How to Find Affordable & Quality Roof Repair Specialists?
A roof problem has the potential to ruin not only your day but your whole month if it gets out of control. Roof repairs require quick and efficient service to ensure your home and business remain safe, secure, and functional. However, finding an affordable, high-quality roof repair specialist can take time and effort. To aid you in discovering your ideal roofing company, we have devised a five-step system to guide you.
5 Steps to Finding a Roof Repair Specialist
Step 1: Ask for Recommendations
As with nearly every business, referrals are the best advertisement since customer experiences are clear indicators of service performance. Before scouring the web for roof repair specialists near you, we recommend asking friends, family, neighbors, and other trusted individuals for whom they hired for their roof repair. If you get a glowing recommendation from an astute homeowner, that company should be at the top of your list.
Independent Contractors Vs. Companies
It is vital to note that you may get two types of recommendations for a roof repair specialist: an independent contractor or a company. Both types have their pros and cons.
For example, independent contractors may be the right solution for a small, quick job as long as they are well-versed in that particular project. You will see the same person every time and likely get a shorter turnaround time. However, independent contractors are less helpful on large jobs since it is just them, and you won’t want subcontractors to help them since their qualifications will be unknown.
On the other hand, companies are excellent for larger jobs as they have entire support teams who can get the job done quickly. Additionally, their work should be covered by warranties, they will have a greater variety of experience and services, and they will offer free consultations.
No Recommendations? Search Reviews Instead!
What should you do if no one has good recommendations to give? That is when you take to the internet. Through various online review services, you can check out who is available in your area, how they are rated, and what previous customers have to say about them.
WARNING: “Roofing companies” that reach out to you first, such as door-to-door salesmen, are often predatory, shoddy companies. They prey on neighborhoods hit by storms or homeowners who don’t know better. Even if they seem legit, you will want to do thorough research before considering hiring them.
Step 2: Investigate Available Services
Before you start digging into the details of the company, we recommend investigating if they even have the service that you need. Roofing companies offer a variety of services, and they don’t always overlap. Some may offer roof repair, while others may only do roof installation. Some may do it all as well as gutters, windows, and siding. If you are looking solely for a roof repair specialist, they will likely be easier to book since they won’t have business from a bunch of different service offers.
Step 3: Review Company Qualifications
At this point, you likely have a list of five to ten potential roofing companies to choose from, so let’s begin to narrow them down. A quick way to knock the bad apples off the list is to verify your roof repair specialist’s qualifications.
You will want the company to be licensed to your region, insured, and bonded. We recommend checking their training as well as experience to gain insight into how long they have been in the business and how they keep their crew knowledgeable about changing trends. Additionally, companies should be willing to offer references when you ask. If they say no, that is a red flag!
Step 4: Ask Lots of Questions
Step 3 may have a lot of information written in industry lingo, leaving the average individual needing clarification on what it means and how it will affect their project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We suggest busting out the following:
- What types of roofing do you repair?
- Do you remove old materials?
- If so, at what cost?
- If so, how are they disposed of?
- Is there a recycling option?
- Do you offer a free inspection and estimate?
- Where does your license apply
- What does your insurance cover?
- Is your work covered by a manufacturer warranty?
Remember, a company that wants your business, provides good service, and cares about its customers will take the time to answer all of your questions and explain what you don’t understand.
Step 5: Request an Itemized Estimate & Timeline
If a roof repair specialist has made it through steps 2 through 4, they are likely a good candidate for your project. We recommend choosing a minimum of three companies, five would be preferred, to get an itemized estimate and timeline. Remember, cheap bids are red flags. They often include shoddy artistry that cuts corners and hidden fees that hit like a freight train at the end. On the other hand, overtly expensive bids can be out of line. Look for the middle ground, compare it to friends’ and family members’ recent project prices, and make sure everything is spelled out with no surprise fees!
In addition to your estimate and timeline, make sure that they include the following information (if they don’t, ask for it):
- Will you give be given an updated estimate after the in-person inspection?
- How do you keep projects on schedule?
- What is your inclement weather policy?
- Do you work with homeowner’s insurance to file claims?
- When and how do you bill?
- Do you take credit cards?
- Do you offer cash discounts?
- Do you offer financing?
Get a Free Quote from Roof Maxx Today
Do you need to get some of your shingles repaired? Roof Maxx is ready to help. Our highly trained roof repair specialist team offers quick response time for your roof shingle repair and replacement needs. Get a free quote for your roof repair today.
