When it comes to an area like Houston, Texas, that faces hurricanes regularly, you are likely to find a wide selection of roofing contractors; it is a much needed service. However, with so many companies available, you are likely to come across one that cannot be trusted. Make sure to avoid these mistakes when hiring roofing contractors.
1. Not reading the contract before signing it. The purpose of a contract is to ensure that both parties comply with the established rules. The roofer wants to make sure they get paid when they do the job. It seems fair enough, right? Well, in the roofing business, not all contracts are created equal. While some roofing contractors just want a guaranteed payment, those with less integrity may really try to heed you with some outrageous things included in the contract. With that in mind, read the contract carefully before signing. And whatever you do, keep your copy.
2. Don’t check the Better Business Bureau website. When you visit the Better Business Bureau website, you will see “Start with Confidence” in large, bold type. There is truth behind the motto. Before signing any contracts or giving the green light to a group of roofing contractors to start work, make sure they are members of the BBB. If they are members, that means they are governed by a higher authority and can demonstrate customer satisfaction. Read the reviews and see if any customers have made complaints. If they are free of complaints, you have probably found reputable roofing contractors.
3. Don’t check references Even if you have consulted the BBB site, you should request a list of references. Since you don’t want to leave stone unturned when searching for roofing contractors, phone referrals could result in a dissatisfied customer who didn’t think to report their scruples on the BBB website. Past clients are experienced in dealing with the company that is entertaining and can open their eyes to what they do wrong (if at all) and what they do well.
4. Don’t ask for a guarantee. What happens once you have a new roof in your house, but are not satisfied with the work? Maybe your roof is still sagging, or maybe the roofing contractors left debris strewn across your yard. I wish you asked for a guarantee. Trusted roofing contractors will guarantee your satisfaction. A quick phone call will have them return home to fix any work that doesn’t meet your standards.
5. Don’t ask about technique Simply put, some roofing contractors do the job incorrectly. To speed up the work, they could fire their nail guns and run randomly through the replacement roof. The problem with this is that the nail guns need to be positioned carefully for use on roofing tiles. When laying shingles, it is important not to drive the nail too deep. Doing so will compromise the effectiveness of the shingle and cause the roof to leak. Nail guns are so powerful that they often shoot the nail too deep into the plywood deck. That said, a hand hammer is preferred. So don’t forget to question your roofer’s technique. If you don’t, you may find that your roof is not properly inspected.
Asking the right questions and doing a little research will help you avoid the mistakes above. And avoiding these mistakes means finding roofing contractors you can trust for professional roof replacement.
