Roofing
How to select the best roofer
Keeping the roof of your home in the best shape possible is imperative. Proper roofing installation and maintenance are vital for climate control, as well as keeping water out of your dwelling. Today we are going to take you through the steps you should consider when looking to hire a roofing specialist.
- Look for someone with experience
- Choose a detail oriented tradesman
- Request a written job quote
- Ask about their safety knowledge
- Additional equipment expenses
- Inquire about professional affiliations
Specific roofing experience
There are various types of roofs and they all require their own skillset to install and repair. Roofing can be made from composite shingles, metal, slate and rubber. Some roofs are flat, meanwhile, some are steeply pitched. When you are selecting a roofer to complete your roofing work, you will want to make sure that they have specific experience dealing with the type of roof you have.
It can be very wise to research reviews of potential tradesmen online, as well as asking for references. A good roofer will be more than glad to showcase roofs they have done so that you are able to see the quality of their work in person.
Detail oriented work
When a roofer comes to examine your roofing job, they should get up on the roof and carefully inspect all areas. Photographing the roof is also a good idea. That way, when they are back on the ground, they will be able to explain to you in detail all of the facets of the job. Photographs are also valuable because they prevent dishonest quoting since most homeowners will not be joining the roofer up on the roof. The pictures will allow you to see the problems safely on the ground.
Written estimates that are job specific
When you are interviewing tradesmen for your roofing job, you should ask them to provide quotes for identical services. These estimates should include labor, materials, waste and disposal charges, taxes and VAT, parking fees, jobsite security and facilities and any additional tools or specialty equipment.
An estimate should also be in writing and explain how you are going to be billed for work. Will it be hourly, a flat fee, installments or paying for just materials upfront. Be very leery of any roofer who is requiring full payment before they begin any work.
Lastly, your written quote should include a step by step description of the job process that is going to be completed. Be sure to ask each tradesman to complete a like for like quote to ensure that you can accurately compare your estimates and make a wise decision.
Safety first
Tradesmen are to adhere to work at height guidelines. These vary based on the type of job. Some jobs require the use of scaffolding or a cherry picker as opposed to a ladder. The roofer that you select should be willing to explain their knowledge of safety and discuss with you exactly what precautions they will be taking to protect themselves from injury while on the job.
Any qualified roofer should also be insured and bonded. This protects you as a home or business owner should an injury occur on your property. You should not work with any roofer who cannot provide proof of such coverage, as the liability could then fall on you if something was to go amiss.
Additional equipment costs
On certain jobs, a roofer may need to rent specialty equipment that they do not own or have regular access to, such as scaffolding. Some of these rentals can be quite costly. A reputable tradesman will be upfront about such additional costs that a job may incur so that you can make an informed choice whether or not to hire them.
Professional accreditation
Any roofer that you consider for hire should be a member of CompetentRoofer. This scheme is approved by the government and allows roofing contractors to certify that they are completing all of their roofing work to the standards set forth in building codes and regulations.
If your roofer is not a member of CompetentRoofer, you may need a local surveyor to sign off on the job at its completion.
We sincerely hope that these helpful suggestions guide you in your search for a highly qualified roofing professional.