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Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend some time learning how to evaluate the roofing contractor who may be doing the work. You should insist on working with a professional roofing contractor. NRCA wants to assist you in getting the kind of results you expect—a quality roof system at a fair price. All roofing contractors are not alike, and NRCA recommends you prequalify your roofing contractor to get the job done right the first time. The following guidelines will help in your decision: Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number, and, where appropriate, a business license. Don't hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of the insurance he carries. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability and workers' compensation insurance certificates. Make sure the coverages run through the duration of the job. Many building and home owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. Also, if a contractor is not properly insured, the owner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property. Check to see if the roofing contractor is properly licensed or bonded. Some states have specific licensing requirements, and others do not. Your state's Department of Professional Regulation or Licensing Board will have this information. Make sure the contractor is financially stable. A professional roofing contractor can provide current financial information about his company. Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out if they were satisfied. Insist on a detailed written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures. Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Most materials require special application expertise to achieve a quality roof system that will last. Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality-control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required, and the estimated time of completion. Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry association, such as NRCA. Call your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to check for possible complaints filed against the contractor. Carefully read and understand any roof warranty offered, and watch for provisions that would void it. (See NRCA's Consumer Advisory Bulletin Roofing Warranties for detailed information about this subject.) Choose a company of Utah roofers that is committed to the safety and education of its workers. Ask the contractor what kind of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry education programs they have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who actually install the roof system. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors seem attractive with their below-cost bids but often are uninsured and perform substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily in your decision.
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