A homeowner may need to hire a roofer who can provide them with quality service. After all, service is really what matters whether one is ordering a pizza from a fast food chain or hiring a contractor to repair a leaky roof.

The need for quality roofing service is commonly recognized because that particular element of a house is a key element in providing warmth and shelter for a family. It is for that same reason that an owner feels vulnerable when choosing a contractor. The requirement is to hire someone who is able to thoroughly analyze the problem and efficiently evaluate the necessary repair or replacement needs within an established time table.

This process has many aspects, including: research of what is needed of a contractor; how to handle bids; important details to not overlook, and most importantly – communications.

Selection Process

The process of hiring a reputable contractor is not difficult; however, it does require a homeowner to do a certain amount of research. Part of the action necessary to achieve a positive roofing result involves talking to friends and family, gathering opinions, and compiling that research into a useable format. After assembling a list of potential contenders, checking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and with the local association of home builders can also provide useful information. Upon selection of a contractor who meets all of the required criteria; a meeting should be set up to allow that person to examine the roof and submit an estimate for repair or replacement.

A homeowner may receive several bids depending on how many contractors with whom they consult. The bids should be examined to be sure each one includes: specific material to be used; how many labor hours will be required; and how long it is anticipated to complete the job once the work has begun.

Putting all of this information and research together will hopefully result in an educated selection of a contractor to complete the roofing project.

Details to Not Overlook

Following are some important details to be sure to cover with the selected roofing contractors in order to prevent future problems and issues from arising:

• Company Details - Regarding the contractor’s company and products, things to be confirmed include: licensing, insurance, warranties and guarantees that clearly state what is provided by the manufacturer and what is provided by the constructor. All should be clearly stated in the contract.

• Job Details - Regarding the actual job itself, items that should be expected are: proper ventilation installation with a leak-free result; licensed electricians only perform any of the electrical work; replacement of pipe boots and flashing; shingles being nailed down and laid flat according to the manufacturer’s specifications and the local building code; shingles being aesthetically and neatly aligned; and a final inspection by an authorized local or state building department in order to declare the job as completed.

• Completion Details - Regarding any possible problems, the following could cause the roofing job to be declared as incomplete or improperly completed: improper use of flashing and/or excessive use of caulking; sharp objects and other construction materials such as nails or screws left on the job site; shingles looking uneven or untidy along the eaves; all shingles not properly nailed down or laid flat; failure to follow the manufacturer’s specifications or the building code; any shingles on the roof that are loose or torn; and any damage to the homeowner’s properly that have not been handled in any way.

• Communication - One of the most important aspects of a roofing job is communication between the homeowner and the contractor. Most of the above-listed details cannot be successfully concluded without proper communication to and from the roofing company; it must be thorough, educated, and timely. The reconstruction job will be successfully concluded with such communication activity; it is part of the superior workmanship that should be offered by a top-quality roofing contractor.

Quality service, durable material, cost efficiency and durability of the finished product include some of the things that are expected when hiring a roofer. The achieved results will definitely reflect the care taken by a homeowner in hiring a reputable contractor!