As long as people have had homes, they’ve needed to put roofs on them. If you’re a homeowner, especially in an area with harsh weather like Colorado Springs, it’s not a question of if you’ll need your roof replaced but when. Harsh weather conditions such as hail can mean you’ll have to replace your roof more often than someone in a milder climate. Even without extreme weather, living in the same house for a long time makes it likely you’ll need roof repairs or a full replacement at some point.
Believe it or not, the research you do before calling any roofing service is just as important, maybe even more important, than what you do after you call them. This article will provide you with essential information and questions to ask to help you choose the right roofer for your project.
Know the Condition of Your Roof
Before you even think about hiring a roofer, you need to know the current condition of your roof. Does your roof leak? Is it missing shingles? Is it old and falling apart? Has it sustained storm damage from recent or past hailstorms? Answering these questions is crucial.
If you’re not experienced with roofing and don’t want to get on your roof, you’ll likely need a roofing contractor to inspect it. However, it’s best to do some initial research yourself. Your roof is one of the most expensive components of your house and protects everything under it. Think of it this way: if a family member had a health problem, you wouldn’t hire just any doctor. You’d find the best one with the right expertise who listens to your needs. The same care should be taken when selecting a roofer.
Do Your Research
Start by researching roofing services in your area. This is important because your roof protects your entire home. Treat this process like hiring an employee. Talk to two or more roofers, not just one. This is the interview process, and you shouldn’t skip it or just choose the first roofer that shows up at your door.
At this stage, don’t worry about getting and comparing estimates. Instead, focus on finding a roofer with good material and installation practices. A well-installed roof with quality materials should last 20 to 30 years.
Talk to Your Insurance Company
If your roofing project is part of an insurance claim, the first thing you need to do is talk with your insurance company. Find out what your deductible is to avoid any surprises. Many homeowners have been unpleasantly surprised by high deductibles they didn’t expect.
Next, determine your coverage type. Is it Replacement Cost Value (RCV) or Actual Cash Value (ACV)? RCV means your insurance company will pay the full cost of your roof replacement minus your deductible. ACV means they will only pay what your property is worth at the time of the loss. Knowing this difference is crucial for your financial planning.
Also, check for any exclusions in your policy. Some items, like gutters or flashing, might not be covered and would have to be paid for out of pocket.
Finding Roofers to Interview
Now that you understand your insurance and the condition of your roof, it’s time to find roofers to interview. Here’s how:
1. Ask People You Trust
Ask friends, family, and neighbors if they’ve used a roofer and if they would recommend them. Personal recommendations are invaluable. Then, check online reviews for those roofers. See what other people have to say about their experiences. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews, as this can indicate their level of professionalism and customer service.
2. Ask Your Insurance Agent
Insurance agents often have lists of roofers they recommend. Since their reputation with clients is at stake, they are likely to refer good, reliable roofers. However, be aware that some roofers offer kickbacks to agents for referrals, so your agent’s opinion might not be entirely unbiased. Also, insurance companies often require agents to refer multiple contractors, so you’ll still need to do your research.
3. Ask a Realtor
Realtors frequently need reliable service industry tradespeople and often have a list of trusted roofers. Since a realtor’s reputation is also on the line, they’re likely to recommend only those they truly trust. Realtors don’t have the same constraints as insurance agents, so they might give you just one name, but you’ll still need to verify their reliability.
4. Use Google, But Beware
Google can help you find roofers in your city, but don’t depend solely on the paid ads. Paid ads don’t guarantee quality. Instead, look for actual roofers’ websites and read their reviews. Be cautious with directory listing sites like Yelp or HomeAdvisor, which might not provide the most reliable information.
After gathering recommendations, narrow your list down to two or three contractors. Read through their Google reviews and see how they handle complaints. Don’t dismiss a roofer because of a few negative reviews; instead, look at how they resolved the issues. A professional response can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Time for Interviews
With a shortlist of roofers, it’s time to start the interview process. Treat this like a job interview. You’re hiring someone to work on one of the most important parts of your home.
If you want a PDF of the criteria and a list of questions to ask the roofers, many roofing services offer resources for potential clients. For example, you might get a free guide by leaving a comment on their website or contacting them directly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roofer is a crucial decision for any homeowner. Start by understanding the condition of your roof and your insurance details. Do thorough research and get recommendations from people you trust. Interview multiple roofers to find the best fit for your needs. By following these steps, you can ensure that your roofing project is in good hands and that your home remains protected for years to come.
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