In this week’s Tucson Roofing Contractors tips, the decision to hire a roofing contractor can be a very stressful process. Not all contractors are alike. The right contractor can save you thousands over the life of your roof. Here are some tips to consider when hiring a roofing contractor.
1. Cheapest is not always the best – The old adage, “You get what you pay for”, holds true when hiring a contractor. A bid that substantially lower than other bids may indicate inferior materials, workmanship or guarantee. All contractors pay basically that same price for the same materials. If they are a licensed and bonded contractor, they have overhead costs that will be similar. So a cheap bid means you’re not getting something. A contractor that’s undercutting costs of either labor or materials probably won’t be around in a few years to warranty problems they may have caused. The lowest bid today may mean a higher cost over the life of your roof.
2. Avoid Storm Chasers – During monsoon season, door knocking contractors come out of the woodworks. Their sales pitch talks about them being your neighborhood roofer, but after the job is done, they are nowhere to be found. They use urgency and high-pressure tactics to get you to sign a letter of intent. NEVER, sign anything without first investigating. Check their ratings in sites like Google, Better Business Bureau, and Home Advisor, to see what other people are saying. Call a reputable roofing contractor and ask them for an inspection and quote. You may find that the major problem the storm chaser reported required only a minor repair.
3. Make sure your bids are quoting apples to apples – When choosing from multiple bids, make sure all quotes include the same roofing materials. If there’s a difference, ask what the differences are. Things like warranty and product life can make a huge difference in the price. Don’t assume that the contractor with the lower price is quoting the same product. You may end up replacing a roof sooner.
4. Licensed, Bonded and Insured – It’s always preferable to hire a roofing contractor that is licensed, bonded and insured. Contractors that are licensed with the state Registry of Contractors have to meet higher standards.
When it comes to selecting the right contractor, do your homework. Ask people you know, check online reviews and time in business. The cheapest bid may cost you the most.
Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, is a licensed, bonded and insured roofing contractor serving Tucson and southern Arizona.
