Hiring a qualified, reputable and experienced contractor is crucial if you as a homeowner need a brand new roof installation or any kinds of roof repairs, maintenance or replacement services in the state of Michigan. Your roof, being on top of your home, is truly one of the most critical, essential components and structures of your entire house. It protects you, your family, your furnishings and your possessions from all of the outside weather elements and conditions, including rain, snow, hail, wind, storms, sun damage and more. Choosing an unqualified, inexperienced or disreputable roofing contractor could potentially lead to and result in shoddy, poor quality workmanship, mistakes, additional unexpected costs and charges, problems and major headaches for you down the road.
When looking for a roofing contractor, keep these seven important factors in mind:
1. Licensing and Insurance
Any roofing contractor you hire to work on your home should be fully licensed and insured in your state. It is highly recommended and wise to ask to see copies of their credentials, including their up-to-date business license that allows them to operate in your area, and their liability insurance paperwork that covers damages, injuries and accidents. This protects you, the homeowner, providing peace of mind in case there is an unforeseen on-the-job injury, incident or property damage that occurs on your premises. Reputable, experienced, ethical roofing contractors who want to earn your business will have absolutely no issues or problems promptly providing you with copies of their valid credentials, licenses and insurance paperwork. Refusing to provide proper documentation could be a red flag that a roofer is unqualified or dishonest. Protect yourself by vetting roofers thoroughly beforehand.
2. Experience and References:
When evaluating and choosing a roofing contractor, it is wise to look for and select one that has extensive hands-on experience actually installing and repairing roofs that are the same or very similar to the type of roof and structure that you have on your home. Be sure to ask the roofing company to provide you with a list of past client references that you can then personally contact to ask about their levels of satisfaction, experiences and results with the contractor’s roofing work and service. A long track record spanning many years of having predominantly happy, satisfied and problem-free customers willing to vouch for and recommend the roofer is an excellent and reassuring sign that they are a reputable, dependable company that does quality work. Alternatively, you could ask for photographs of homes in your area that have had their roofs installed by the company.
3. Detailed Written Estimate
It is recommended to take the time to get detailed roof replacement or repair quotes from several different roofing contractors in your area so that you can thoroughly compare all of the bids side-by-side. A truly reliable, reputable and experienced roofer will gladly provide you with a comprehensive written estimate that clearly and thoroughly outlines the full project scope, specifies all required materials, provides a reasonable timeline for completion, lists any needed permits, and breaks down the total costs in detail including labor and materials. Having this information allows you to realistically understand the project and make apples-to-apples comparisons between contractors’ quotes. Be very cautious of any roofing bids that seem unusually or suspiciously lowball, as this may be a red flag that the roofer is cutting corners or using inferior materials and methods to come in at a cheaper price. The lowest bid does not necessarily mean the best value over time. Carefully vet and choose your roofing contractor based on experience & reputation, not just bottom line cost.
4. Material Quality
Ask the roofer what brands and quality level of materials they recommend and use. Top-quality materials usually provide longer-lasting roofs. Make sure the workmanship warranty they provide covers both labor and materials.It’s also helpful if they’ve been trained by the manufacturer of the material in question. At Moore & Sons Roofing, we are a Platinum Preferred Contractor for Owens Corning. As such, we have exceeded benchmarks that they have set for the highest level workmanship and professionalism while using their materials.
5. Project Management
A competent roofer should explain how they’ll manage the project from start to finish. This includes scheduling, staging materials, protecting landscaping, regular cleanup, and managing weather delays. Choose a contractor who communicates frequently and coordinates well.
6. Safety Record
The roofing crew should consistently follow proper safety protocols, including wearing safety harnesses on steep roofs. Ask about the company’s safety training and practices. Their commitment to safety protects both your home and their workers.
7. Responsiveness
Throughout the project, the contractor should be responsive to any questions or concerns you have. Good communication upfront and during the job leads to better outcomes for everyone.
By keeping these key factors in mind during your contractor search, you can feel confident you’ve made a wise choice. Your new roof will protect your home for years while adding curb appeal and often boosting resale value too.
For exceptional roofing services in Michigan, contact the experts at Moore & Sons Roofing. Their experienced, licensed team has installed and repaired roofs of all types since its inception. They offer free, no-obligation estimates using top-quality Owens Corning materials. All work comes with warranty options of up to 15 years for your peace of mind. Contact Moore & Sons today to schedule your free estimate!
