10 Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Contractors should share these 10 important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.

  1. Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.
  2. Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). GAF strictly enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite® Contractors. (Unlike other manufacturer designations, Master Elite®Contractors cannot use this top designation in another territory, only in the location of the storm. Find a Master Elite® Contractor near you.
  3. Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right after a storm looking for work, so it’s important to look them up on the BBB website and make sure they have a good score. Stay away from contractors who do not exist on BBB.org.
  4. Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up—and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself.
  5. Be concerned about safety. A contractor without a training or safety program may not be the best person for your job. GAF sponsors a unique national training organization called the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE), which has trained more than 200,000 professionals. GAF is the only roofing manufacturer with a dedicated team of trainers in the industry.
  6. Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online. Contractors must hold appropriate levels of Workers Compensation, at least $1 million worth of General Liability coverage, and have proper state licensing where they are performing the work.
  7. Pay your deductible. Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.
  8. Handle your own claim. A contractor who says they are “a claim specialist” or can “handle your insurance claim” may be breaking the law. In most states, it is illegal for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor who opens the door to potential legal action is not acting in your best interest.
  9. Don’t give in to pressure. Watch out for a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. Some contractors say they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon, however the homeowner needs to ensure it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor should thoroughly examine the home and check that their insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damages.
  10. Know your material choices. A contractor who does not offer you different shingle options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles you install can affect the resale value of your home. If the insurance company is paying for a new roof, it may be the perfect time to make a change and upgrade to a more unique style that suits your taste. GAF contractors can offer extensive design and color choices for your home. Check out the choices now so you’re ready. Knowledge is power.

Preparing For The Day of Your Roof Replacement

You’ve researched roofing contractors, set a budget, chose the look you want for your new roof and reviewed the scope of work needed to be done. Once your installation date is set, there are just a few more initial steps you might want to consider before your contractor arrives on site.

It’s important to know that your home will become a construction site for several days while the work is being done. Materials and equipment will need to be close to the house so
easy access to your driveway and lawn is necessary. Consider utilizing street parking for the duration of the job. Also note that debris from materials coming off the roof can end up in the yard so children and pets should be kept clear of the area until the final clean up is complete. If you have patio furniture or potted plants close the the home, keep them safe by temporarily storing or moving them out of the way.

The use of hammers, nail guns, and tools will certainly create a good deal of noise; this is part of the process. If you work from home or have young children, consider secondary arrangements while your roof is being installed. The use of power tools can also cause your home to vibration so it’s a good idea to secure picture frames, figurines, etc. Covering items stored in the attic or garage is also recommended so dust doesn’t accumulate.

The scope of every job is different so the completion timeline does vary. Inclement weather and extreme temperatures can become a factor. However worker safety and quality of work are top priorities so try to be patient if weather does hold up the completion of your job.

Finally, think about giving your neighbors a heads up about the work a few days before it’s scheduled to happen. Knock on their door or drop a quick letter in their mailbox; they might really appreciate the advance notice.