So you’ve decided to have a new roof installed on your home. The biggest challenge you’ll face isn’t deciding what type of material will look best, or even what color tiles you want on your home. The most challenging obstacle you’ll face during the process is selecting which residential roofing contractor is best for your Vancouver home.
After all, your roof is one of the largest, most expensive home improvement projects you’ll ever take on. When done the right way, it can last for decades. You’ll be just as happy with your selection years from now as you are today. But if you trust a contractor who doesn’t provide top quality service, you might be facing problems soon after they drive away.
How do you know who to trust?
Finding residential roofing in Vancouver doesn’t have to be an impossible task. There are easy ways you can weed out the good guys from the bad. When you find a reputable contractor who delivers all that’s promised, you’ll know you got a great deal in the process.
What do you look for to ensure you’re getting what you paid for?
Start with Experience
This isn’t the time to trust a handyman who “knows a little about everything” and promises you he’ll figure it out as he goes. Your roof is as important as your foundation. If your roofing material isn’t installed correctly, you run the risk of putting your home and family in jeopardy. Experience is everything.
How do you determine how much experience your contractor has? Start with their website and learn a little about the company. Then look the contractor
Estimates
Pay attention to how a residential roofing contractor offers estimates. Most reputable companies will provide you with free estimates, but it’s good to ask or check the website before they come out and give a quote. Remember, an estimate is a chance for you to get to know the residential roofing contractor a little better before it works on your Vancouver home.
A roofing bid should include:
- Full details on the project, including who is responsible for what and how payment terms will be handled
- The full cost of the project, including who is responsible for obtaining permits
- The cost of cleanup and removal of old roofing material and construction debris
- Full description on all parts and materials used, including underlayment, flashing, shingles, and ventilation
- Labor and material warranties
- Proof of licensing, bonding, and liability insurance
Manufacturers Designations
A residential roofing contractor doesn’t create roofing materials from scratch. Instead, they install products from residential roofing manufacturers.
It takes a lot of work to be able to carry and install certain roofing products on your home. The contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be certified and able to install the product. GAF, for example, offers a Master Elite Contractor certification to only certain contractors within a geographical location. When you see a contractor has this rating, such as Interstate Roofing does, you can rest assured they have ample experience and knowledge to handle the job.
Of course, every manufacturer has its own list of requirements. If you decide on a particular product, you may wish to do a little investigation yourself. Roofing product websites will provide you with a lot of information about both their product lines and what it takes to be certified to use their products. If you have any questions, a residential roofing contractor should also be happy to explain the process. When in doubt, ask questions. It’s the best way to determine how reputable your potential contractor really is.
Ask About Safety
One of the most difficult home improvement projects is installing a new roof. The contractor you select will be working outside in the elements and will often be two or three stories off the ground. A contractor without proper training or safety procedures in place is an accident waiting to happen.
Roofing manufacturers know this and offer a variety of in-house training programs to ensure the contractors they work with stay well trained and have the best safety skills to keep everyone on the job
If you have a question about anything, ask the contractor before you sign on the dotted line to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible.
Don’t Give in to Pressure
When you’re ready to install residential roofing on your Vancouver home, we know that as ready as you are to make the decision, it still takes time to be assured you’re making the right choice. Don’t let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision. Roofing is something that, if done right, will last for decades. It will set the stage for curb appeal for years to come. Be sure you fully understand the process and are comfortable with your selection before you sign a contract.
A contractor who pressures you into quick decisions often has something to hide. They probably aren’t looking out for your best interests. They are often fly-by-night contractors looking to make a quick buck after a storm. Or they don’t have proper certification and aren’t being totally truthful about the work performance they offer.
Knowledge is power. Be sure you select the right materials for your home and that you’re happy with the color and style of shingle you’ll install on your home, but also that the contractor you choose to do the job will do it well. Not only will it impact the ambiance, but it will impact resale value too. Ask questions and make sure you can live with your decision for many years to come.