Here are some questions to ask before you hire a roof installation company:
1. How long have they been in business?
You probably wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who has been on the job for two weeks. And you probably wouldn’t sign up for heart surgery with a doctor fresh out of school. Why would your roof be different?
Unfortunately, some contractors are notorious for disappearing to avoid paying damages, only to reopen months later under a new name. You can avoid falling victim to this type of unscrupulous contractor by working with a company with decades of experience and a solid reputation.
2. Licensing and insurance
Roofing is a dangerous job, which is why we never recommend homeowners take it on themselves. It’s important to have the right tools, materials, and safety equipment. It’s also important to have experience. Reputable roofing contractors hold the requisite permits and licenses for every job they perform.
A high-quality roofing installer will also carry all required insurance for its workers, which will cover them if someone is hurt during your roof’s installation. As a homeowner, you should never work with a contractor that can’t provide proof of proper insurance for its employees.
3. Look at past work
Reputation is everything. The internet provides unbiased, third-party reviews from people who have used a business’ services in the past. 81% of consumers say they research online before they make a purchase. Before you spend money, it pays to do your homework.
What do other homeowners have to say about the roofing contractor? You can ask the company if it has a list of homeowners you can call, or you can check online for information about the company’s past jobs.
4. Price isn’t the only thing that matters.
It would be best if you spent time talking to potential roofing companies until you believe you’ve got all of the information you need to make an informed decision. Don’t base a decision on price alone; the old saying “you get what you pay for” has been around for centuries for a reason.
5. Get all contract and financing agreements in writing.
Every aspect of a roofing installation should be professionally documented, but it’s especially important to make sure you understand the financing terms. A great roofing company will appoint a knowledgeable employee to walk you through the contract and answer any questions about payment. No part of the agreement should be confusing or left “up in the air.”
6. Ask what happens if you’re unsatisfied with the work.
We shoot for 100% customer satisfaction! No matter how carefully you plan a job, there is always a chance something could go wrong. If an error happens, how will the company handle it? This is something you need to know in advance. Will you spend hours on the phone, trying to reach a representative? Will the company take your money and run with it?
At Greater American Roofingg, we don’t ask for money upfront before starting the job. We accept the agreed-upon payment (including the deductible if it’s an insurance claim) when the job begins, with clearly defined payment terms upon completion and satisfaction. Rest assured, if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, we guarantee we will make it right. In some cases, for instance, decking is rotten or damaged by moisture, or the crew discovers water damage that needs to be repaired before additional moisture makes its way inside a property. Ask your roofing contractor how it handles unexpected repairs. This way, even if you’re surprised, you know what to expect.
7. Will the roofing contractor tear off your old roof?
Some roofing companies will install new shingles over an old roof. However, this is almost always a bad idea. First, it adds additional weight to a roof that is probably already aging and due for new decking. Second, it doesn’t address any underlying problems, such as damage concealed by old shingles.
In this way, slapping new shingles over an existing roof is a lot like putting a Band-Aid on an infected wound. You cover up the damage, but you do nothing to treat the real source of the injury. It can be an effective and cheap short-term solution, but it will cost you a lot more in the long run.
8. Ask if the roofing contractor is an authorized installer.
Is the roofing contractor a preferred partner and authorized installer for the shingle manufacturer? This is an important consideration, as manufacturers won’t honor their warranties when a non-authorized installer installs the roof.
Why would someone choose us over someone else?
Greater American Roofing is a Veteran owned luxury roofing & restoration company with the experience to provide personalized attention to your complex project. We are focused on providing the highest quality and customer satisfaction. Quality means that our work meets and exceeds client and company expectations. Many homeowners will tell you that they were hesitant when choosing someone who they felt confident could handle the size and complexity of their project but found that we delivered on every promise we made in achieving their desired outcome.
What is most important to a customer?
- Licensed and Insured
- Provide personalized design consultation to the customer to ensure they are getting what they want.
- One of the owners is on every job site to ensure installation standards are met, and customer concerns are addressed.
- That the job site is thoroughly cleaned at the end of every job
- Warranty-we always provides a 3-year workmanship warranty (labor) on every job in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty (time depends upon shingle or the material chosen.)
If you or someone you know is looking for a roofing company, please be sure to consider Greater American Roofing. In addition, you can call at (404) 868-9392 or visit our website for more information.
