Finding the best roofing contractor takes an investment of time on your part. You need to ask questions, not only of them, but also of anyone you know who is recommending them. Once you have answers, you want to verify that they have the credentials you are looking for. Of course, the best one for you isn’t always the best one for someone else, so make sure you feel connected to the people you meet from the company.
Top Three Questions to Ask Before Setting an Appointment
Admittedly sometimes you can find the answers to the questions you are asking online, however, it doesn’t hurt to ask. These top three questions are:
- Are you locally owned and operated? Many national companies have local offices, but that doesn’t mean they’re invested in being here for the long term.
- Is the company fully insured with both workman’s compensation and liability insurance? Never work with an uninsured contractor, no matter what they do.
- Are you a state licensed business? Although North Carolina doesn’t require a roofing license, they do require a business license. Many new roofers use another company’s business license until they are established. Do not work with a company who does not have their own license.
Of course, if you’re looking for a particular style, material or brand of roofing, you should ask the company if they carry and install that brand or material.
Be Present During the Inspection and Estimate Process
Meeting with the company you plan to spend thousands of dollars with helps you get a feel for them. It also allows you to look them in the eye when they answer your questions. Any company who says they use a satellite image to provide roof replacement quotes is not the best roofing contractor for anyone. During the appointment make a mental note of how and when they arrived. Were they on time? Driving a company vehicle? Dressed professionally?
Review the Written Estimate
Although some roofing companies will verbally give you a price, wait for the written quote before deciding. Not all roofers include a tear-off standard. Others will always do a tear-off but charge you after the fact for the haul away of the old roofing materials. Other differences in quotes can be upgrading your roof to include ridge vents rather than box vents. Different shingle styles and brands often have different manufacturer warranties which can impact the price. Finally, make sure that the companies you’re considering are proposing similar materials and services.
Other Considerations
Online reviews are a good thing to look at. You may also want to look at the manufacturers whose products they install and see if they are manufacturer certified or endorsed. When it comes to contractors, checking their Better Business Bureau rating and status is also a good idea. Finally, look at their website, does everything you learned in your appointment line up with what you’re seeing?
Call Cooley Roofing
We provide our customers with a written quote that includes everything from tear-off to disposal, installation and clean-up of your property. We stand behind our work with our workmanship guarantee. And, as both a GAF MasterElite® and CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator™ manufacturers know we install their products correctly so it looks great and lasts as it should. We are insured, a state licensed businesses and A+ rated by the BBB. Plus we’re locally and family owned and operated. Call Cooley Roofing at (336) 766-6488 or fill out our contact form for your free quote. We also offer financing.
