If you’re a Calgary homeowner, chances are you’re probably not a roofing expert. Hiring a roofing company you trust with your home, who will do a great job, can be challenging if you don’t know what qualities you should seek. As roofing experts, here’s what you should look for in a roofing contractor and the questions you should ask.
Before You Call: Research Local Roofing Companies
Researching a roofing contractor you want to hire can require some skill.
A Professional Website
Not all great roofing companies need a website, but it adds a lot of credibility to their business. If they have their location, hours, contact information, and reviews all in one place, you have a sense that they are trustworthy and aren’t going anywhere.
Google Reviews
Most of us have gone to a new restaurant or hired a new company based on reviews or recommendations from our friends and family. Checking out a company’s Google reviews (both positive and negative) can give you some insight into their customers’ experiences.
Don’t use Websites Like Kijiji or Craigslist
While many reputable companies advertise on websites like Kijiji or Craigslist, you can find many roofing contractors who aren’t correctly insured or compliant and are trying to make money on the side. Avoid hiring a subcontractor through these channels.
Do you Provide Written Estimates?
A written estimate provides a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your roofing project. It’s a tangible record of what you can expect regarding labour, materials, and other potential expenses. If you’ve contacted a reputable roofing company, they will likely suggest you get more than one quote so you can compare.
What to Look for:
- A detailed list of the work to be done, including the type of materials to be used.
- The total cost, including labour and materials.
- Any potential additional costs that might arise during the project.
- A timeline for when the work will be completed.
What is Your Warranty?
A warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong after the installation, the contractor will take responsibility to rectify the issue. A reputable company that offers a warranty isn’t trying to disappear after the work is completed.
What to Ask About:
- The length of the warranty.
- What the warranty covers – materials, labour, or both.
- The process for making a warranty claim if you need to.
Are you Registered and in Good Standing with WCB?
Being registered with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) indicates that the contractor is committed to the safety and protection of their employees. A good standing means they have met all the regulatory requirements and are up-to-date with their payments.
Points to Check:
- Ask for their WCB number and verify their standing directly with the WCB.
- Determine if there have been any claims or issues in the past and how they were resolved.
Do you Have Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance protects homeowners from any potential damages or injuries that might occur on their property during the roofing project.
What to Ask:
- The coverage amount of their liability insurance.
- Request to see a certificate of insurance to verify their coverage.
- Whether the insurance covers the entire duration of the project.
Do you Have References?
References can provide insights into the contractor’s work quality, professionalism, and overall satisfaction from previous clients.
Steps to Take:
- Ask for at least three recent references.
- Reach out to these references and inquire about their experience with the contractor.
- Ask if they were satisfied with the final result and if they’d hire the contractor again.
By asking these critical questions, homeowners can better ensure they hire a reliable and professional roofing contractor. Making an informed decision will lead to a successful and long-lasting roofing project.
Why Should You Choose Optik Roofing?
Our local, family-run roofing company is here to answer all your questions about our roofing services. We offer detailed quotes, manufacturers and our own warranty, WCB, liability insurance, and we have excellent references and reviews. We do everything with our customers in mind and want to build lasting relationships.
We always want to be top-of-mind regarding our customers’ roofing repairs and replacement, so we offer an unforgettable customer experience. Contact us today to learn more about our company.