A roofer, roofing contractor, or roofing repair contractor is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in roof repair. Roofers repair, replace, and installed the roofs of commercial buildings, using various materials, such as asphalt, shingles, gypsum, and metal. They may also install insulation or make additions to existing roofs. The most common roofing materials are asphalt, slate, tiles, wood, clay, and concrete tiles. If the roof is of the type that leaks, the contractor can often do the repair without additional help.
One important thing to remember before hiring a roofer is to make sure he is insured and bonded. This protects you from claims of negligence by the roofer for poor performance because of bad workmanship. Before choosing a roofing contractor, do some research on your own and find out what types of contractors are available in your area. A good way to get started is to ask friends and relatives, if they have any recommendations or referrals, or visit the websites of established roofing contractors.
When a roofing contractor bids on your project, he is usually responsible for submitting an estimate, which is the most complete estimate that will be used for approval and binding. This estimate should include not only the cost of the materials and labor involved in erecting your new roof, but also all applicable building codes, fees, and payment terms. The estimate should be clearly outlined so there is no question as to what types of roofing materials will be used and how much material will be required. You should also have a copy of the estimates and drafts so you have an accurate comparison of costs at the end of the job.
In addition to the cost and materials involved, there are other things that the roofing contractor should know about your home, neighborhood, and building codes. Find out if the roofer is licensed to work in your city and county. Check to see if he is bonded and insured. Find out the names of any other professional roofers that Roofing Companies Indianapolis have used in the past. If there have been no problems with the workers and the quality of their work, the chances are good that the roofing contractor has done several roofs.
Ask the roofer how many years of experience he has and what type of work he does. There are a number of roofing courses and training programs that can show the prospective roofing contractor how to repair old roofs. Many homeowners choose to perform the task themselves rather than hiring a roof repair company. However, homeowners who feel very confident about tackling this task may decide to hire a professional roofer. For those who are not confident with tackling the task alone, the best course of action is to hire a roofing contractor to fix the roof on your behalf.
Do your homework before hiring any contractor. Most roofing contractors will provide references. Contact these references either through phone or personal contact. Ask the references about the overall job quality of the references’ work as well as whether the references are satisfied with the work done by the roofing contractors they are currently working with.
When you are interviewing a potential roofing contractor, ask questions regarding any insurance that will cover him or her for an accidental injury or damage to the property that would be caused by the work of the roofer. Some insurance companies offer insurance protection to contractors who have completed a certain number of new roof jobs. Before hiring a contractor, check your local area to see what type of contractor insurance is most commonly available. You may also want to consider getting a business license for your contractor as well.
Roofing contractors can be an invaluable asset to homeowners who are considering adding a new roof to their homes. However, it is important for homeowners to research all of their options in hiring roofing contractors before making a decision. Although many roofing contractors provide wonderful service and a great price, it is important to do your homework before choosing a contractor. After all, it is your home that is on the line!