Roof replacement is one of the most expensive home improvement projects a homeowner will ever take. If you care about your precious home, you should find a credible roofer fully equipped to secure your property against water damage and infestation.
The Selection Process
If you’re in the early stage of your renovation plans, take full control of the situation by searching for a competent roofer with a good reputation. Hire the appropriate professional roofer who can offer deeper insights about the best roofing material suitable for your current architectural design and geographical location. Not only that, seek for the roofer capable of completing the job on time and within the budget.
Before you make a selection, make sure to follow these suggestions to help you find a roofer you can entrust your home with:
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Making a Prior Research Work
It’s very important to conduct research about the prospective roofing contractors in Bronx you want to consider. Choose at least three contractors and investigate each one. You should verify if the listed company is registered or if the business license is currently updated. Workers should be certified and bonded as well to ensure quality installation and safety during actual work.
Each company should own an official website where you can check important details such as contact information, location map, service areas, and service listing. Once you have verified their information, don’t forget to read review sites to determine if they’re competent enough to handle different roofing jobs.
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Acquiring Direct Referrals
Get direct referrals from friends and neighbors who have undertaken a roofing project recently. In this way, you can get honest feedback about the professional roofers you’re trying to consider. Testimonials will give you a better picture of what you can expect from a protective roofer once you decide to hire them. However, if direct referrals aren’t possible, it’s a good idea to ask from hardware store owners and other networks of friends.
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Inviting Contractors for Inspection
Once you have completed your research, invite the professional roofers in your home to inspect the roof and thoroughly discuss what will be the scope of work. It’s important to know how knowledgeable they are on working with particular roofing material and how long it will take to complete the job. Though roofers are considered the authority in the field of home renovation, especially in roof repairs and replacement, be active in the discussion by asking various questions regarding their qualifications, past projects, and competency. When you do these, you can be sure to get the right contractor for your dream roof.
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Requesting for a Proposal
If you have already discussed the project’s details with multiple contractors, request them to submit a project proposal in writing, indicating all the details previously discussed during the inspection. A project proposal will tell you the estimated amount you may need to prepare for the roofing project. Aside from the estimated cost, you may also find other valuable costing details, including market fluctuation, indirect cost, profit range, and material wastage. Once you have selected a project bid, request the contractor to formalize the negotiation through a valid contract.
Actual work should not start until you have signed a service contract explaining all the details of the project. Verify if the contract already includes valuable terms regarding safety procedures and work benefits for the workers to avoid incurring potential expenses. The signed contract should also specify the installation method to be used, payment terms, and work schedule.
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Remembering the Tips
When you choose a project proposal, don’t just jump automatically at the lowest bidder. Project proposals with the lowest amount won’t guarantee you high-quality installation or repair work since the roofer may use substandard materials and labor skills to keep the budget within range. Compare what each prospective bidder offers and closely watch out for any hidden cost you may overlook.
Find out if the roofer includes other essential works like cleaning up, mobilization, temporary warehousing, and various contingency measures. If you’re replacing an old roof, ask your roofer to remove the material, asphalt shingles, for instance, after removing several layers, and then check for wood rot underneath before installing a new set. A manufacturer warranty covers the majority of roofing materials, so also ask your roofing specialist how it will be applied to your current roof condition.
Since most roofing issues are caused by inadequate ventilation and defective flashing, discover how your professional roofer plans to resolve these problems. Ask your roofer to include these items if you don’t see them in the contract. Also, ask your specialist about your skylights or chimneys, as the best time to have these roof features repaired or inspected is just about before the replacement of your old roof.
If you’re looking for a reputable roofing Bronx contractor, consider the helpful suggestions discussed above so that your hard-earned money will not be wasted. You won’t find any perfect roofer out there, but you can find someone who can deliver the kind of quality work you’re looking for.
