Finding a trustworthy contractor is essential if you need your roof repaired or replaced. There are too many horror stories of “storm chaser” contractors swooping in on unsuspecting property owners, demanding a sizeable down payment, and disappearing before the job is completed.

How can you avoid these scams? Follow this guide to help you find and vet a reliable roofing contractor.

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Ask for Referrals

Roofing contractors can get high-quality leads by using their existing client base to promote their business. Consumers trust their friends and family to recommend brands, so a roofing referral program is one of the best ways to land new customers.

Offer incentives like free roof inspections or a discount on their next roofing repair to encourage your clients to share your services with their networks. Responding to online reviews is essential, as 89% of consumers are likelier to choose a company that actively engages with their feedback.

Contact local real estate agents, home improvement suppliers, and even big box home goods stores to ask about referring customers for their services. When these businesses have a relationship with the best roofing contractor in your area, they can provide recommendations to their customers. This type of referral network is more powerful than traditional marketing and can generate roofing leads at a lower cost.

Look for Certifications

A good roofing contractor will have professional certifications demonstrating their knowledge and expertise. A high level of industry certification can set a roofing company apart from the competition in an industry where worker shortages are common.

In addition, the roofing contractor in Cold Spring Kentucky, was able to fix the roof quickly and efficiently. For example, a roof inspector who is a member of the NRCIA has passed rigorous training and adheres to the NRCIA standards and code of ethics. This makes them qualified to inspect and thoroughly assess your roof.

In addition, a certified roof inspector can identify significant damage and offer detailed repair estimates. This can be particularly important in homes for sale. Buyers can add the certification to their contract of purchase, which will give them peace of mind that the roof is in good condition and won’t need replacement soon. This will help reduce the chances of future problems and save money in the long run.

Check Online Reviews

When looking up roofing contractors online, check their star ratings and reviews. While you should always take these with a grain of salt (happy and unhappy customers alike are more likely to leave reviews), this can give you an idea of how previous clients have enjoyed working with the company. Many companies will also post testimonials from satisfied customers on their websites and advertisements.

Finally, ask about what kind of warranty a contractor offers. This will ensure you’re covered if any problems occur after completing the project.

You can find a reliable roof installation service for your home using the tips above. 

Get a Quote

You’ll want to get at least three on-site estimates from roofing companies in your area. This will give you the best comparison. Make sure to ask for references and see a portfolio of their work. It’s also important to ask about their experience with roof replacements and repair services.

A roofing pro will consider the number of layers, roof shape, pitch (the angle of the roof, measured by how many inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally), and the number and location of chimneys, skylights, and plumbing vents when preparing a quote. These factors will add area and labor costs to the overall project total.

You may need to include other expenses in your bid, such as materials, taxes, a possible warranty, and payment terms. Your estimate should be precise and free of industry jargon so the homeowner understands the value they’re getting from your service. It should also include a start and end date that works with the homeowner’s schedule.