How To Choose A Roofing Contractor - 5 Tips To Make A Good Choice!

When it comes to looking for a roofing contractor for your roof replacement project, there’s a lot to consider. This is a major installation that provides plenty of opportunities for an inexperienced or unprofessional contractor to misstep, costing you both now and in the long run. There are countless companies out there vying for your business; how can you know who to trust? 

1. Contact Multiple Contractors

Do an online search for roofing contractors in your area or a Cleveland home improvement company that specializes in roofing. Once you have a working list, pick two or three to contact, with a couple as backups, in case you immediately know that a company is not for you. Why should you call multiple contractors? Well, unless you have an established relationship with a roofer or other Cleveland home improvement contractor, you really don’t know what you’re in for. 

Just like seeking several medical opinions on an health issue, each contractor you speak with may have a different idea of how to tackle your project or what is the best way to handle the job. It also exposes you to different personalities, and you will quickly know if you will be able to work well with the people you speak with. If you call one contractor and decide that they have the job, you only have their word on what needs to be done. Unless you yourself are very knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to home improvement projects, limiting yourself to one contractor could just end up limiting the success of your roofing project. 

Part of contacting several contractors is getting estimates from each of them. This will allow you to be able to compare pricing and products offered, since most contractors have an established manufacturer or product line that they use. You can look into the various roofing products offered and see which best aligns with your priorities and preferences. If you notice any red flags, like a lack of line items on the estimate, hidden fees, lack of warranty information, or anything else that leaves you feeling uneasy, ask about it. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer or they refuse to review the estimate in detail, move on to the next option.

2. Check Qualifications

Each state will have their own requirements for roofers as far as licensure goes–look into that and ensure that the roofing contractor you’re considering for the job has what is needed for them to operate legally within the state. They should freely share this information with you–if they are hesitant, take that as a red flag. In Ohio, roofing contractors are not required to be state licensed, though local regulations may be in place.  If state licensure is not required, there are other ways to check a roofing contractor’s qualifications. You can inquire about when the business was established and ask for the company’s backstory.

Beyond a license, there are other pieces of the puzzle that a roofing contractor should have in place. These include liability insurance, to protect you and your property, and workers’ compensation insurance, to protect their crew. These are a bare minimum, and a roofing contractor should be able to provide proof of coverage upon request, along with their policy limits to ensure that they are fully covered in the event of an accident. If you feel the need to contact the insurance provider to verify that coverage is valid, that shouldn’t be seen as a problem by the contractor.

3. Ask For References

A roofing contractor should freely make their portfolio of past projects available to you, along with contact information if you request to speak with former clients. Ask for references and take the time to follow up with them. These individuals have typically already agreed to be contacted by future clients in regard to their experience with the company, so they should be easy to get in touch with and speak to. Ideally you should aim for several contacts from clients who had jobs done within the past three to six months. 

When you contact the contractor’s references, ask about the interpersonal experience they had with the crew, and whether they felt that their property and person were respected. Ask about the process and whether any issues arose. If they did, how did the contractor handle things? Did the project stay on budget? Were they communicative and did they keep the client in the loop? Were there delays? Was the customer satisfied with the experience and results? 

These little details will help to clue you in as to whether you will work well with this particular contractor, or if you should steer clear. And of course, you’ll want to see the finished product if at all possible.

4. Choose Local

To show up in an online search for a Cleveland home improvement or roofing contractor, a company only has to have a very savvy digital marketing team working behind the scenes. But you want to verify that they are actually local to your area. They should have a physical office you can visit and a local phone number to call. Roofing contractors who are also local residents will know any relevant local building codes that must be followed as part of your project. They will also know of any needed paperwork that has to be handled prior to starting work. A local contractor is less likely to create complications brought on by a disconnect between regional or state differences in the trade. 

On top of these concerns, should anything go wrong after the fact, you want to know that there is a local team that you can contact to come and fix the problem as soon as possible. Out-of-state companies may sweep through an area after a major storm, do a shoddy job for the insurance payout, and then are never seen or heard from again. You deserve to work with a local contractor who has roots in the community and will be there when you need them.

5. Value Quality Over Pricing

As you review the estimates from each of the roofing contractors you’ve spoken with, keep an eye, not on total price, but instead on where the costs are allocated and which materials they will be using. Companies who are looking to get business and do a less than stellar job will always be ready to undercut pricing in order to gain your business. Where are they skimping? Is it insurance? Perhaps the quality of the materials used? Are workers paid less than they should be? You can’t know all the details, but know that any company that is too eager to best another’s estimate should raise a red flag. 

The same is true when a company is charging an exorbitant price for the very same service. Are you paying for their marketing budget or the fleet of vehicles they use? Every Cleveland home improvement company has overhead costs, but not every contractor is part of a large chain that has massive expenses they need to pass on to the consumer. As with many decisions in life, the middle of the road is often the most realistic option, both for you and the contractor. You want a high quality product, and you want great work to be done by the crew, so you’re willing to pay for that. No corners cut, no unnecessary markups. 

Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions!

Here’s a bonus tip for you–ask as many questions as you can think of. A reputable roofing contractor should have no problem fielding your questions, as they know that this is a major investment and you have the right to be cautious with your hard earned resources. If your questions are dismissed or you are talked over, this is an immediate red flag and should be clear proof that the contractor is out to make a sale, not to help you beautify and preserve your property. If they can’t or won’t answer your questions, it’s time to move on. 

How Long Do Roofs Last In Ohio?

A new roof is a big investment, and that’s why it’s so important to take your time when choosing a contractor. Just how long does a roof last in Ohio? An asphalt roof’s lifespan will depend on the quality of the materials used along with the skill of the installers, paired with ongoing maintenance. So even if you choose the very best materials, if you work with a subpar contractor, the results will be impacted. What we can say is that under ideal circumstances, an asphalt roof in Ohio could last as long as 30 years. However 15-20 years is a more conservative estimate. Architectural and premium shingle options are said to last longer, due to their design and structure, but it really all comes down to the installation. That’s why, if you want your Ohio home’s roof to last as long as possible, you need to take the time needed to find the right contractor for the job.

Your Cleveland Home Improvement Specialists

A total roof replacement is a serious undertaking that can be your protection from the elements for years to come. You want to ensure that you make the right choice when selecting the roofing contractor for the job. As a vital structural element and a way to protect and preserve your investment, a solidly installed roof is a must. So is working with a roofing contractor you can trust. 

At Fairview Home Improvement, our team of professionals is always ready to talk through every step of the roofing process. We’re a locally-owned and -operated company, with deep roots in the community, and we’re here for you when you need us, with expert advice and hard-won know-how. We have an array of energy efficient roofing options that also bring a high-end look to your home, but more than that, we have the personal interest and customer service that you deserve.

Contact us today to learn more and schedule your next project, and visit our roofing project gallery to see some examples of roofing projects we have completed in Northeast Ohio.