Carrying out work on a roof is a dangerous job and therefore it’s important to find a roofing contractor that works to the highest standards. In fact, one of the biggest challenges homeowners face when looking to repair or replace their roof is finding the right person for the job. A simple search on the internet will pull up hundreds of roofing contractor results – but how do you make sure that you choose the right one?
There are lots of different things you should look out for and consider when finding a trusted roofer in your area. Roof repairs and replacements don’t come cheap, so it’s worth doing some research beforehand to make sure you hire a trusted, reputable roofer for the job.
Below, we share some of our top tips for finding trusted roofers in your local area.
Ask for recommendations
The best recommendation is word of mouth. Ask friends, family members and neighbours if they have any recommendations of local roofers in your area; there’s a high chance someone has had work done on their roof and can pass on a reliable contact.
Read customer reviews
If you’re short of recommendations, the internet can be a useful tool for finding reliable and reputable roofers. However, it’s important to read customer reviews and testimonials before you choose a contractor. All reputable roofers will be more than happy to display customer reviews and testimonials with you, along with examples of their previous work. If you have questions about their previous work, don’t hesitate to contact references.
If you notice bad reviews or a lack of examples of previous work, it’s probably best to steer clear and take your business elsewhere. Roofing is a skilled job so it’s important to take the extra steps to ensure the contractor you choose is experienced, reliable and trustworthy.
Check qualifications and accreditations
Before you hire a roofing contractor, it’s always a good idea to check their qualifications and accreditations beforehand. Find out whether your roofer is a member of The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), which is a well-regarded roofing trade association in the industry.
NFRC ensures all members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice; contractors are subject to checks every three years to ensure they maintain their standard of work. They must also hold appropriate public, employers’ and third party insurance, comply with health and safety legislation and operate in accordance with the NFRC Code of Practice.
In addition, look for roofers who are BBA certified with a certificate from the British Board of Agreement. The more qualifications and accreditations a roofer has under their belt, the more reliable and trustworthy they are.
Check for licensing and insurance
Your chosen roofing contractor must have proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of their insurance certificate or to see proof of insurance. No one can start a roofing business and legally do business without the correct paperwork; they need to have the correct licenses and insurance if they want to do work legally. Before you hire a roofer, make sure they have the adequate licensing and insurance in place; inadequate insurance could lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee has an accident or injury at the property.
Choose an experienced roofing company
While it’s good to support start-up companies, when it comes to roof repairs and replacements, it’s a good idea to look for a contractor with plenty of experience. If you hire someone with no experience, there’s a good chance they won’t complete the job to the highest standard or will make mistakes along the way. This can lead to costly repairs and replacements, so it’s always best to choose a reliable roofer who has plenty of experience. Generally, the more experience a roofer has, the better their work craftsmanship.
Look for local roofers
When selecting the right roofer for the job, it’s always best to go local. Local roofers are never too far away and are more likely to be available when you need them – something that can be extremely important if you’re in need of an emergency repair at any time. Plus, local roofers will have knowledge of the types of houses and roofs in your area, meaning they can offer you tailored advice and guidance when it comes to roof repairs and replacements.
Gather three quotes
We recommend contacting at least three different roofers for quotes. This way, you can compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. It’s important to keep in mind that the cheapest quote does not always mean you’re getting the best value for money. In fact, a very cheap quote could be an indication that the roofer is cutting corners and using cheap materials. Try to avoid jumping at the lowest offer – spending that little bit extra could be the difference between an excellent service and a poor job.
Once your chosen contractors have assessed your roof and taken a look at the work that needs to be completed, they should be able to give you a quote. Make sure you ask for a detailed quote with a full breakdown of all costs involved, including the cost of labour, transport and materials. If there is anything on the quote you don’t understand, talk to your contractor and ask them to explain it to you. All reputable and trustworthy roofers will be more than happy to go through the costs with you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask your roofing contractor questions. Again, a trustworthy roofer will be happy to answer any of your questions and concerns and explain anything you don’t understand. To make sure you’re working with a reliable contractor, ask the following questions:
- How long have you been in the industry?
- What kind of projects have you completed before?
- Do you have examples of previous work?
- What are the details of the warranty?
- Are you fully licensed and insured?
- What accreditations do you have?
- Do you use roofing subcontractors?
- Will you replace the old roof?
- Can you provide me with a quotation?
Alan Brown Roofing: your local roofing specialists in Dundee
If you’re in need of reliable roofing contractors in Dundee, you needn’t look further than Alan Brown Roofing Services. With over 36 years of industry experience, our qualified and skilled team of roofers provide an unbeatable range of specialist roofing services at highly competitive rates. Whether you require repair services or your roof needs rendering, we always put customer satisfaction first and go above and beyond to deliver the perfect service every time.
We serve customers across Tayside, including Dundee, Tayport, Newport, Forfar and beyond. At Alan Brown Roofing Services, we offer a 10-year guarantee on new flat roofs and serve both domestic and commercial customers. Whether you’re in need of simple roofing solutions or you require an emergency repair, we’re the team to turn to.
For more information about our roofing services, including chimney repairs and cement pointing and rendering, visit our website today.
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