How to Find a Good Roofer

The most difficult thing for homeowners that are considering repairing or replacing a damaged roof is finding a good contractor for the job. A roof that has been affected by a storm, or that hasn’t been repaired for a very long time will may need some serious repairs. However, this does not mean that the homeowners should choose the first person they find. It is important to hire a tradie who is professional, honest, and trustworthy, which can be quite a difficult task. If you want to make sure that the tradie you will hire will be a good one make sure you keep in mind the following tips.

1. Get referrals from family, friends, and coworkers. By hiring someone who has already been verified by someone you trust, the chances of being scammed will be lower. Additionally, a tradie who is part of the same community as you will be more familiar with all the local regulations, rules, prices, and will have access to local suppliers. They will be able to offer you valuable advice regarding the type of roofing that would be best for your climate and weather.

2. Search for manufacturer designated tradies. Being designated by a manufacturer is a badge of honor for tradies because they have to pass a series of factory-tests. For instance, GAF enforced their designations by only licensing 2% of the tradies per market to be recognized by them as Master Elite® Contractors.

3. Research the Online Ratings. After a serious storm, there will be a large number of tradies who will start offering their services. If you want to hire someone and want to make sure that they are not scammers, you should check their ratings online. Ask them if they have a contractor website or page where their clients leave them reviews and ratings. If they are reluctant and tell you that they don’t have it, then you should hire someone else. These online ratings prove not only that the tradie does good quality work, but also proves that they have experience.

4. Get a good warranty. Not every tradie will provide manufacturer warranties that can cover their workmanship. If, for instance, a tradie fails to install your roof correctly, the mistakes can only be noticed after a few months or even years, and insurance will probably not pay for it. So, if the tradies won’t help you anymore because the damage was not visible at first, then your only option is paying for the repairs yourself. However, a GAF designated tradie will offer very long workmanship warranties.

5. Safety must be a priority. A tradie without a safety or training program is probably not someone you want to hire. Make sure that you hire someone who puts safety first.

6. Check for liability insurance and professional licensing. Any company should have its employees insured and should willingly provide a copy of the insurance certificate to the homeowners. Failing to provide a copy of the insurance policy or not having a valid insurance at all can be a source of unpleasant issues, especially if someone is injured on the job. In some countries, contractors are required by law to be licensed, but that will not stop unlicensed tradies from offering their services. So, be careful who you hire and check all the documents mentioned above.

7. Know all your options. When you need to install a new roof you must know all your options. You must know what materials you can use and you must know what contractors you can hire. For the first part, you can do some research online and see what types of materials are best for your climate. You can also see what type of roofing your neighbors have and ask them if they are satisfied. For the second part, you must discuss with more than just one tradie before deciding who you are going to hire. By asking for quotes from several different tradies, you will receive a fair price.

If you feel that the whole process of hiring a professional roofer is difficult, you can use our property management platform. By using our platform, you ensure that you find the best and most affordable roofing services in your area.