How to Find the Best Roof Repair Company for Your Home

How to Find the Best Roof Repair Company for Your Home

Is your home in desperate need of a roof repair? We're telling you how to find the right roof repair company to complete the job. Click here for more.

Keyword(s): Roof Repair Company

Let's face it: as a homeowner, one of the most important (and expensive!) parts of your house is the roof.

A roof not only keeps you dry and warm, but it's a key visual aspect of your house, too. A good roof can also add to your home's resale value.

The kicker? In addition to being a crucial part of your home, a roof is also one of the most expensive to maintain or replace. This means that a good roof repair company is crucial - and plenty of people take the time to do their due diligence. You should definitely be one of them!

Here, we tell you how to start your search for a good roof repair company, and what questions to ask once you've narrowed down the list.

Finding A Roof Repair Company: Starting the Search

Google "roofing contractors in your area", and the search results are probably overwhelming. So, where to start?

Ask neighbors or friends for referrals. If you're new to the area, another option is checking Angie's List. Once you have a few names, run the company against the BBB and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Check out the company's website, too: it should be professional-looking and, hopefully, have some firsthand reviews.

Another option? This may seem obvious, but hop in the car and take a drive to look at roofs! What style of shingles do you like, and what's popular in your area: asphalt? wood? tile?

If you think the workmanship of a roof is particularly outstanding, consider knocking on the door and asking about the contractor. The homeowner will be flattered!

And don't forget to stay local: local roof repair companies will be up-to-date on the city's laws and requirements for pulling permits. In some areas, a permit is only required if you're changing the home's roofline; in other areas, it's required even for moderate repairs to the roof's material.

Lastly, roof repairs often require repair or replacement of gutters, too. If you think this may apply to you, ensure you work with a company who can handle gutters.

You've Narrowed It Down: What To Look For Now

Licensed & Insured

Ensure your roof repair company is fully licensed and insured (workman's compensation and liability.) This includes all employees as well as any subcontractors. Ask to see the insurance certificate so you can validate.

In the event that a roofing contractor is injured on your property, you need to ensure that the roofing company has their own insurance to cover associated costs - otherwise, you can quickly find yourself dishing out the dollars.

Warranties

Any good roof repair company should offer a warranty (though it will vary by shingle type and location.) This shows that not only does the contractor believe in the durability of his own work, but the warranty also protects you in the event that your roof starts leaking prematurely or wasn't properly installed.

Cost & Payment

Get at least three bids for your roof repair or replacement. And remember: roofs are not cheap. If the cost seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, make sure the contractor does not require 100% payment upfront: bad contractors have been known to take the money and run, so the final payment shouldn't be made until after the work is complete. And get everything in writing! Cost, payment terms, etc.

Go With Your Gut!

A good contractor won't leave you feeling pressured to make a quick decision, and they won't charge you for a bid/quote. If you get a bad vibe when you meet a contractor, or if you find that they aren't returning your calls in a timely manner, move on to the next one.

Questions to Ask a Roof Repair Company

Once you've chosen a roof repair company, there are a few questions you'll want to ask to ensure that you don't encounter any hidden surprises:

• When can you make the repairs? Ask this one upfront: it would be disappointing to select a great contractor, only to realize they can't work on your house for three or four months.

• How long will the repairs take? Some smaller homes may take only a day or two, but larger homes can take well over a week. Also, you may choose to stay with friends or family during this time: roofing repairs can be loud, and scary for pets or kids.

• What kind of mess will you make? Remember, the roof repair company may have to tear off your old roof and the protective materials underneath. This means that your yard and driveway may be unsafe and unusable for a period of time. Things like nails and other debris will be present. Ensure you're comfortable with the contractor's clean-up plans.

Don't Forget About Insurance!

Prior to agreeing to any repairs with your chosen roof repair company, it's recommended that you contact your insurance company if you plan on making a claim. The insurance company may request information from the contractor (e.g. insurance certificate or photos.)

Working with your insurance company early can also prevent headaches (and money!) down the road. Imagine if you spent several thousand dollars on a new roof repair, only to learn that your insurance company won't cover the claim because you didn't follow protocol. Most insurance companies have some limitations to roof repair claims, so ensure you understand them before you sign on the dotted line.

Start Your Search Today!

Now that you know the ins and outs of finding a great roof repair company, start asking friends or neighbors for a few recommendations. Do your homework and ensure you're considering only professional, licensed roofers.

Although it's an expensive investment, a good roof can last thirty or more years. This is not the time for you to cut corners or procrastinate. In fact, waiting too long to replace a leaky or damaged roof can cost you thousands more in the long haul.

Here at Luke Roofing, we can promise you quality workmanship at an affordable price. Contact us today for your roofing repair needs!