One of the hardest parts of having a roof replaced or repaired is choosing the right roofing contractor for the job. If a repair is in order, you’re going to need to make this decision quickly, especially if the roof was damaged by a storm and there’s a potential for lingering water damage. The time crunch doesn’t mean you should rush into a decision, however. There are many important factors to consider when selecting a contractor, including trustworthiness, honesty, and professionalism. Read on for some tips on selecting a good roofing contractor for your roof replacement or repair!

1. Insurance

It’s incredibly important to make sure that your roofing contractor has both worker’s compensation and liability insurance. It’s good practice to ask to see the certificates, and it’s not a bad idea to actually call the insurance carrier to confirm the validity of credentials. Not having adequate insurance has the potential to lead to litigation between the contractor and homeowner if a roofer sustains an injury while on the job. Most states require contractors to be licensed, but this doesn’t stop unlicensed operators from attempting to perform this sort of work. Additionally, it’s important that you pay your insurance deductible. This is the responsibility of the insuranced, and the contractor would be committing insurance fraud by handling the repair without the deductible being paid. It’s also important to handle your own claim. Any contractor who says they are a claim specialist or that they can “handle” your insurance claim may actually be breaking the law, as it’s illegal for a contractor to act on behalf of the homeowner with regards to a claim.

2. Choose Local

Make sure that the roofing contractor you’re hiring has a strong local presence. There’s less of a risk of potential issues or scams if you’re choosing a contractor with ties to your community. They will also be more familiar with local rules and regulations, and they should have a good relationship with area crews and suppliers. You’ll want to make sure that the company isn’t just operating locally now, but that they have an established reputation in the community. This way, if there are any problems during your warranty period, you won’t have to worry about the company having closed up or vanished.

3. Cost Isn’t All

Never go with the lowest bidder. When it comes to your roof, you get what you pay for. You could absolutely get a cheap quote from someone who performs roofing work on the side, or someone who works out of their van or pickup truck, but in the long run you risk having more problems crop up later. Many homeowners who go with the cheap option find that they have to expend additional time and money down the line in order to fix problems that would have been covered under a workmanship guarantee from a reputable, established roofing company.

4. Get it in Writing

This is your home; the contractor works for you. You want to be sure that you’re going to get exactly what you want in exchange for the amount you agreed upon. In order to avoid any potential conflicts cropping up between you and the roofing contractor down the line, make sure you’re getting everything in writing. Make sure that terms of payment are discussed prior to the job, and that the terms are adhered to by both parties. Do not exchange funds until the work is complete.

5. Communication

As with most things in life, communication is key. You want to work with a Maryland contractor who is going to express clearly what they can provide and what they will need from you. You want to work with a contractor who will return your calls, who can provide you with insurance documentation in a timely manner, and who can follow through on their promises.

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a roofing contractor. When you’re ready to make a decision, give DC Generals a call today!