How Hard is it to Find a Roofing Contractor? (Tips, Tricks, and More)
HGTV makes home improvement projects look easy. The reality is that there are a lot of decisions that go into home upgrades, which can cause stress.
You want to find a roofing contractor that you can trust to meet your standards and keep your home safe. But that may seem difficult when there are so many contractors out there.
Rescue My Roof has served Southeastern Wisconsin and provided high-quality roofs to thousands of homeowners for over a decade. We recognize the struggles homeowners faced before they came to us, and we’re here to break down some of those worries so that you are educated and ready to make a decision.
Here’s how we’ll do it: first, we will address the worries homeowners may face while finding a contractor. Second, we’ll give you some of the best tips and tricks we know to make the process easier.
In the end, you will have peace of mind knowing that the perfect contractor is out there for you – and you’ll know how to find them.
Struggles Homeowners Face When Picking a Contractor
Finding the right contractor for you isn’t always easy. Here are some of the struggles homeowners have to overcome to find a roofing contractor:
1. The Ability to Trust
Replacing your roof is a significant financial commitment. When you’re spending a lot of money, you want to make sure you not only get the best deal but the best quality, too.
When you pick a contractor, there will always be fear of putting trust into a company you’ve never worked with before.
This stems from the fear of the unknown. If the contractor is unfamiliar to you, you don’t know whether or not they can meet your standards, which can be challenging.
There are ways you can overcome this fear, but the primary one is communication. Make sure you are communicating thoroughly with your top contractors to know their company values and determine whether or not their standards exceed your own.
2. Living in a Rural Area
Some homeowners may believe finding a contractor is more challenging because they live in a rural area.
Fortunately, this is not true. Nowadays, roofing contractors are more willing to travel to meet homeowners’ needs. For example, Rescue My Roof is located in Butler, WI, but we travel all over southern Wisconsin to serve homeowners.
If you live in a rural area, contractors are still there for you. They may not be in your immediate area, but there are options nearby.
Tips and Tricks to Finding the Roofing Contractor For You
Rescue My Roof has been in the industry for over a decade, so we’ve dealt with every roofing scenario.
We will use our experience to help you find a suitable contractor. Here are a few tips you should know:
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Get Multiple Estimates
Sometimes, you have to put in the work to find the best deal.
All contractors vary in price. If you have a set budget, you may not find a contractor within your price range on the first try.
Collect three to four different roof estimates to see which company can offer the best deal. Take a look at what materials they’ve included, their quality, and if they are priced extremely low or extremely high.
Comparing multiple estimates gives you the power to choose the right company for you. Don’t settle on the first one that comes out to evaluate your home. Chances are, there may be a better offer out there.
2. Find a Contractor That’s Been in Business Over Five Years
One of the best warranties you can get is a workmanship warranty through your roofing contractor.
A workmanship warranty covers the cost of repairs due to incorrect installation.
This can save you money on potentially costly repairs years down the road. However, if you pick a new and non-reputable company, they may close their doors before you can cash in on a warranty.
The only indicator that a company will still be there when you need them is how long they’ve already been established. Find a contractor that’s been in the industry for at least five years so that you know they won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
3. Ask for References – Not Reviews
Anyone on the internet can write reviews. References, however, are more reliable.
When a company can provide references, they are not afraid to take pride in their work (and that there is work to take pride in).
Additionally, references come directly from homeowners who have worked with the contractor. You can easily verify from before and after photos that it’s not a random person who could be lying on the internet.
If a roofing contractor provides good references that include comments on workmanship, longevity, and customer service, they might be an excellent choice for a roofing contractor.
4. Communicate Your Expectations
As we’ve said before, communication is vital. If you have a specific vision for your roof and the roof replacement process, ask as many questions as possible and communicate those expectations with your contractor.
The only way to ensure your needs are met is to advocate for yourself. Don’t be silent; speak up if you have an idea or question.
Beginning the Roof Replacement Process
Now that you know some of the fears homeowners face and their solutions, it’s time to begin the process.
If you’re not ready, that’s okay! We have more resources available for you. Check out our “What to expect At Your Roof Estimation Appointment” to learn more about meeting with a contractor and “3 Things to Compare When Looking at Multiple Roof Estimates.”
Or, if you’re ready to get started on your journey, contact Rescue My Roof below to receive your free roof estimate.