Choosing a roofing contractor is a huge decision. So, it makes sense you want to make the right choice.
Unfortunately, there are some less-than-trustworthy roofing companies out there. That’s why you need to know how to go about choosing a reputable roofing contractor.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners avoid getting taken advantage of by the roofing industry. Now, I want to do the same for you.
Let’s get to how to choose a professional roofing contractor for your upcoming project.
Do a Google search and read reviews for roofing contractors in your area
The best way to start the process of choosing a roofing contractor is by doing a simple Google search. Just Google “roofing contractors near me” and look at the Google reviews of the top roofing contractors in your area.
It’s great to see what other homeowners say, but you should take reviews at face value. This is because some people write reviews to the extreme, good or bad.
However, reviews do show if a company stands behind its work, interacts positively with customers, and does things the right way. To get recent information, make sure you’re looking at reviews from the last 3 months.
You can also use other online resources when starting to look for a roofing contractor. This includes the Better Business Bureau, “Best of” lists, and other recommendation websites.
But just like reviews, you need to take them with a grain of salt and do more research on any potential roofing company.
Ask your friends or family for roofing contractor recommendations
Using online resources to choose a roofing contractor is great, but nothing beats recommendations from people you trust. That’s why asking your family and friends is a great way to choose a roofing contractor.
Asking friends or family for a recommendation is a great way to get a break down about their experience with a roofing contractor. Whether it was a good or bad experience, this holds weight because it’s coming from those you trust and know personally.
But just like reviews, they could take it to the extreme. The big difference is that you can actually talk through the experience and ask questions.
See if your HOA recommends a specific roofing contractor
After talking to your friends and family, another great way to choose a roofing contractor is by seeing who your HOA recommends. Most Homeowners Associations have recommended companies for roofing, lawn care, pressure washing, HVAC, and other home services.
But it doesn’t stop with the HOA; you should also ask your neighbors who recently had a roofing project done. If you see a roofing company’s sign in a neighbor’s yard, don’t be afraid to go look at that roof and even knock on their door if you’re comfortable.
If you are comfortable asking them, they’ll either be happy to talk about the experience or warn you to choose someone else. But if knocking on the door isn’t in your comfort zone, you can use a reliable online source like Nextdoor.
Nextdoor lets you ask neighbors about the roofing contractor they recommend and why. The great thing is that only homeowners in your neighborhood can respond to questions and recommendations.
However, you need to make sure the people recommending the roofing contractor don’t work for them.
Look for roofing contractors with a strong history in your area
There are multiple things to look for while researching local roofing contractors. One of the most important things is choosing one that has a strong history and is established in your area.
An older company isn’t necessarily better than a newer one, but you can count on a more established roofing contractor being around if there's a future problem. Just know there’s a good chance a newer roofing company’s prices will be a lot cheaper.
While it can be tempting to chase the lower price, the problem is they don’t know how to price jobs correctly to get them through the winter months. Unfortunately, this is when a newer roofing company shuts down.
There are good young roofing companies out there. However, you just want to make sure they'll be around to take care of your roof five years from now if a problem pops up.
Talk to multiple roofing contractors about your project
One of the best ways to choose a roofing contractor is by simply talking to and getting quotes from multiple companies. Doing this allows you to compare prices, learn if the work required is correct, and determine which roofing contractor is the right choice.
This is especially important when determining what your roof actually needs. But if you only talk to a single roofing contractor, you have to take their word on what needs to be done.
Let’s say the first roofing contractor says you need a replacement, but two others say you only need repairs. If this happens, it’s a safe bet that you don’t need a new roof just yet.
Getting multiple quotes is really about helping you find a contractor you can trust. The important thing to keep in mind when getting multiple quotes is not to look for the lowest price.
This is just asking for trouble and puts your roof investment at risk before it even starts.
Ask the right questions when meeting with potential roofing contractors
Now you know what you need to do to choose a roofing contractor. Now you’re ready to start doing research and finding a few local roofing companies.
But choosing the roofing companies is the easy part; making the right decision is the hard part. The best way to make the right decision is by asking the right questions when meeting with potential roofing contractors.
That’s why I made a checklist with the 16 questions every homeowner needs to ask a roofing contractor. With this checklist, you’ll have no problem finding the best fit for you and your budget.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services to thousands of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. We take pride in our work and back it up with a lifetime craftsmanship warranty.
If you’re local to Nashville or a surrounding area, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for any of your roofing needs.
Here’s The Checklist of Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor so you have the power to make the right hiring decision.
