Bordner Roofing Co - Things You Should Know About Roofing

How to Choose a Roof & Roofing Contractor

Here are eight industry guidelines to help you select the right Roofing Contractor to work on your home:

1. Look for experience and a proven track record.
• How long has the company been in business? Have they always been in business with the same name? Does the company have a street address (and an office), not just a post office box? How long have they been in business at their current location?
• Ask for references and check them. You might also check into other sources of information - like the Better Business Bureau or the local Chamber of Commerce.
2. Evaluate their Business Practices.
• What is your first impression of the company? Do their representatives portray a professional image?
• What do their references have to say about the company?
3. Insist on a comprehensive level of knowledge about the products available as well as the entire installation process.
• Did they do a comprehensive analysis of your roof and actually inspect every portion of the roof (some companies only look at a "sampling" and use that to calculate their bid)
4. Verify their insurance coverage, safety policies and licensing procedures.
• Worker's Compensation Coverage - protects you in case a worker is injured while performing work on your property.
• General Liability Insurance - protects your property while work is in progress.
• Completed Operations Insurance - a rider on a general liability policy that covers many problems that might occur after a job is complete.
5. Confirm the level of project supervision you can expect. Find a contractor that utilizes an additional level of supervision to oversee the foreman and crew.
6. Beware of extremely low bids.
• Minimal or no insurance coverage.
• Poor, unsupervised workmanship.
• Low grade materials.
• Not replacing current flashings.
• Leaving you uninformed about problems that should be addressed.
• Inadequate ventilation proposed.
7. Ask for a detailed, written contract.
• Be sure all materials and work are specified.
• Be sure the price is specified and firm, and that sales tax is included.
8. Ask if they require any payments before the job is satisfactorily completed.

Questions You Should Ask About the Roofing Contractor

In an effort to identify the most reputable and qualified Roofing Contractors, some people like to use a list of questions to ask each company. If you prefer this method of fact finding - here are 15 questions you should ask - before any work is done on your home.

1. How long have you been in business?
2. Have you always operated under the same license and company name?
3. Where is your office located and how long have you been at that location?
4. How many trucks, crews and installers do you have?
5. How many staff do you have dedicated to job site supervision? Do they have any responsibilities other than job site supervision?
6. Do you have a staff person dedicated to Quality Control?
7. Do you have a Customer Service Department? Who do I call if I have a problem?
8. Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?
9. Do you have a written list of references?
10. How many jobs have you done since your company began and in the last 3 years?
11. Will you complete a thorough inspection and analysis of my roof and provide a drawing with recommendations regarding issues like ventilation, sheathing, siding, chimney flashings and other potential problem areas?
12. Will you provide a Lien Waiver?
13. Do you have General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Post-Construction (Completed Operations) Insurance of at least $1,000,000? Will your insurance company issue a certificate of insurance to me?
14. Do you have a written list of standards that govern the performance and behavior of the crew on each job?
15. Do you have a list of standards the crew will follow to install my roof and clean up my yard both during and at the end of the project?