How Do You Build a Good Professional Relationship With a Roofing Contractor?
Blogs
Find the right contractor
When searching for a roofing contractor, you want to find one that is honest, experienced, and qualified for the job. In this article, we will give you some dos and don’ts on how to find the right contractor (general contractor) for your project.
Have an idea or a plan of what you want to be done
...and be clear about this plan when communicating with your roofing contractor. Homeowners with a defined and realistic plan are usually more satisfied after the completion of the project. Should you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to bring them up and discuss them as soon as possible.
When looking for a general contractor you can trust
...try getting references around your neighborhood and ask people around you. Find some online reviews. Also, be sure to check and see if your chosen general contractor has enough credentials and meet all important qualifications, and is licensed.
Ask the roofing contractors to provide a written estimate.
Make sure the roofing contractor includes all the important detail in it such as materials and work descriptions. As a homeowner, keep in mind that coming up with an estimate is costing them time and money, so try to ask for a bid once you narrowed your search down to at most 3-5 companies.
Your DON’Ts as a client
Asking to wave the deductible
First of all, it is illegal. Waiving deductibles is a misdemeanor. Saving deductibles is one of the reasons why so many roofing contractors go out of business. It puts you and your contractor at a higher risk and will cause problems with the warranty. What good is a warranty, when your roofing company Is out of business? Go with a roofing company that will help find the best solution for your out-of-pocket expenses. Very often roofing companies offer interest-free plans for upgrades and additional out-of-pocket expenses that may occur during the construction process.
Changing the general contractor in the middle of the project
Try to make the decision of who you want to work with before the general contractor actually start putting effort, money, and time into your project. Getting bids and try to coordinate multiple trades, including additional services and permits is what GC does. It might be tempting to consult with a more expensive and experienced contractor first and then just go with a cheaper one and share the ideas with them. However, a cheaper option might not be a good option. A reputable and experienced general contractor with real market prices is something you should be aiming for.
