Guide to Hiring a Roofing Contractor: What You Must Know

Navigate the process of hiring a roofing contractor seamlessly. Explore our comprehensive guide to ensure you make the right decision. Click to learn more!

Hiring a roofing contractor

Are you looking for a roofing contractor? Nothing beats finally completing the construction of your house or business premises. According to Reuters, mortgage rates keep rising, making it cheaper to build your own home.

However, no house is complete without a roof. Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when repairing or building your home. The right roofing contractor can help you get the best roofing material and address all your needs.

Hiring the right roofing contractor isn’t easy, whether you need a new roof or repair services. Let’s explore what you need to know to hire the best roofing contractors.

Considerations for Hiring the Best Roofing Contractor

A roof is one of the most critical investments in residential or commercial premises. Choosing the right roofer is thus essential to getting a roof that can withstand the elements. Some of the key factors you need to consider when hiring a roofing contractor include:

Licensing and Credentials

Always check the contractor’s licensing and ensure they have the right credentials for the job. This action helps you find legitimate contractors who abide by the local building regulations. You can verify licensing by checking with local authorities.

You should also choose contractors with insurance covering your property and their workers. An insured contractor protects you from any potential liability if accidents occur.

Further, look for a roofing contractor with good standing on the Better Business Bureau. Other online sites that can give you an insight into a contractor’s reputation include:

• Yelp
• Google Business
• Angie and Birdeye

Client Reviews

Review a contractor’s work through the experiences of previous clients. Client reviews help you determine if a contractor can meet your needs. Positive reviews indicate reliability and the expertise to fulfill any roofing requirement.

Moreover, review client testimonials and a list of previous jobs to gauge whether you can trust a contractor with your roofing needs. Doing so will also help you understand how they interact with clients.

Cost

According to the Pew Research Center, about 49% of Americans list affordable housing as a major problem. However, you can address this problem by constructing your own home. This measure helps you determine how much you want to spend during construction.

Although everyone loves to save money, roofing is the one area where you shouldn’t cut corners. So, cheap prices shouldn’t sway your decisions when evaluating different roofing contractors.

Reliable local roofing experts will value their labor, expertise, and materials accurately. Besides, check if the contractor offers any warranties on their work. A reputable contractor will provide guarantees and warranties that typically last a year.

The warranty will usually cover the following:

• Workmanship
• Defective materials
• Leaks

Evaluate the quotes of different contractors to determine the cost of your roofing project. Written estimates are useful because they outline project details such as the materials available, timeline, and scope of work.

Additionally, be aware of low-cost contractors who lure in clients with cheap prices. Such contractors will likely use low-quality materials that will cost you more in the long term.

Research

Hiring a roofing contractor involves doing a bit of research on the best companies available near you. Analyze companies based on your roofing needs and the services they offer. For instance, choose roofing contractors specializing in roof repair services if you need to upgrade or fix your roof.

Check the contractor’s website to assess their expertise. You can also consult various roofing companies for free to better understand what they can offer. After selecting a contractor, get a written agreement that covers details such as:

• Payment terms
• Scope of work
• Warranties
• Timeline with start and end dates

Keep a record of all correspondence with your contractor for better dispute resolution if issues arise.

What to Expect During the Roofing Process

The roofing process is very straightforward and usually begins with an inspection. Here, the contractor assesses your roof’s condition and develops a strategy to address your needs.

Permit acquisition is also part of the first steps you need to take before the work begins. You’ll have to conduct material selection based on the following:

• Aesthetic preferences
• Budget
• Climate
• Building structure

Other steps in the roofing process include:

Execution of Roofing Repair or Installation

Once the right materials are delivered, the project will begin with the removal of old roofing. The contractor will inspect the roof deck for structural damage and make repairs. The new materials will be installed while ensuring efficient ventilation and waterproofing.

Cleanup and Quality Inspection

The contractor will conduct quality inspections at different stages of the process. You can request a report on the progress to determine if the project is on track. Once the installation or repair is complete, a thorough cleanup is done.

The contractor will conduct a final walkthrough to ensure the project meets your needs. At this stage, you will likely receive the warranty details. Ask for maintenance tips to keep the roof in optimal condition.

Signs Your Roof Needs Repair Work

According to Statista, private construction expenditures were three times larger than those in the public sector. A significant share of this expenditure goes towards repair and maintenance. However, you can minimize the amount you spend on repairs by being on the lookout for any signs of damage and doing regular maintenance work.

Some of the signs that indicate you need to repair your roof include:

• Leaks and holes
• Broken, curled, or dented shingles
• Sagging roof indicating underlying structural damage
• Exterior signs such as dark spots

Have your roof regularly inspected to determine whether repair and replacement work is needed. In addition, follow the roofing contractor guide to find and hire roofers for prompt repairs.

Hiring a Roofing Contractor: Follow These Tips Today

The above contractor selection tips will help you find reputable roofing companies with the right experience and expertise. Hiring a roofing contractor is essential for maintaining the integrity of your commercial or residential premises.

Gilpin Roofing is proud to offer the best residential and commercial roofing services in Virginia Beach. We’ve been around for over 25 years and have a stellar reputation in roof replacement, repair, skylight installation, and commercial roofing services.

Contact us today for a free inspection!

About Gilpin Roofing

We are a professional roofing construction business in Hampton Roads, VA, both family-owned and locally owned! For over 25 years, we have provided 5000+ roofing and related construction services to homes and businesses.

Gilpin Roofing provides residential roofing and commercial roofing, serving Hampton Roads, Tidewater, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Call (757) 363-8802 for Roof Replacement, Roof Repair, Skylights, Flat Roofs, Multi-Family Roofs, and Commercial Roofing services.

Gilpin Roofing Review Summary

Our dedicated roofing technicians put in their best efforts to earn the utmost appreciation from all our valued customers!

Better Business Bureau: +A 5 Stars Rating
Google Business: 5 Stars out of 150 Reviews
Birdeye: 5 Stars out of 163 Reviews
Yelp: 5-Star Rating
Angie: 4.8 Star Rating
GAF Master Elite® Roofer