12 Tips for Hiring Roofing Professionals for Your Project
Taking on a roofing project is no small task, which is why hiring roofing professionals you can trust is an important step in making sure that your repaired or new roof stands the test of time. We want to help you find the right roofing contractors for your project, so we’ve compiled some practical tips you can follow for hiring a team that will bring your dream roof to life.
1. Know Your Exact Roofing Needs
Before anything else, you should first understand exactly what your roofing project entails. Different roofing issues require different skills—some might need a simple leak fix, while others could involve more complicated structural repairs or a complete roof replacement. Once you pinpoint what you need, you can look for a roofing contractor who specializes in those specific services.
2. Look for Licensed and Insured Contractors
One of the first things you should check is whether they’re licensed and insured. This is non-negotiable. Being licensed means the roofing contractor has met the industry standards required by your state or local authorities, which is a great baseline for their legitimacy and skill.
On the other hand, insurance protects both you and the workers, covering any accidents that may happen on your property during the project. Robbins Roofing, for instance, not only meets these criteria but also prides itself on exceeding industry standards.
3. Check Their Experience
Roofing simply isn’t a job for beginners. Having experienced roofers work on your project goes a long way, especially when it comes to handling unexpected issues. Ask contractors how long they’ve been in the business and if they’ve worked on projects similar to yours. A seasoned professional roofer will be able to handle everything from basic repairs to more challenging situations like storm-damaged or sagging roofs.
4. Look for Local Contractors
Why hire a local contractor? Well, for starters, they’re familiar with the climate and building codes in your area. They’re also more likely to have established relationships with local suppliers, which means you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Additionally, if something were to go wrong after the job, it’s easier to get in touch with them.
If you live in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, Robbins Roofing is the most trusted roofing business by locals. So, if you have a roofing project lined up, we’re the folks to call!
5. Review Their Portfolio and References
A great way to gauge the quality of a roofing contractor’s work is to look at their past projects. Many contractors will have portfolios on their websites or social media pages. Checking them out can give you an idea of the quality of their roofing materials and the types of roofing services they specialize in (e.g. commercial roofing and residential roofing). Additionally, you can always ask for references or testimonials from their past clients.
6. Ask About Warranties and Subcontractors
There are usually two types of warranties to consider: one for the materials and one for the workmanship. The material warranty comes from the manufacturer and covers defects in roofing materials, while workmanship warranty is offered by contractors to cover issues related to the roof installation itself.
Some companies use roofing subcontractors to handle parts of their projects, such as specialized installations or labor-intensive work. While this is common practice, you should still ask if subcontractors will be involved in your project and, if so, how their work is managed.
7. Get Multiple Quotes
You won’t find the right roofer for your project without collecting several options first. That’s why getting at least three quotes or estimates to see how much you’ll have to pay for their services is a smart move! The quote should tell you the costs for the materials, labor, and any additional fees. However, be wary of contractors who give you an estimate without inspecting your roof—they’re likely not taking your project seriously.
8. See How Well They Communicate
Don’t underestimate the overall effect of good communication. Most homeowners prefer roofing contractors who are easy to talk to and responsive when it comes to answering queries related to the project. The roofing contractor should be approachable and willing to answer all your questions from the get-go. If you find it difficult to get clear answers or feel like the contractor is rushing you, it might be time to look somewhere else.
9. Ask About Their Safety Practices
Before you hire a roofing contractor, ask about their safety practices and work ethic. Roofing, by nature, is risky work, which is why safety should always be a priority. Ask potential contractors about the specific safety measures they follow and if their crew is trained to work safely at heights.
10. High-Pressure Tactics Are a Red Flag
One of the major red flags is a roofing business that uses high-pressure tactics to get you to sign a contract with them. A trustworthy roofer is someone who won’t pressure you into making quick decisions. Make sure that you take your time to evaluate your options and choose the contractor you feel most comfortable with.
11. Check Online Reviews
Before committing to a contractor, check out the online reviews left by their past customers. Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau are great places to start. Keep an eye out for patterns in the feedback—both positive and negative. While a single bad review isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, repeated complaints about the same issue mean that the issue is noteworthy. Ultimately, you should still consider your gut feeling!
12. Read the Contract
Make sure you’ve reviewed and understood the contract. It should outline the work covered, payment schedule, timeline, and any contingencies. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request changes if something isn’t clear to you.
Let Robbins Roofing Handle Your Next Project
As a family-owned and locally-operated roofing company, Robbins Roofing brings years of experience to the table. We offer roof repair and replacement services to OKC homeowners, and we’re excited for you to join our long list of satisfied customers.
Contact Robbins Roofing today—we might just be the roofing contractor you’ve been looking for all along!
