Hiring a bad contractor is never a fun experience. From getting the runaround to having to fix shoddy work, a bad roofing contractor can cost you more than you planned.
In this article, we’ll cover top tips to avoid bad roofing contractors and how to identify the good ones. So let’s dig in…
The Importance of Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Hiring the wrong roofing company for your project can have significant negative repercussions.
Shoddy workmanship can cause structural issues to your home, increased energy bills, and even decreased property values.
With so many roofing companies online how do know who to trust? How can you hire a roofer that will install a quality roof that will keep your home safe for years to come? This guide will help you avoid bad roofing contractors and assist you in hiring only the best in the business.
Red Flags to Spot a Bad Roofing Contractor
Often times there are clear signs that a roofer may not be trustworthy or a good candidate for your project. Identifying the warning signs early in the search process will save you time and money. To do this, gather multiple quotes from local roofing contractors to help you compare apples to apples and make an educated decision. Be wary of roofing companies that have:
Unrealistic Timelines and Lowball Estimates
If a roofing company is promising to have your roofing project done extremely quickly, this is probably a sign that their workmanship is not up to par. Quality work takes time and money. Roofers who rush or set an unrealistic budget for the project are setting themselves and your project up for failure.
Shoddy Workmanship and Lack of Workmanship Warranties
A workmanship warranty ensures the roof conforms to industry standards and is free from defects from improper installation. If a company offers a workmanship warranty, this is a sign that they stand behind the quality of their work. If they don’t, they may be using inferior materials and cutting corners.
No Proof of Insurance or Licensing
Insurance and licensing is in place to protect you as the homeowner; a roofer without these is exposing you to many risks. If an employee is hurt on your property while performing the work, workman’s compensation insurance covers the cost of their care. However, if a bad roofing contractor doesn’t carry this insurance, you could be held responsible for this cost. As a homeowner, you have the right to ask for proof of insurance and licensing. To verify the residential builder license documents are valid, check the licensing status using the Labor Licensing Regulation (LLR) website.
Common Tactics Used by Bad Roofing Contractors
During the hiring process, you can identify contractors looking to make a quick buck by watching for these behaviors:
Pressure to Sign a Contract Immediately
Having a roof replaced or major damages repaired is a decision not to take lightly. Reputable contractors will not rush you in making this decision. If you feel pressure to sign a contract immediately instead of being given the opportunity to get multiple quotes or think through your options, stay away from this contractor.
Overcharging for Overhead Costs
Every type of business has overhead costs to cover. However, if you receive an estimate from a roofing contractor that is significantly higher than others or has unexplained charges included, this is a sign that the roofing contractor is inflating their prices unnecessarily.
Prioritizing a Quick Buck Over Quality
Cutting corners is common among bad contractors. This may include things like using less nails per shingle than required or recycling old materials from previous jobs. A quality job will conform to industry standards and current building code for your area as well as protect your home from years to come.
How to Identify a Good Roofing Contractor
With all of that talk of bad contractors, you may be wondering – how do I spot a good roofing contractor? A good contractor prioritizes customer satisfaction, is licensed and insured, and provides a workmanship warranty.
Check Online Reviews and Positive Testimonials
In today’s digital age, it is easy to find reviews online for local businesses and this absolutely applies to roofers. Look for reviews that include before and after photos, provide honest feedback, and are from verified past customers.
Licensed, Bonded, & Insured
Legitimate roofing companies that want to provide quality work will have these three things, at a minimum. Every roofing contractor should be licensed, bonded, and insured in the state where they are doing the work. Here’s what that actually means for you:
Licensed roofing companies will be registered with the state and able to provide your their license number. State licensing is proof that the company has met the requirements set forth by the licensing board and is able to operate legally in your state.
Bonded roofing companies have a surety bond in place, which is a type of policy that protects you as the homeowner from undue risk. If the roofer fails to perform the job per the contract terms the surety bond company will step in and cover costs up to the bond amount.
Insured roofing companies have taken the steps to purchase insurance policies that protect their business and their employees from financial losses due to accidents or damages that occur during your project. This includes general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. To verify proper insurance you can request a certificate of insurance (COI) and call the insurance company listed on the COI to verify coverage.
Ask About Workmanship Warranties
Reliable contractors protect their reputation, and your investment, with a warranty. The warranty holds the contractor accountable and helps them avoid negative reviews from customers. The warranty also protects your investment by insuring that if you have any issues in the future, they will be taken care of.
The Value of Hiring Local Roofing Contractors
Working with a local roofer familiar with the area’s weather, building codes, and community is a great benefit to you when considering a contractor.
Understanding Local Needs
Local contractors are more knowledgeable when it comes to the specific weather patterns common to your area and how they impact your roof. Because of this, they are able to recommend specific materials and construction techniques that perform best in your region.
Local contractors are also more familiar with the specific building codes of your area and how they impact the construction process. This ensures your project doesn’t get held up in permitting or during the final inspection process.
Support for the Local Economy
When you work with a local company, you are supporting your local community. Local companies create jobs and economic opportunities to support the people living and working in your community.
Local businesses are also more likely to give back to the community through charitable donations and volunteer work. Working with a local company helps contribute to a stronger, more vibrant local community.
Steps to Take Before Signing a Contract
Before you sign a contract and start on your project, take these steps:
Get Multiple Estimates
Reach out to a few different companies for estimates for your project. This will help you compare prices, services, timelines, and warranties. Reach out to friends and colleagues and ask if they have recommendations based on past projects. Here’s a quick list of questions to ask each contractor.
Request a Detailed Roof Estimate
When you are gathering estimates, be sure they outline the materials to be used, the scope of work for the roofer, the timeline, and all associated fees.
Verify Safety Protocols and Team Qualifications
A reputable contractor will take measures to protect the safety of their team and your home. Ask questions like:
- Do your workers wear safety harnesses and other protective gear?
- How long have your crew members been working for your company?
- What is your plan for handling unexpected weather events or emergencies?
- How will you protect my property in case of inclement weather?
What to Do If You’ve Hired a Bad Roofing Contractor
Using this guide will hopefully teach you how to avoid bad roofing contractors. However, if you’ve realized you’ve made a mistake in your company selection, you should be aware of your legal rights and options for fixing the bad work.
Dealing with Shoddy Workmanship
If you are not satisfied with the work quality, reach out to the contractor immediately and express your concerns. Document the issues with photos and videos that clearly show the issues. Be sure to document all communications you have with the contractor in case you have to escalate the issue further.
Know Your Legal Rights
If the contractor is unwilling to fix the issues, you may need to consult an attorney to review your contract and explain your options for escalation. The attorney may recommend taking the bad contractor to small claims court to recover the money you have paid them.
Other Options for Fixing the Roof
If you’ve hired a bad roofing contractor who performed subpar work, your roof will definitely need to be repaired by a professional. Hire a reliable contractor to give you a realistic picture of the work that still needs to be done or replaced.
FAQs: Common Questions About Protecting Yourself from Bad Roofing Contractors
Below are some common questions you may have in regards to hiring a roofing contractor, this advice can help you select the right company for your project.
How can I spot a bad roofing contractor?
A reputable contractor will be licensed and insured to operate legally and protect your property. Be sure to check online to see what other customers have said about the contractor’s work – they should be great at communication, provide realistic estimates, and not pressure you into making a quick decision.
What should a roofing contract include?
- Project Scope: The project scope should include a detailed description of the work to be performed – including the materials, labor estimates, and timeline.
- Payment Schedule: Costs and due dates should be clearly broken down.
- Failure to Pay Penalties: Outline the fees that a homeowner must pay to the roofing company if they fail to make on time payments per the payment schedule.
- Warranty Information: Details on workmanship warranties and applicable manufacturer warranties.
- Project Timeline: A reasonable timeline for completing the project with key milestones highlighted.
- Liability Disclosures: Clarify what the roofing company is, and is not, responsible for in terms of liability regarding specific events or damages
- Dispute Resolution: This clause outlines how disputes will be resolved should issues arise.
Why are workmanship warranties important?
A workmanship warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring that the contractor stands behind their work. It covers issues that may arise due to poor workmanship or material defects. A reputable contractor will offer a comprehensive warranty that is valid for a reasonable time period and protects your investment.
Hire a Reputable Roofing Contractor Today
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Great work! My roof looks fantastic. The owner of Sovereign Roofing made everything easy for me. I highly recommend this company to anyone needing roof repairs or replacement.
Sam is one of the most upstanding humans I’ve ever met. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone, customers and friends included.
