Don't Get Ripped Off On Your Next Roofing Job - By: Alby Fernsworth, Posted on: 2006-12-03

Although many of us are tempted to save money by repairing our roof without the aid of a professional, the truth is that it is often best to bring in the pros. But, many of us are nervous about doing this because we have heard so many stories about bogus contractors running away with people's money without completing the job. Even when a contractor finishes the job, the work may be substandard and need repairs that exceed the cost of the original job. If you need the help of a roofing professional, here are some tips to keep in mind to help you stay in control of the job and make certain that you receive the level of service that you are paying for.

The first thing is to make sure the person you will hire is a certified professional. They will be taking a large chunk out of your bank account so you need to do a thorough background check. Ask for references and contact those references. A professional will easily give you a list of references and will most likely volunteer this information from the get go. If certification is a requirement in your area, make sure to see their credentials.

Strive to track down a roofing service that has a good history in your area. Look for their advertisement in the yellow pages. What is their tax ID number? Ask for a list of vendors and credit references. If they are unwillingly to supply any of this information then think twice before hiring them.

A subtle but telling signal that someone may not be a true roofing professional can be had simply by looking at the equipment they use. Is their truck filled with ladders and all the tools of the trade? Is the name of their company on the side of their vehicle? Is it stenciled on or just a magnet with their logo? Do they have air nailers and other modern equipment? These are not necessarily indicators of potential fraud, but if things don't look right, they probably aren't.

A major factor to consider when hiring a roofing contractor is to determine the level of skill their crew demonstrates. Does the contract employ full time skilled roof mechanics or are they using temporary employees and day laborers? The competence level of the crew is much lower if it consists of day laborers. You want a roofing company that has qualified roofing mechanics. Demand that the team consists of only qualified roofers. If they give you any hassle about this do not hire them.

What kind of materials does this roofer plan on using? There is a lot of difference between the grades of shingles and plywood used in roofing and you don't want some cheap materials causing you to make repairs in a year or two! Be sure to specify what brands and types of materials that are to be used on your roof to ensure the best quality.

You may want to take the lowest bid, but the lowest bid most often does not equal the best deal. Roofers that do not have experience or people that are going to take your money and run give low bid estimates. You definitely can't get something for nothing. Look for competitive bids that are within 10% of each other.

In conclusion, you should verify that you have all the details written down. Don't sign a contract until you fully understand what you are getting into regarding the contract. It is common practice for honest contractors to provide service after the sale so they can make you a loyal customer in the long run. The key is to never work through an expensive job without a contract. If you keep these tips in mind when choosing a roofer you have a new roof and be a satisfied customer.

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About the author: Alby Fernsworth is the your host at Ferns Roofing, the #1 source on the internet when you're looking for fresh up to date advice and reviews to do with Roofing. For further information on Roofing please visit: www.fernsroofing.com/articles You can swap links with us by going to: www.fernsroofing.com/links
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