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How to Choose a Contractor - 5 Easy Steps to Getting Good Roofing Work
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• How to find & choose a roofing contractor for new or replacement roofing
• How to choose a roofing material or shingle
• How to negotiate the roofing contract
• How to get a good roofing job

When you need to repair your roof or replace roof coverings on a building, this article gives advice to assist in choosing a roofing contractor - by Jessie Srader, [edits and additions by DJF]. Whatever your roofing repair or replacement needs, you need a qualified professional roofing contractor you can trust. This means finding a roofing contractor who knows good roofing practices, roof flashing details, how to handle problem spots on building roofs, and alternative roof covering products: shingle types, grades, colors, low slope roofing, flat roofing materials, etc. A competent roofer will provide you with sound advice on products, reasonable explanation of procedures, and, most important-solid results - no leaks, and a durable roof. It's difficult to determine the capabilities and reliability of a contractor. That's why this article was written as a simple, step-by-step guide designed to help you find the contractor who's right for you. Readers should also see How to Get the Best Roofing Job for a simple basic outline of the key ingredients to a good roofing job and a long lasting roof. Also see Our main roofing information website. © Copyright 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use the links at page left to navigate this document or to go to Other Website Topics. Green links at left show where you are in our document & website.

STEP 1: FINDING A ROOFER - Beginning a search for a roofing contractor

Any Home Improvement is a complex combination of elements, the success of which depends on the quality of materials, installation and over-all construction.

There are many ways to start your search for the contractor who meets your individual needs. Referrals are obviously the best source for names of credible companies. Ask friends and family members who they have used in the past.

Contact your local Chamber of Commerce about contractors who are active in the community. The Better Business Bureau, state and local licensing authorities, local trade associations and your local yellow page directory are also excellent sources of information. As well as local suppliers of building products.

STEP 2: CHOOSING A ROOFER - Meeting and evaluating Potential Roofing Contractors

After you have compiled a list of possible contractors, take time to evaluate each one carefully. A professional contractor will be happy to provide any information you may require.

Many homeowners have been mystified by the seeming lack of interest and response from the contractors they call. To get a contractor to respond to your call, tell him you are shopping around, but are only interviewing three contractors, not ten.

A contractor is shopping for good jobs that will make a fair profit and bring future referrals . Many contractors have had experiences with unreasonable or dishonest homeowners. Therefore, they look for warning signs of customer problems during the initial job interview.

Set up a meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications, and be sure to pay close attention to the attitude of the company representative. Good contractors take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of helping you with your problems. If you feel confident that the contractor is truly interested in your project, ask for the company's vital statistics-specific business information which will help you make your final decision.

• Business Name and Address: A good, professional contractor will provide the telephone number. These are essential when checking on the company's previous business dealings.
• Experience: The training and experience of a contractor, as well as the age of his or her company, will help you determine their ability to successfully complete your project.
• Licensing/Bonding: Some states require special licensing for contractors.
• Ask for business license numbers and information on the company which bonds the contractor. Then check with local authorities to see that the company compiles with regulations.
• Insurance Coverage: A contractor should carry worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Request the name and address of the insurance carrier, along with a copy of the company's insurance certificate. Beware of low bids which are a result of incomplete insurance coverage and workman's compensation.
• Professional References: Your contractor's past can help determine your future.
• Ask for credit references, banking information and a list of completed projects including the names and telephone numbers of previous clients.
• Company Philosophy: Discuss application techniques and workmanship guarantees.
• Does the contractor stand behind his work ?

STEP 3: CHOOSING ROOF MATERIAL - Utilizing the Roofing Contractor's Product Knowledge

Your contractor should have up-to-date knowledge on quality products for your project. He or she is the best source of information, but you should play an active role in the product selection process. Ask questions about different materials such as brand names, life span, thickness, design, available colors and warranties. Selecting the best products is as important to your job as selecting the right contractor.

STEP 4: NEGOTIATE ROOFING CONTRACT - Understanding and Negotiating the Roofing Contract

Prior to drafting a contract, most contractors will provide you with either an estimate or a proposal. An estimate typically provides a single price, a generically described product, a color and no options. A proposal offers more detail with a choice of products by brand name, prices, services and designs. A proposal will normally offer options-good, better and best-and include product samples and literature.

A contractor who takes the time to prepare a good proposal will most likely do a more thorough job. All items to be accomplished should be written as part of your contract.

Get it in writing. Beware of verbal promises.

When a contract is presented, it should spell out the proposed work, prices and completion date. Read the contract carefully. Misunderstandings are the most common cause of contract disputes. Pay special attention to be certain the following points are covered in the contract.

• Building Permits - What's necessary? Consider local ordinances, costs, posting requirements.
• Start and Completion Dates including plan of action in case of weather delays.
• Products Materials -what will be used, brands, colors, etc.
• Project Inspections � number of inspections, completion timetable
• Site Procedures � work hours, clean-up procedures on the around your home, safety precautions, etc.
• Warranties � including both workmanship and product.
• Terms � detailed as method of payment to include a lien waiver upon final payment.
• Liens - You should be aware that under the laws of most states, a contractor who does work on your home, or a supplier of materials for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property. Make sure all essential elements of your agreement are written down and understood by both parties.
• Also, require the contractor to inform you of who his supplier will be along with any subcontractors which will be used on the job. Either pay them yourself or require that you have a receipt showing they have been paid before paying your contractor.
• Right-to-Rescind � providing the right to cancel the contract without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days).

STEP 5: LETTING THE ROOFER ROOF - Let the Roofing Contractor Do His/Her Work: Sit Back and Relax

A little well-planned research up front will undoubtedly save you a lot of time and trouble later on. Once you feel confident that you have the best contractor, the best products, the best value simply relax and let your contractor do his job. Do, however monitor the progress of your project to be certain your contractor lives up to his superior reputation.

Hopefully the information in this brochure will simplify the task of choosing a professional contractor.

If you are considering a roofing project and you live in the Houston, Texas area For a free estimate call A & M Roofing. Ask for Jessie Srader and Tell me you heard about it on the Net for a coupon for 24' of ridge vent for free with the purchase of a new roof.

Please feel to distribute printed copies of this pamphlet. All that I ask is that you do not charge anyone for the information, that all information contained in this pamphlet not be altered in any form, and that credit to the source website www.inspect-ny.com/roof/roofcont.htm be provided. This information may not be reproduced electronically such as being copied to other websites.

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