Hiring the right roofing contractor is important for any business owner or homeowner. The roof protects your property and assets and can have large structural and energy-saving benefits when done properly. When done wrong, your roof can cost you more than the repairs or building costs you pay upfront.
In this article, we discuss why you should find a quality roofing contractor, how to check for their insurance, and how to avoid scammers in Calgary.
1. Why it is Important to Hire a Quality Roofing Contractor
A well-constructed roof is essential for protecting your property and everything inside it. A poorly-constructed or damaged roof can lead to water damage, mold growth, and other serious problems. Those problems not only compound over time but can also add a lot of expenses. With the right contractor you can avoid these expenses at the beginning of the roofing construction.
A high-quality roof can also improve your home’s or business’s energy efficiency. Higher energy efficiency can lead to lower energy bills. A properly-insulated and sealed roof can prevent warm or cool air from escaping, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning.
Furthermore, a roofing contractor who knows how to install eco-friendly materials – such as reflective panels – can help reduce heat. Reducing heat absorption means less work for your AC unit and more money for you!
Finally, hiring a reputable, skilled roofing contractor can give you peace of mind. With a good contractor, you will know that they will do the work promptly, saving you time and money.
2. What to Look Out for When Hiring a Roofing Contractor
When hiring a roofing contractor, there are several things you should consider to ensure that you are getting a reliable and reputable contractor:
Research their Experience and Qualifications:
Knowing your roofing contractor’s experience and qualifications is crucial to making an informed decision.
Experienced contractors will have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job properly. They also may be more familiar with the local building codes and regulations.
In addition, a contractor with relevant qualifications, such as certification from a professional organization, can provide additional reassurance that they are qualified to do the job.
For example, if the roofing company is part of the Canadian Roofing Contractors’ Association (CRCA) or a GAF’s Master Elite® Roofer, you can safely assume that they are qualified and experienced.
Overall, researching a company’s experience and qualifications can help you make an informed decision and choose a contractor capable of doing high-quality work.
3. Check their Insurance and Licenses:
A good roofing contractor will be properly licensed and have the right insurance to protect themselves, their employees, and their clients. They should also offer a warranty or guarantee of services.
For example, WCB Insurance, also known as workers’ compensation insurance, covers injured employees’ medical expenses and lost wages. This, along with liability insurance, is required by law.
A business operating without these may not be a reliable business – or even a legal one!
To find out if your potential contractor has insurance, follow these steps:
- Ask your contractor for the name of their insurance carrier, the agent, and the agent’s phone number.
- Verify that the agency is legitimate by checking for phone and address information.
- Contact the agent and request a certificate of insurance if possible.
Furthermore, you should ensure that the company you are researching is registered and active in the Alberta registry.
To do this, you can contact the Alberta Corporate Registry’s records to find more information on the roofing company you are researching. However, a registry agent will charge government and service fees to provide you with that information.
You may contact the Corporate Registry’s office at 780-427-7013 between the hours of 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (Monday-Friday).
4. Ask for References:
Whether looking for roofing for your home or business, you should always ask your potential contractor for references. Talking to other customers who have used the contractor’s services can widen your opinion of the company. It can also help you decide whether they are the right contractor for your needs.
Ask specific questions about the contractor’s work quality, professionalism, and whether the customers were satisfied with the final result.
The contractor’s reviews and ratings can provide valuable information about their services.
5. Review the Contract:
Review the contract you receive from your roofing contractor thoroughly. This binding agreement will outline the terms of your business relationship going forward.
The contract should include the scope of the work, the materials, the schedule, the timeline, and payment terms.
Before signing anything, it is very important to know exactly what you are getting into. By signing something you don’t understand, you could lock yourself into a bad agreement. It is difficult to end a bad agreement without legal issues, so make sure to read your contract carefully – maybe even twice!
By reviewing your contract, you can also discuss your concerns with the roofing company before beginning. This gives you time to make amendments or changes to the contract that directly benefits you.
Overall, reviewing the contract carefully is an important part of the hiring process and can help protect your interests.
6. How to Spot Scams Amongst Roofing Companies
Several signs can help you spot scams among roofing companies. One common scam is when a company offers a very low price for roofing services but then tries to add hidden fees or charges once the work has started. It’s important to be wary of any company that offers a price that seems too good to be true.
A company that pressures you to make a decision quickly or tries to scare you by suggesting that your roof is in poor condition might be a red flag.
Before hiring a contractor, get multiple estimates to compare prices and services.
Additionally, you should avoid any company that asks for a large upfront payment, as scammers use this tactic. They could run off with your money by taking your large upfront payment without signing a contract.
Be cautious and do your homework when hiring a roofing contractor to avoid falling victim to a scam.
7. Tips for Commercial Businesses Hiring Roofing Contractors
Any business should still check the contractor’s references and insurance. They should also review the terms and conditions of their possible roofing contractor first.
Commercial clients can also reach out to company partners, sister stores, or branches that may have used a roofing company before. This word-of-mouth recommendation from a trusted source in the same field of business is a great way to find your perfect contractor.
If you have similar structures or buildings, asking for recommendations will help you get a similar roof. That way, you know you are getting a reliable roofer because companies you know have also benefited from them!
Conclusion
Research, check contracts, and know what to look for when hiring a roofing contractor. This can help ensure that you get high-quality work at a fair price. Researching a contractor’s experience and qualifications can give you an idea of their level of expertise.
You will also better understand the quality of their work. Check their references and online reviews, which will help you learn valuable information about their past performance and reputation.
Reviewing the contract can help you understand your rights and obligations. This will prevent misunderstandings or disputes later on.
