Are You a Homeowner Who Desperately Needs a New Roof This Year?

If you are looking for a new roof this year, you aren’t alone. While many people spend a lot of time and money updating their interiors, savvy homeowners focus on their homes’ exteriors. We are looking into a new roof ourselves. It’s not an easy process!

When it comes to our family, we will do anything and everything we can to protect the ones we love. Keeping a safe roof over everyone’s head is key. If you find out that your roof is leaking and needs repair, it can be devastating. When you need a new roof, you can definitely Google roofing contractors, but how do you know if they are good, trustworthy, or affordable? Finding a trustworthy and reliable roofing company can be more difficult than you think. Here are some tips for finding the right contractor to install a new roof.

And while you’re at it, check out these tips to increase curb appeal, too.

5 Tips for Getting Your New Roof Done Well

1. Look for a locally owned company.

To ensure you find the right person for the job, look for a local, owner-operated company. Don’t be fooled by the many national roofing companies pretending to be local, especially when it comes to residential metal roofing. These large companies are not owner-operated and often hire subcontractors to do their work.

Often, subcontractors are paid based on the number of square feet of roofing they install, rather than being paid by the hour. It is in their best interest to get the job done as fast as possible. This may mean quality is a secondary concern. 

2. Opt for smaller companies.

When it comes to owner-operated companies, a smaller company may be your best bet. The owner of a company is usually the best employee and cares the most about how the job is run from start to finish. You may also get more personal service. Personally, I love supporting local, small businesses when I can.

3. Make sure the company can give you the new roof you want.

Look for roofing contractors who specialize in the roofing material you are interested in installing. Also, make sure they are approved by the manufacturer to install that particular product. Avoid companies that say that they can ‘do it all’ because you want them to be specific about the jobs they can produce. You don’t want the ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ type of company.

4. Ask to see past completed work.

When researching, check the roofing contractor’s website for before-and-after photos. Look for large pictures and details of any recent jobs they have completed. If there are any pictures that also explain the projects, make sure they show that the projects have been completed by this particular contractor. There have been contractors who use stock photos or steal ones from another contractor to pretend like it’s their own work. Look for watermarks on the photos too to ensure it is their own work.

Another idea is to ask for videos of their work as well. Finding videos is a great way for a contractor to showcase their work and educate you on roofing techniques you may want to use.

5. Ask for references.

Finding a roofing contractor is basically like conducting an interview. You wouldn’t hire the first person to show up, nor would you take their word for it that they’re telling the truth. Try to find 3-5 companies you feel comfortable working with and request as many references for jobs in the area as they can provide. Ask them for both recently completed jobs and one that is a few years old.

Look up their references and talk with these past customers about their level of satisfaction with the contractor and whether the job was done on time and professionally. If you are able to, take a drive out to any of the homes to look at their work. You will be investing a lot of money in your new roof. It’s worth taking the time to conduct thorough reference checks on the company you hire. 

What are your tips for putting on a new roof this year?

What are your tips for finding a great roofing company in your local area? Are there any tricks you or your neighbors have done that I haven’t mentioned? I’d love to learn more about your stories in the comments below. If you’re in the market for a new roof, do as much research as you can, feel comfortable about your choice and keep a positive mind when hiring them to give you the roof you and your family deserve.