costs for any repairs that need to be made to these materials.
• A labor or workmanship warranty is offered by the contractor and covers issues that arise due to the labor performed during the roof replacement. The only catch is that many warranties will require that you use the same contractor to fix the problem. The average workmanship warranty is between 5 and 10 years.

Your best bet is to find a contractor that offers the most comprehensive coverage. At the end of the day, knowing that your new roof is protected from material failure or poor workmanship can give you significant peace of mind.

5. Conduct Interviews

Prior to selecting a contractor, be sure to have a face to face discussion with each potential candidate. You’ll want to ensure that each contractor has the opportunity to see your roof in person and discuss the project. Ask their opinion on the timing and effort of the roof replacement. Have the contractor walk you through the process and inform you on the best way to prepare your home and family for the upcoming work. Remember that you are going to need to rearrange your home life for a couple of days, so it’s important that you’re clear on what to expect. 

Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor for references from past customers. Above all else, a quality roofing contractor should act professional, attentive, and be able to communicate clearly. When asked questions, they should seem knowledgeable and make you feel at ease. Stay away from any contractors that try to rush the process or do not adequately answer your questions.

Getting a roof replacement is a large investment, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Hiring a quality roofing contractor is the best way to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. 

If you’re looking for a high quality roofing contractor in the Oviedo area, check out Native Building Services today. Our five step process includes a free consultation, a complete roof inspection, a personalized proposal, and a final plan. Our team of professional contractors would be happy to walk you through the roof replacement process and answer your questions today.