Roofing projects are expensive and major undertakings. With that said, you need to choose from legitimate roofing companies that will give the best bang for the buck. After all, a roof repair or new installation is a big investment, and you’d want it to last long.
In this post, we’ll share with you some tips on how to find reputable roofers and some red flags you should be careful about. Keep reading and see if your preferred roofer passes this quick check.
How to verify a roofing company’s legitimacy
If you’re on the hunt for the best roofing Mankato has to offer, you should check potential roofers through the following steps:
1. Perform a roofing contractor license check
The first you should do is verify the roofing license of the contractor you’re planning to hire for the job. You can do this at the state level, where they have a database of all licensed and registered roofers in the area.
If you don’t know where to check roofing licenses, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for guidance.
If you can’t find your preferred contractor’s license, then it’s time to look somewhere else. But if you managed to confirm that they are duly licensed, make sure that you also look at the next steps.
2. Look for online reviews from real customers
Online roofing company reviews are a great way to gauge the quality of their work and how they handle customer service.
For example, BBB roofing contractors have profiles where you can see complaints, actual customer reviews, and the company’s length of business.
Aside from that, you can also check local roofing company ratings on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and even on Facebook.
3. Check the roofing contractor’s credentials
Trusted roofing contractors will flaunt their credentials and certifications to their potential clients.
For example, certified roofing contractors are members of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NCRA) and should have an NRCA PROCertification, the standard for roofers nationwide.
If you need a specialized type of roofing, make sure that you look for accredited roofing companies that are certified in that type of job.
4. Ask about their past work and experience
Next, take your time to ask questions to confirm if you’re dealing with reliable roofing contractors.
First, ask how long they have been in the roofing industry. For example, Boelter window siding & roofing has been in business for over 30 years. It’s a solid proof of their expertise in providing quality roofing in Mankato and Southern Minnesota.
In addition, experienced and licensed roofing contractors have a comprehensive portfolio. You can ask them to provide references for their previous projects to see if they match the quality you’re looking for.
5. Check their insurance coverage
You should also perform roofing company insurance verification once you’re confident that the roofer is suitable for the job. Take note that any company can claim that they have roofing contractor insurance, but you should always ask for proof.
Remember that insured and bonded roofing contractors will not hesitate to show you a physical copy of their insurance coverage. Some would even give you a number you can check as proof that they provide standard roofing company guarantees.
Roofing company red flags to watch out for
Aside from knowing what to look for in a roofing company, you should also be aware of what you should avoid. Here are some of the red flags that indicate it’s time to look for another contractor:
- No online presence. If the roofer doesn’t have an established website or social media account, it’s possible that they are fly-by-night contractors who may disappear in the middle of the project. It’s smart to hire a contractor where you can easily find roofing company references.
- Pushing roofing company scams. Did a “roofer” come knocking at your door saying your roof has storm damage? These are storm chasers who make money out of unknowing homeowners.
- Very new to the business. It’s either you’re dealing with a roofer who struck success fast or an unstable contractor who might leave you with a fixer-upper. It’s always best to conduct a thorough roofing company background check if you’re bent on hiring a newcomer.
- Asking for full payment right away. If a roofer asks for a large deposit or full payment upfront, you should run! Never pay a large advance without seeing any actual work or materials. You run the risk of being scammed by unscrupulous contractors.
- Lowballing your roofing estimate. Did a roofing contractor give you a really low offer that’s just irresistible? Well, think again. Lowballing is a common tactic among shady roofers, only to do a bait-and-switch with a more expensive contract later on.
Be smart when hiring your next roofing contractor!
Whether you’re opting for a roof replacement, repair, or new construction, make sure you perform the steps we discussed above. This will save you from a lot of hassle and substantial financial losses, as many scammers lurk in the roofing industry.
Always be wise and meticulous so you can stop roofing scammers in their tracks!
