When it comes to choosing the best roofing company, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable and reliable provider. Don’t settle for just any contractor – trust the experts who have the experience, knowledge, and track record of success to deliver the results you need.
Before your choose a roofing contractor, make sure to ask the following questions:
- Check on Licensing and Insurance
- Pay Attention to Price Breakdowns
- Watch the Inspection Process
- Ask About Realistic Timelines
- Don’t Sign Direction to Pay Docs
- Consider the Office Staff
- Review the Reputation and Certifications
1. Check on Licensing and Insurance
It’s critical to ensure your contractor has the proper roofing license and insurance coverage required by the state of Florida. If your contractor doesn’t hold the proper license or insurance, you could be liable for any issues or injuries that occur on your property.
Did You Know? In Florida, a roofing license can be leased to any individual on behalf of a company, whether or not that individual is involved in the actual business (as an owner, operator, manager, etc.). Best practices suggest that the license holder should be involved in the roofing business.
2. Pay Attention to Price Breakdowns
The cost of a full roof replacement will vary depending on the size, the materials, and the location of your home. If you shop around for prices and notice that a company is well below the average, there may be a reason why.
However, cost alone will not determine quality. Professionalism and workmanship should also weigh heavily on your decision.
We recommend getting inspections from three roofing companies. Once you receive estimates to review, be sure to follow up with each company to ask the following questions for further clarification:
- What is the total price of the job?
- How soon after the job is complete are the payments due?
- Does the price estimate include the removal of the old roof?
- Were all code upgrades accounted for?
- What, if any, are the hidden costs? (plywood, etc.)
- Will you document with before and after photos?
- What financing options are available?
3. Watch the Inspection Process
Yes, there are benefits for roofing contractors who use drone technology to perform inspections; it is far more convenient to remain grounded and still have the ability to obtain measurements for your roof. At the same time, it is essential to acknowledge the downfalls of this technique.
There are some things that satellite measurements can’t capture but would be easily identified by a more comprehensive assessment. This can lead to unforeseen charges that could have been caught early and accounted for in the initial estimate.
4. Ask About Realistic Timelines
A company that is too quick to respond may not have enough business. Although seasonal availability does shift, most reputable roofing companies will require a two to a four-week waiting period before a roofing specialist can come to your home and perform an inspection. The wait times can be even longer when it comes to scheduling a start date for your roofing project. There are a number of factors that affect this, including city permitting timelines, unfavorable weather, and other extraneous factors. Be leery of any contractor promising instant results.
5. Don’t Sign Direction to Pay Docs
A “Direction to Pay” is a document signed by a policyholder that allows a third party, such as a roofer, to seek payment directly from the policyholder’s insurance company. While this may sound convenient, it is highly problematic. By signing the document, the insured agrees to pay whatever portion of the roofer’s invoice that is not paid by the insurance company, despite being assured even that the work would be covered by the policy.
These “Direction to Pay” documents, along with Assignment of Benefits (AOBs) have long been a part of Florida’s insurance marketplace. However, abuses in the way they were being used in the marketplace have driven up costs for homeowners across the state due to unnecessary litigation associated with these claims.
In 2022, it was voted to ban AOBs in the state of Florida, but Direction to Pay documents are still widespread in the marketplace. Consumers should be aware when signing a “Direction to Pay”, that they may become involved in the third-party vendor’s lawsuit against the insurance company if the third party and company are in dispute on the payment amount of the claim.
6. Consider the Office Staff
Choosing a fully-staffed roofing company with a brick-and-mortar location allows for multiple contact points able to assist during the project. There are plenty of one or two-man companies out there, but customer service is often overlooked in these operations. A trusted roofing company will have a dedicated support staff available to keep you informed of every step in the roofing process. Instead of only having one point of contact that may or may not answer the phone, you always know there’s someone at the office who can get back to you with answers.
7. Review the Reputation and Certifications
The internet can provide great insight into what type of experience you can expect, and checking out a company’s reviews is often the quickest way to get the reassurance you are seeking. Some of the best places to find reviews and see examples of work are through Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau accreditation, and social media accounts.
Working with a manufacturer-certified contractor is important because in most cases the manufacturer has a vetting process for any company awarded with the certification. For example, a GAF MasterElite contractor is required to be in good financial standing with a certain amount of general liability and workers comp. insurance coverage.
Did You Know? Distributors and suppliers can place liens on properties if the contractor hasn’t paid their bills, putting the building owner at risk. Property owners will receive a letter in the mail from the distributor if they are able to place a lien on your property. If so, you should request a release of the lien before the final payment to the roofing contractor.
Choose a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
When it comes to choosing a roofing company, it’s important to do your research and select a reputable and experienced team. A reliable roofing contractor will provide quality services, use high-quality materials, and offer transparent pricing.
Don’t settle for less when it comes to protecting your home and investment. Choose a roofing company with a proven track record of success and customer satisfaction. Contact Baldwin Roofing Company today to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your roof in top shape for years to come!
