Homeowners wanting to hire roofing contractors in Buckingham, PA, can feel confident in the contractor they hire when they follow a few helpful tips. Having roofing or siding replaced is an investment in your home’s value, and you need to know before signing a contract that the job will be handled by professionals who know what to do from start to finish.
Things to Do
There are a few things you can do to get the process of selecting a contractor started. While some may seem obvious or not seem relevant, keep in mind that the more information you have, the more informed decisions you can make.
When considering contractors for a project, this list of things to do provides a wealth of valuable information.
- Check Referrals/References – This goes without saying. A reputable contractor will have a portfolio of their completed work and contact information to validate a referral.
- Checking Local Projects – If the contractor has completed local projects, ask for the address and do a drive-by to see the completed project.
- BBB – Better Business Bureau is a “must do” to find any information about the contractor, good or bad.
- Contractor’s License – Acquire the contractor’s license, and check with the state agency to ensure that the contractor’s license is current and in good standing and that the license is for the type of work you are requesting.
- Insurance – Also validate that the contractor is also insured along with being properly licensed.
- Estimates – Get multiple estimates from local roofing contractors. You don’t want over-the-phone estimates; you want an actual representative of the company to base the estimate on a visual visit to your home. You want accuracy, not guesswork. Remember that the most or least expensive estimate does not necessarily mean you are paying for the best or less than the best in quality work.
- Reviews – Do a web search for the contractor/company name to check for customer reviews.
- Contract – Before signing the contract, check that all the information you discussed (estimates, time frame, etc.) is correct and that the contract is signed and has a complete date (month, day, and year).
Questions to Ask
Like the things-to-do list, asking questions will provide the information needed to ensure the contractor you are considering has all the qualifications you can count on to do a reliable and trustworthy job.
- Years in Business – How many years has the contractor been in business? A new company most likely won’t have any or many referrals and references you can validate.
- Permits – Permits are a requirement for these types of projects. Will the contractor get the permit before the project begins, or will you be responsible for getting it?
- Written Contract – Does the contractor provide a written contract signed and dated by the person in charge?
- Project Start and End Date – Does the contractor provide a written start and end date for the project? If so, how are unexpected events handled, such as a storm, in terms of completing your project?
- Total Project Cost— Does the contractor include “all” applicable costs (materials, labor, clean-up) in the final total?
- Project Clean Up – Does the contractor clean up the debris and materials left by the project?
- Warranty – Do you warranty your work? What does the warranty cover? How long is the warranty in effect?
Contact a Professional
For help with a roofing and siding project, contact our expert team at our roofing company in Souderton. At RAM Exteriors, we can answer your questions and provide the information you need to make a confident decision. Call us, and let us be your guide to a successful project.