Getting a Quality Roofing Job Done

Step One: Finding a Good Roofer

A successful search means combining the right elements - quality of materials, installation and construction.

There are many ways to start your search, but referrals are obviously the best place to start. You can ask friends and famiily members for the names of roofing contractors they might have used. You might also contact your local Chamber of Commerce for active members, as well as local trade associations and local building suppliiers.

Step Two: Choosing a Good Roofer

After compiling a list of possible roofing contractor candidates, evaluate each one carefully. A good contractor will be happy to answer all your questions.

Set a meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications. A good representative of a roofing company will take pride in showing the ability of his company to do your job right. You'll need to also get some information on the company to help you make your decision
--Business name and address and phone number
--Experience
--Licensing/Bonding
--Insurance Coverage
--Professional References
--Credit References
--Company Philosophy
--Company Guarantee

Step Three: Choosing Roofing Material

The contractor you have selected should have the very latest information on roofing materials. However, you should play an active role in the selection process of your roofing materials. Ask questions about different materials such as brand names, life expectancies, design, available colors, thickness, and warranties. This selection process on materials is as important as the process on selecting the roofer.

Step Four: Drafting a Contract

Most contractors will provide an estimate or proposal before actually drafting a contract. An estimate is more generic and will typically only include a single price, a generically described product, a color and no options. A proposal offers more detail with a choice of products by brand name, prices, services and designs. A proposal will normally offer options-good, better and best-and include product samples and literature.

A contractor who takes the time to prepare a good proposal will most likely do a more thorough job. All items to be accomplished should be written as part of your contract.

Get it in writing. Beware of verbal promises.

When a contract is presented, it should spell out the proposed work, prices and completion date. Read the contract carefully. Misunderstandings are the most common cause of contract disputes. Pay special attention to be certain the following points are covered in the contract.

* Building Permits - What's necessary? Consider local ordinances, costs, posting requirements.
* Start and Completion Dates including plan of action in case of weather delays.
* Products Materials -what will be used, brands, colors, etc.
* Project Inspections - number of inspections, completion timetable
* Site Procedures - work hours, clean-up procedures on and around your home, safety precautions, etc.
* Warranties - including both workmanship and product.
* Terms - detailed as method of payment to include a lien waiver upon final payment.
* Liens - You should be aware that under the laws of most states, a contractor who does work on your home, or a supplier of materials for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property. Make sure all essential elements of your agreement are written down and understood by both parties.
* Also, require the contractor to inform you of who his supplier will be along with any subcontractors which will be used on the job. Either pay them yourself or require that you have a receipt showing they have been paid before paying your contractor.
* Right-to-Rescind - providing the right to cancel the contract without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days).

Step Five: Letting the Roofer Roof.

A little well-planned research up front will undoubtedly save you a lot of time and trouble later on. Once you feel confident that you have the best contractor, the best products, and the best value, simply relax and let your contractor do his job. Do, however monitor the progress of your project to be certain your contractor lives up to his superior reputation.

(Information from inspect-ny.com, Daniel Friedman)