Roof Contracting Experts – Ferguson & Melvin
Selecting a Roofing Contractor
There are thousands of roofing contractors in Southern California alone, and choosing the right one can be challenging. Even more than the roof system you choose, the contractor that you choose to install it will either make or break your project. The wrong contractor can cost you time, money and extreme aggravation. Here are some things to consider when choosing a contractor:
6 Critical Selection Criteria
Licensed and Insured – Check to be sure the contractor is properly Licensed and has no complaints on file with the Contractors State License Board. By law, if a contractor does not have the proper Worker’s Comp Insurance, their license will be suspended. Visit the California State License Board to verify their license is current and active. However, there is no legal requirement that they carry liability insurance. Most contractors will claim they have liability insurance, but surprisingly enough, the great majority do not carry it. It is very expensive for roofing contractors, so only financially stable and established companies can afford it. Insist on a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance and have you or your company listed as “additional insured” on the policy.
Approved – Make sure the contractor is a factory-trained and a “certified applicator” for the roofing system you choose. Most manufacturers require that the installer of their materials be certified in order for them to offer No-Dollar-Limit (NDL) warranties. Only by choosing a certified applicator can you be sure to get the highest quality installation.The major manufacturers will list their certified applicators, in your area, on their websites.
References – Make sure you get two or three references from the contractor. Call these clients and make sure they were satisfied with their work.
Price – Be very skeptical of bids that are unusually low – all your bids should be within 10 – 20% of each other – otherwise, something may be wrong. Remember, if a roofing contractor bid sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Stability – In today’s marketplace, the legitimate roofing contractor is a solvent corporation, with a full-time office staff, an established physical location, with significant equipment, vehicles, and resources. They should have a well trained sales staff that can help guide you in the selection process and what will work best for your application. A good contractor has been around long enough to see what roofing systems work best under what conditions – and, a good contractor will be around long enough to service your new roof through the duration of your warranty. A showroom of materials is a definite advantage.
Trust – Once you have found two or three competent and qualified contractors, meet with or speak to their representatives. All else being equal, choose the contractor who you feel you can trust. Using a trusted source like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also recommended.
