A storm blows through your neighborhood, leaving your roof damaged, to say the least. As you google “Roofing Contractors in College Station,” you are overwhelmed with options. Within a day, contractors are knocking on your door, each with a smooth sales pitch and a business card. Some of these roofing companies sound legit, but others you’ve never even heard of. As a homeowner, you need to know exactly what you’re looking for in a contractor, before signing ANYTHING. Remember, the roof over your home is a huge investment, so it is important to do your research. A poor job can lead to costly repairs and leaks in the future, so we have compiled a list of tips to help you find an honest, trustworthy, and reputable contractor.
Stick with local companies
Research the companies in your area and look at their customer reviews. Or better yet, ask around for referrals. After a storm hits, you may notice an increase of out-of-town roofers in your area. These contractors, called “Storm Chasers” are here to make a quick buck. They are often known for their quick, below-standard workmanship, and in some cases, will completely scam you.
Make sure your contractor is accredited by the Better Business Bureau
Compare the ratings of the different roofing companies in your area. Also, check to see how long these companies have been in the industry.
Check for company insurance
As a homeowner, the first thing you should do when meeting with a contractor is ask for a copy of their insurance. Unlike other states, Texas does not require roofing companies to have insurance so you MUST ask. If you choose to use a company without insurance and a worker gets injured on your property, you may have a lawsuit on your hands.
Look for manufacturer designations and credentials
Manufacturer designations and credentials are courses that educate and train roofers about their products and how to properly install them. This not only shows that the they are highly trained and knowledgeable, but also that they are continuously looking to improve the quality of their workmanship. These are important because Texas has no regulations for roofing companies. After a storm hits, many companies in similar industries will switch to the roofing industry to make money, so make sure to check how long they have had their credentials. You can usually find manufacturer designations and credentials listed on their company website. A few good ones to look for are CertainTeed Select Shingle Master and Owens Corning Platinum Contractor.
Do not simply choose the roofing contractor with the cheapest bid
A quality roof and workmanship will save you time and money in the future. As previously stated, the roof on your home is an investment. Investing in quality workmanship will save you the hassle of having to get your roof repaired or replaced prematurely.
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to pay the deductible
Contractors that offer to pay your deductible are committing insurance fraud. In turn, if you let a contractor pay your deductible, you are considered an accessory to insurance fraud.
Read through the entire contract and warranty
Your contract should have two warranties listed: The manufacturer’s warranty and the workmanship warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty covers the materials used to complete the job and can be used if the materials defect prematurely. The workmanship warranty covers the installation.
