If you have a mid-to-large sized home a new roof is likely to cost many thousands of dollars. As such you need to perform your due diligence before committing to a roofing contractor. Getting estimates is important, certainly, as is making sure you’re personally comfortable working with the roofers involved. But there’s more to finding the right contractor for this vital project than simply gathering estimates and warm fuzzy feelings. You’ll need to develop a checklist of important points that should be satisfied before you sign on the dotted line.
Vetting Roofing Contractors in Mississauga
In order to avoid a roofing disaster that could see you take an enormous financial hit and perhaps negatively impact the value of your home you’ll want to vet any prospective roofing contractors in Mississauga carefully. The following checklist will help you do that.
- References – No references, no deal so this is first on the list. Before you discuss price or schedule make sure they’ll provide valid references and check them. If they can’t or won’t then move on to the next company.
- Proof of insurance – Another non-negotiable item on your checklist. If they don’t have robust liability and personal injury insurance you’ll be liable for any injuries or damage they cause to your property or the property of your neighbours. No insurance. No deal.
- A verifiable address – Some roofers have a snazzy truck to provide the reassuring visuals but little else. A verifiable business address goes a long way toward establishing that the contractor is in this for the long run and not just trying to make some beer money.
- A written estimate – Any reputable contractor will be happy to provide a written estimate for the job. If the prospective contractor won’t they’re trying to leave the door open to piling all sorts of hidden charges onto the final bill.
- Better Business Bureau profile – Check this on your own. You’ll be able to see if they have any outstanding lawsuits and read feedback from past customers. Remember, any company that has been around a while is bound to attract the odd lawsuit. It’s a pattern you’re looking for.
- Who will do the work – Sometimes the person you talk to doesn’t even own a roofing company. They’re little more than a glorified salesman who secures the work then farms it out to subcontractors. Find out who’s doing the work.
- Workmanship guarantee – Any reputable contractor should guarantee the quality of their own work. The length of these guarantees can vary, but if the company offers no such guarantee you should take a pass.
- Industry affiliations – Membership in trade associations and the like is another sign that the contractor takes their business seriously. If they have no industry affiliations you’re perfectly justified in asking why.
Don’t just take someone’s word that they know what they’re doing and will stand behind their work. Make sure you carefully vet any prospective roofing contractors in Mississauga before selecting the one that’s right for you.
