Who Do You Call to Take Care of the Roof Over Your Head in Portland?
Your roof has seen more than its fair share of use. It has sheltered you and your family for years and weathered against storms time and again. But that also means damage can build up over time, even if it is only a few shingles that are missing. That’s why it’s important to have a roofing contractor that can inspect your roof and fix any damage.
So, when the time comes for repairs, how do you know which contractor to pick? And what should you look for to get what you pay for? Read on for some tips to help you find the right roofing contractor in Portland, OR. With a great contractor, taking care of your roof can be less work on your part and be less stressful.
1. Research, Research
As you do before any big decisions, take your time to investigate and find out about potential roofing contractors in Portland, Oregon. How long has your contractor been in business? Look for locally known and dependable companies in your area. Are most of the customers happy with the work they have done? Look for a contractor that specializes in residential roofing projects. After all, you want a professional who is experienced in the service you need.
Most companies will be more than happy to provide references from their customers. In addition to testimonials, read online reviews. Take a look at their website. Are there any pictures posted of recent work they’ve done? A good company will be up front about the jobs they have completed in the past.
Are they an accredited business or have they won awards for their services? Knowing they’ve been recognized for their work can give you confidence in letting them handle your project. You have one roof; you can take the time to find the right contractor for the job.
2. Does the Contractor Have THE RIGHT Insurance?
Insurance is tricky. Many roofing contractors have insurance, but do they have the right insurance? Ask not only for a certificate of insurance but also for endorsements and exclusions. As the roofing industry has some of the highest workman’s comp and general liability rates of any industry … many contractors aren’t insured well. This leaves you, the homeowner, holding the liability for injuries that occur at your home and potentially bigger risks like roof failure or organic growth.
3. Weigh Your Pricing Options
The old adage “you get what you pay for” should come into mind when picking your roofing contractors in Portland, OR. If a company is offering you a quote that seems too good to be true, take a look at what exactly they are offering to work on—and what they’re possibly leaving out. In construction, cheaper usually is not better. Quality contractors may cost slightly more money, but in the end, it’s worth the peace of mind knowing the job is done right the first time.
Luckily, most companies are more than happy to give you a free estimate of what you need done. And it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion from two different companies to compare their rates. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. The quality of the products and accessories is just as important as the installation practices.
4. Ask If They Offer a Warranty
Even experienced contractors can make mistakes. If a mistake is made and it isn’t noticed until it’s too late, homeowner’s insurance may not cover it. Not all roofing contractors offer a warranty or even a limited one, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If they do, see what damages it potentially covers and for how long.
5. Have an Estimate and Agreement Written Out
Before signing any paperwork, make sure to have read over the agreement of the work that needs to be done for your roof. Double-check that the work you need done is listed and the exact amount that will be charged for the completed project. This prevents a contractor from taking advantage of you and can be referenced if you discover a problem much later.
6. Do They Have a License for Contracting Work?
This is a big one. While most roofing contractors will have a valid license, not all do. Some businesses will try to hire the cheapest companies available for work, and these contractors aren’t always the best choice. Doing your research on your potential contractor will help prevent this problem.
You can also see if they are registered with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is a list of reputable and licensed companies that you can trust to do the job at hand. These companies are reviewed and graded based on different criteria, such as the quality of the service they provide.
7. Do They Have Their Own In-House Team of Contractors?
With the aftereffects of the pandemic, many companies have turned to outsourcing to find available workers. However, this doesn’t mean companies hire the best or most reliable contractors. Contracting companies may also outsource to save money and cut out the need to have insurance for employees working on jobsites (i.e., your home). Doing a little research or even just asking your contracting company outright is an easy way to be confident about the crew working on your roof.
8. And Last, But Not Least, Is the Contractor Bonded?
If a contractor is bonded, they will have money available in case a client files charges in court. This is helpful if there is a problem with a contracting job and it needs to be settled. A good contractor will be listed as bonded on their website.
Never Fear, Interstate Roofing Is Here for Portland Residents.
Want a company to start looking into? Interstate Roofing has been serving Oregon residents since 1988. We are a locally owned, family-operated business as well as a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association. Interstate is also licensed and insured for your contracting needs.
Contact Interstate for more information and to schedule a free estimate.