How to Choose a Reliable Roofer
Written by Rick Hinkson, Owner, Eureka Contracting & Roofing
Your next roofing project is on the horizon, but there are so many choices that you aren’t sure where to begin. Which roofing contractor is reliable and which are frauds? There are roofing scams happening every day, so it’s in your best interest to carefully consider your roofing options before committing to a final decision.
Roofing Contractor Reputation and References
Roofing companies have a reputation to uphold, which includes references. Gaining references for your choice of roofer allows you to double-check the contractor’s capabilities and competence, which is important when the roofing company is newer. Request project photos and references for previous projects from the past 6-12 months, including the references’ names and contact information.
Having at least three references will give you a wider range of options to choose from, especially when some are non-responsive. If they are a local roofing company get addresses so you can drive by and assess the completed job yourself. Ideally, the roofer you choose will have a reputation that precedes them, but if they are a newer business or have few projects to show off, it’s best to get a second opinion. Find a contractor you are comfortable with, all the pricing should be relatively close to one another.
Check for Certifications
Ask the contractor what certifications they have. Eureka Contracting & Roofing is certified with just about every shingle & coating manufacturer out there. Their project managers attend training seminars throughout the year. Find a roofing contractor that you feel comfortable with. If you used a company in the past, and they did a good job for you, reach out to them before all the storm chasers reach out to you. If something doesn’t “feel right”, walk away. Follow your instincts.
You do not need to sign a contract with the first contractor that contacts you. Eureka Contracting and Roofing has a large customer base that calls them first. This keeps those pesty door knockers off your front porch. You do not need to have multiple quotes if this is an insurance claim. The insurance company is going to write the estimate and determine the value of the repairs. Most of the roofing contractors should be really close in the pricing. The majority of roofing contractors will complete the work as outlined in the insurance estimate. We always recommend having our project manager present during the inspection by the insurance company to make sure they cover all the details. If the repairs cost less than the insurance quote, the insurance company will only pay on the lesser amount. If the costs are more, there is a supplemental process that can be followed to recover that additional money. Experience with the insurance company and the roofing construction is a must on insurance claims.
You should also ask to see copies of both the roofer’s liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This is called the Certificate of Insurance or COI. They should have copies of both on hand. If you are not sure about it, have their insurance agent email you a copy.
General liability insurance protects you if the contractor causes damage to your home during the project. If they don’t have this insurance, you are responsible for any repairs or damages caused during the project. Workers’ compensation protects you if the contractor or one of their hires is injured while working on your property. Without it, you may be responsible for any injured worker’s medical bills. If they aren’t insured, they should automatically be out of the running as your roofer. A COI should be obtained on all jobs, big or small, either from the contractor or directly from their agent..
Payment Terms and Professionalism
Most companies will charge you the down payment. Typically it is ½ of the contract value. If this is an insurance claim, the contractor will charge you the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the claim, and collect the final payment and deductible when the insurance company pays out the balance of the withheld depreciation. On larger jobs it may be broken down into 3 payments:
1st payment is due upon signing the contract, 2nd payment is due when the materials are delivered to the jobsite and the final payment is due once the job is completed.
Additionally, how the roofer presents themself and their company should factor into your choice. An abrasive, arrogant, or otherwise unpleasant individual is representative of their business and the work they provide. It isn’t always 1 to 1, but odds are the more professional and experienced they are, the better the results will be.
A Roofing Company You Can Trust
Finding the right roofing company doesn’t have to be a chore. The project may seem daunting, but if you do your homework, you’ll find the right fit for the job the first time. Too many people have tried to quickly secure a roofer without doing the necessary research to see if they are a good fit or not, resulting in them getting burned and feeling scammed.
The majority of wind and hail claims are not an emergency. If part of your roof is missing, then a temporary emergency dry in or tarp installation can be completed. Once you are tarped off it is no longer an emergency, the majority of the time. Don’t let that high pressure salesperson scare you into signing a contract because your roof was hit by hail. If you follow these steps, you’ll find the right roofing company the first time and have the perfect roof that much sooner, without the added hassle of future fixes. Call Eureka Contracting & Roofing, we will not try to scare you into signing our contract.
About Eureka Contracting
Eureka Contracting & Roofing is a top-rated, veteran-owned, fully licensed, and insured roofing business in Eureka, Missouri. By putting 35 years of experience to work in the insurance and construction industries, we ensure that our residential and commercial customer’s roofs, gutters, shingles, soffits, and siding are expertly installed, maintained, repaired, or replaced. Eureka Contracting & Roofing will not knock on your door unless they are invited to do so. We make properties better– the proof is in the roof!
About Senior Learning Institute
The Senior Learning Institute (SLI) is dedicated to providing “the truth about everything senior” to older adults and their families. Through free monthly educational seminars held across the St. Louis area, SLI connects seniors and their advocates with trusted, unbiased information to support informed decision-making. We have been working with the SLI for over 5 years.
SLI is proud to partner with a select group of vetted businesses and organizations that share our mission of serving the senior community. These partnerships allow us to provide valuable resources and advocacy, ensuring seniors have access to expert guidance and services when they need it most. By bringing together industry leaders, municipalities, and educational resources, SLI empowers older adults to navigate life transitions with confidence and ease. We are proud to work with the SLI and will continue to do so in the future.