Local Roofing Contractors: How to Choose the Best for Your Home or Business

Of all the major components of your home, your roof is arguably the most important. It is the divider between you and the elements.

A roof in disrepair can create a lot of problems in your home, particularly in Florida. Water leaks can lead to major structural damages, mold growth, pest infestations, and more. Obviously, keeping your roof in tip-top shape is essential.

However, if you need roof repair services, how do you choose the right contractor for the job? Is there a way to find the best local roofing contractors?

We’re here to answer all of your questions. Keep reading for everything you need to know about hiring residential roofing contractors.

Ask the Locals for Recommendations

Start your search by asking those who have the most valuable insight – other homeowners in your community. They have insider knowledge about the best local roofing contractors because they have experience working with them. Talk to neighbors, friends, and family members to see if they recommend a specific roofing company.

If not, log onto Facebook and join a community page for your town or city. Here, people buy, sell, trade, and share information with others. Use this platform to ask your community for recommendations.

Find Customer Reviews and Testimonials

To further narrow down your options, start doing a little research into the local residential roofing contractors. Find out what their previous customers have to say about their services.

Was the roofing contractor polite and respectful? Did the roofing company deliver what they promised? Were there any hidden fees or expenses not covered in the contract?

Customer testimonials are the best way to gauge a roofing contractor’s work ethic and credibility. You should be able to find customer reviews on their website. Alternatively, use Google to search for “roofing contractors near me” and “reviews.”

Look at Before and After Pictures

Hearing positive reviews from previous customers is great. However, you may want to see the local roofing contractors’ work for yourself. Browse their websites to see if you can find pictures from their previous projects.

They should publish a photo gallery so you can see the quality and precision of their work. If you can’t find any pictures on their website, ask the contractor if they can provide any. They may keep a binder full of before-and-after pictures.

Ask About Roofing Experience and Availability

Finding the right roofing company for your home may come down to experience and know-how. If you have a unique roof or materials, not all roofing contractors may be able to make repairs or complete a total roof replacement. Find out if they have experience working on your type of roof.

You may also want to ask about availability. For example, during certain times of year (like hail season), residential roofing contractors get backed up because so many homes sustain damage. Find out if they have time in the near future to fit your home into their schedule.

Waiting for several months for your roof repair could end up causing more damage, especially if you’re still in the middle of a wet season.

Ask About Material Warranties and Workmanship Guarantees

Before signing with local roofing contractors, ask about the materials they use. Quality roofing materials from credible manufactures typically come with warranties. These can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, sometimes longer.

However, the contract should cover more than just the materials, it should also cover the workmanship of the contractors you hire. If theirs anything wrong with the repairs or roof replacement, the contractors should fix the problem without charging you more money. Their top priority should be customer satisfaction, and that should be reflected in their guarantee.

Ask About Their Licensing and Insurance

One of the most important tips for hiring roof repair services is ensuring your hire a licensed roofing contractor. They need to have a current business license as well as a contractor’s license to operate legally.

You should also ask them about their business insurance. If a local roofing contractor is working on your home or business, they must carry liability insurance.

This type of insurance will cover the costs of any damages to your home by the contractor. For example, if a contractor, is walking up a ladder and accidentally knocks out one of your windows on the way up, their liability insurance will cover the repair costs.

Construction companies should also carry workman’s compensation insurance. This insurance covers an employee if they’re injured on the job. It will pay for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Get a Free Inspection and Quote

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a handful of local roofing contractors, contact each of them to schedule a free inspection. If they don’t offer a free inspection, cross them off your list.

Get an estimate on the repairs you need on your roof from the top contenders on your list. Then, compare and contrast pricing.

However, remember that a low cost isn’t the ultimate goal. It’s attractive, yes, but you must also look at the other items in this article to make an informed decision. A cheap roofing contractor might have negative customer reviews, use low-quality materials, or lack insurance and licensing.

Make Sure Everything is Covered in the Contract

Finally, the best local roofing contractors will provide all the details of their services in writing. This includes the price they’re quoting you, what materials they’re using, what they’re doing and more.

It should also contain the specifics of the material warranties as well as their workmanship guarantee. It’s important to have all of this in writing. Too many homeowners don’t read the contract closely enough and end up with extra charges and fees.

Looking for Local Roofing Contractors?

If you’re looking for the best local roofing contractors in Orlando Florida and surrounding areas, you’re in the right place. We love our community and take pride in providing our customers with quality roofing inspections, repairs, and replacements. Contact us today to get a free roof inspection.

We look forward to working with you to perfect your home.