Finding a quality roofing company can seem to be a challenge. When living in an area of weather extremes like Plymouth, Michigan, you want to make sure you contract with skilled and experienced professionals. But if you know the right questions to ask, your roofing contractor research becomes a breeze. Here are 10 tips to find the best roofing contractors in Plymouth, MI.
1. Ask About Their Insurance Coverage: In addition to being properly insured with liability and workmen’s compensation insurance, see if they offer the service of claims assistance. This little perk goes a long way to reduce the stress of what can be seriously complex, filing an insurance claim. An experienced roofing company can take care of the headache of the photos and documentation that are required.
2. What Kind Of Credentials Does The Company Have? If a company claims GAF certified craftsmen, along with other specialties, like James Hardie, CertainTeed or Pella materials certification, homeowners know that they are hiring roofers who will comply with manufacturer warranties and maintain the integrity of the product while performing an exceptional job.
3. Do They Offer Free Estimates? If a homeowner is expected to pay for a roof repair or replacement estimate, they are not dealing with a reputable roofing contractor. The best in the business won’t charge a dime until they begin work on your project.
4. What Does An Estimate Cover? It’s common to assume that a bid will include the cost of materials and labor. But what about a follow-up inspection of the work performed? Roofing companies a cut above the rest send out a project manager after a job is completed, just to make sure that it is up to the company’s high standards.
5. What Kind of Guarantee Is Offered In Addition To Manufacturer Warranty? A company that believes in the skill and professionalism of its craftsmen will back it up with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
6. Get Referrals From Past Projects: A company that believes in the integrity of their work long after a job is finished will have an extensive portfolio for references. Don’t hesitate to ask for testimonials and referrals.
7. Do They Perform Project Clean-Up? Clarify who is responsible for removal of old roofing materials. Experienced companies know that handling a cast-off roof is riddled with risk. A contractor that cares about their customer will include this service in their bid.
8. Do They Only Do Roofing? It is not uncommon for a roofing repair or replacement job to be needed in conjunction with other home repairs, especially if damage is weather related. Also, if contractors are already going to be working on the home, why not take advantage of their expertise and time to update things like windows and siding as well? A contractor that is a full-service home improvement company can make a homeowner’s life much more convenient when it comes to all those projects that have been piling up on a to-do list.
9. Are Their Community Roots Deep? There are plenty of fly-by-night roofers with only a website. Do you really want to risk not being able to find a company if you need them to honor a workmanship guarantee? Look for a company that has had ties for decades in the local community and can be found at their brick-and-mortar office whenever needed.
10. Know Your Contractor. Don’t cut corners when it comes to deciding on the right roofer for the job. Otherwise you could fall victim to the most common rip-off schemes. If a contractor shows up unannounced and requests permission to inspect your roof, think again. This is most likely not a pro-active roofing professional. It is more likely that he is a scam artist who will cause intentional damage to your roof then tell you it needs repair. An honest roofer waits for the customer to call and schedule an inspection.
Often, if something seems too good to be true, it is. So don’t accept the lowest bid you get. A quality roofing job should reflect in its price the quality of materials and workmanship that are going into it. Ask yourself if that low-ball bid is really worth it.
Also, if you find yourself in need of roof repair or replacement because of extreme weather conditions that caused damage, don’t fall for the storm-chaser scam. These individuals don’t have brick-and-mortar locations. They most likely don’t even have a website. Once they finish a job, if they finish a job, they are gone, never to be heard from again. Often they have pocketed the money for a project and left it unfinished or completed with sub-par work.
There Is A Safe Shortcut To Finding The Best: When it comes to protecting yourself from crooks and partnering with the right roofing professionals, the above 10 tips can help you find the best. But if you really desire a shortcut to the best roofing professional in Plymouth, MI, here’s one more tip:
Contact Home Pros, a contractor who has been providing expert and comprehensive home improvement services for more than 20 years. Craftsmen are fully bonded and licensed, bringing vast experience to every need a homeowner may have in addition to roofing, such as plumbing, siding, remodeling, etc. Fully insured employees and projects means peace of mind for the customer. Claims assistance and their 100% satisfaction guarantee relieves a homeowner of much of the stress and angst attached to improving their greatest asset. It’s easy to log on and request a free estimate online. Experienced professionals will provide homeowners with a reliable bid and answer any questions. What are you waiting for?
