Your roof is the first line of your home’s protection against the unpredictable Texas weather and other outside elements, so it is important to educate yourself on what to look for when searching for a roofing contractor. Choosing a roofing contractor in Amarillo can be intimidating, but we are here to help break down important information for homeowners to consider before deciding on a roofing contractor.
If you are ready to move forward with your roofing project and get it done right the first time, give our experts a call at 806-318-2929 or visit our to schedule your free roofing inspection.
Top 10 Things to Look for When Choosing a Roofing Contractor
#1 Experience & Training
With different types of roofing, you want to ensure your contractor has the proper skill for installation. Before hiring a contractor ask about their experience and training with a certain product since certain products do offer product specific training.
Our team has over 30 years of experience with roofing and construction in the Texas Panhandle to ensure your roof is installed correctly the first time!
#2 Check your contractor’s references
A great way to vet your roofing contractor is to ask for references from previous jobs. This can also include research on the contractor on search engines, social media, or websites like the Better Business Bureau.
If you are able to contact the contractor’s references, do so!
Through this you will be able to learn about the homeowners’ full experience with the contractor from start to finish. The homeowners will be able to tell about the quality of workmanship, the relationship the contractor holds with their clients, and could offer for you to go out and see the work completed for them.
If a contractor refuses to provide references, this can be a red flag about the contractor.
While they can tell you about their projects firsthand, they might stretch the truth to hide problems or lie about their quality of work.
Take time to research your contractor before hiring them for the job!
#3 Warranties
A warranty is a great way to protect you, your roof, and your home. Not only do most shingles come with a product warranty offered by the manufacturer, but here at Wyben Roofing, we personally offer a lifetime warranty on our workmanship. Put your worries to ease and know that Wyben will be here to protect you long after the storm is gone.
#4 Price
Price alone should not be the determining factor for hiring a roofing contractor.
Professional roofers with proper insurance, will need to cover their costs, so a cheap, next day start promise could be too good to be true.
Replacing or repairing your roof is not cheap, so take your time researching roofing companies and don’t let price drive you to make your final decision.
Do not settle for a roofing contractor who will not provide quality work or put your home at risk.
#5 Contracts
Since your roof is your first line of defense against the outside world, it needs to be taken seriously.
A contract with your roofing contractor will be able to lay out all the requirements and expectations of the job. Also, a contract allows the roofing contractor to help explain any warranties that may come along with their roofs.
What should I expect in these contracts?
Not only should the contract include what work is to be included, but it should also include:
· Clear payment schedules
· List of roofing materials expect to be used (color, brand, type of roof)
· Details about removing roofing materials, inspections, and the repair/replacement
· Regulations of warranties for roofing projects
· Duration expected for the project
· Expected cost to complete project
By having a clear set of expectations, homeowners are able to protect themselves against contractors who might not provide quality work.
#6 Payments
With a contract in place, homeowners should be able to view the expected payment time from their contractor. Here at Wyben Roofing, we will not ask for any money up front. Payment is due when the job is complete.
How can I document payments?
· Ask for and keep copies of invoice payments
· Print a copy of bank statements that shows payment
· Retain digital documentations of payments, i.e. PDFs of payments
Cash deals can put homeowners at risk since cash cannot be traceable. Cash allows roofing contractors to take payments without a paper trail, causing homeowners to have difficulties proving any payments were made to the contractor. When it comes to disputes, documentation is needed to prove the transaction of any payment.
#7 Check for insurance
There are many fraud roofing contractors that do not take the liberty of being insured to protect homeowners against any damages that could result from roof installations or repairs.
General liability insurance works to protect your home from damages, while worker’s compensation will provide coverage for workers who may be hurt on the job.
Not all states require roofing contractors to have insurance, but as a member of the Texas Panhandle Roofing Contractors Association, we have a high priority on being able to carry the liability of our workers to put our clients’ minds at ease.
#8 Permits
In most cities and towns, including Amarillo and Canyon, a permit is required and must be pulled by the contractor completing the work. In order for a contractor to obtain a permit, one must also be registered with the city, in which a contractor must provide proof of insurance and must have a current bond through the city for approval.
If your roofing contractor suggests skipping over permits in efforts to save some money on the project or to “speed up the process,” they are willing to place you and your home at risk.
#9 Understand your roof needs
After a free inspection, take time to understand what your roofing contractor is doing to your roof. Are there minor repairs to be made, or are you looking at a more advanced roofing project?
Understanding the roofing job allows homeowners to monitor the work of the contractor and ensure the team is working in the best interest of the client.
This can also include understanding the practices your roofing contractor is using. The contractor should have their own liability insurance; however, the crew is on your property.
Fall arrest protection is required by law for any height above 10 feet above the ground, and employers must provide all employees with OSHA approved equipment to work in such conditions.
#10 Be patient
Finding the right roofing contractor can be difficult but remain patient. Your roof is important, so homeowners should remain patient when researching contractors. Roofing work is an investment on your home, and your roofing contractor should take it as serious.
To help homeowners with choosing a roofing contractor, we offer free estimates to help homeowners understand what they can expect for their roofing job.
Our crew is a member of the Texas Panhandle Roofing Contractors Association and the Texas Panhandle Builders Association. Wyben Roofing is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau, to ensure the quality and safety of our work.
Our experts are ready to help you with all your roofing needs! Give us a call at 806-318-2929 or to schedule your free roofing inspection.
Your time is valuable, and we will respond quickly.