How to Choose a Reputable Roofing Contractor

Repairing or replacing a roof is generally the last thing on any homeowner’s mind until it’s usually too late. But a busy schedule or time crunch doesn’t mean you should simply enlist the roofing services of the first contractor company that pops up on a Google search.

Trusting a roofing contractor to take on the expansive (and expensive) task of upgrading your property’s roof requires a substantial amount of research and foresight on your behalf.

While you may not necessarily know all the ins and outs of what makes for superior residential roofing services, there are still a variety of factors to consider when assessing whether or not a business is as reputable as its website or advertising makes them out to be.

Here are a few general tips to keep in mind when choosing a reputable roofing contractor to take on your next big roofing project.

Review Their Qualifications

Most businesses with a van, ladder, and relatively decent logo can pass for being an adequate roofing contractor. However, there are certain qualifications and requirements every roofing business should possess and abide by that can help you better trust the roofing services they’re trying to sell you.

Some routine qualifications you should keep an eye out for when reviewing local roofing contractors near you:

Experience

How long have they been an operating enterprise for? Opting for a company that boasts ten or even 20 years of experience is typically a good indication of their ability to provide top-quality contracting solutions.

Licensed

A qualified roofing contractor must possess a business license and should be able to provide a copy for you upon request.

Insured

A reputable roofing contractor should be fully insured and completely backed by liability insurance in case something goes wrong during the restoration process.
 

References

Residential or commercial references, testimonials, online reviews; the more a roofing contractor can produce of all of these reference forms, the better off you can ensure they’re the right company for the job.

Assess Their Services

Even if you don’t know exactly what’s wrong with your roof, it’s imperative that your roofing contractor not only knows, but has the necessary knowledge, resources, and equipment to provide specific roof repair services.

A reputable roofing contractor should precisely lay out what exact roofing services they can perform, such as roofing inspections, fixing leaks or water damage, improvising insulation or ventilation, replacing shingles, debris removal, etc.

It’s important to understand that not all roofing businesses specialize in the same services as other ones, so if you’re looking for someone who concentrates on ice dam removal and there’s no mention of such services on their website, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

Request an Estimate

You should be weary of any roofing company that doesn’t provide a complimentary quote or estimate of their services. Getting an initial idea of how much your roof repair project will cost is something that should be addressed and agreed upon before any actual roofing work is performed.

Any roofing contractor who declines to provide you with an initial quote or estimate should fall significantly on your list of potential contractors to work with.

Where Are They Located?

While this may not be a top priority for some, another recommendation is to choose a contractor in your area. Only utilize companies that have a physical address and local phone number because this ensures that you can reach them if there's ever a problem with the roof.

And while some out-of-state companies will undercut local prices, they may not be as concerned about local codes or proper installation. A local and reputable company depends on high-quality finishes because they know word of mouth, and referrals are an excellent source for future and current clients.

Going Above & Beyond

Lastly, what truly makes for a great roofing contractor is a company that’s willing to go above and beyond to provide you with ultimate customer service.

Free quotes, insurance assistance, storm damage repair services, restoration references, and professional on-site management; it’s not too often you find a roofing contractor that offers all, if any, of these beneficial resources. So when you do, be sure to take advantage of all the helpful services they can provide!

Questions to Ask the Contractor

You not only need accurate estimates, but you need to ensure the contractor will follow local laws and regulations. Asking these questions can help you get a better understanding of how they manage their projects:

• What warranties come with your work?

• How will you perform roofing maintenance or repair?

• What steps will you take to avoid damaging my home during the installation?

• How do you keep your workers safe while on my property?

• What do the manufacturer's warranties cover?

• Who is the contact person for updates or questions?

• What is your process for post-work cleanup?

• Are you bonded?

Trust Timberline Roofing & Contracting in Southern Minnesota

At Timberline Roofing & Contracting, we strive to separate ourselves from other Austin/Albert Lea roofing contractors by doing whatever we can to proficiently accommodate you and your roofing needs.

When you need immediate and efficient residential roofing services, contact Timberline today to get a quote on your next roofing project, or call us at 515-461-6060 to speak directly with one of our roofing professionals.