The smart way to hire a roofing contractor

By Exterior Home Solutions.

Skip the guesswork — here’s how to find a roofer you can trust and afford.

Your roof doesn’t send a formal notice when it starts to fail. One day it’s keeping you dry, the next you’re setting out buckets and scrolling through contractor listings. Hiring the right roofing repair contractor isn’t just about fixing a leak — it’s about protecting your home, your finances and your peace of mind. But with every company promising the best price and fastest turnaround, how do you separate the pros from the pretenders? Our team here at Exterior Home Solutions believes you need to know before signing that contract.

Before hiring a roofing repair contractor, it is essential to do your research. Ask your neighbors or Homeowner Association (HOA) who they recommend and check roofing contractor requirements and directories for your state. It is crucial to find and read reviews and then call two or three local roofers to schedule consultations. Check references, reviews and qualifications, compare bids and negotiate the final price.

Roofing contractors have to meet the criteria of their municipality, and this is why it is important to check your states roofer qualifications and directories before hiring. Good roofing contractors are experienced, licensed in your area, insured, bonded and willing to provide references and write an estimate.

Roofing services vary from contractor to company. Hence, it is essential to ask the two or three roofers you're interested in working with what services they offer. Some common roofing services include roof inspections, repairs and maintenance, installation or replacement, weatherproofing, insulating, ventilating, shoveling, roof cleaning, sealing, treating or painting, debris removal and gutter, siding and window services.

When you're ready to hire a roofing contractor, there are two types to consider: independent contractors and roofing companies. There are pros and cons to both, and it is important to compare bids for the best price and check roofer reviews, references and qualifications.

Interviewing contractors is an important step in hiring the right roofer. Ensure you ask the roofer some basic questions to determine if they are the right fit. Questions like:

• What types of roofing do you install?  
• Do you work with homeowners' insurance to file claims?  
• Do you have a current license to do this work in my area?  
• What types of insurance do you have and what is the coverage?  
• Can you give me two or three references to check?  
• Do you offer a free on-site inspection?  
• Do you take photos during the inspection and after completing the project?  
• Will you give me a written estimate after the inspection?  
• Do you do roofing repairs?
• How much do they cost?  
• Is your work covered by manufacturer warranty?  
• How do you keep projects on schedule?  
• What's your inclement weather policy?  
• Do you remove or dispose of old roofing materials?  
• Is there a disposal charge?  
• Do you recycle old materials?  
• When and how do you bill or invoice?
• Do you accept credit cards?  
• Do you offer financing?

Always get bids from a few roofing contractors before choosing the one that's right for you. You may choose the reasonable, middle-of-the-road bid or the contractor with the lowest price and best availability. With the right budget, you might opt for the roofer with the highest estimate and 20 years of experience installing the type of roof you want. No matter which bid you choose, make sure your roofer has the right qualifications.

In conclusion, if you need a roofing repair contractor in Richmond, Virginia, Home Exterior Solutions LLC is a reputable company to consider for your roofing needs. The company offers roofing replacement services to ensure your roof remains durable and watertight for years to come. Remember to do your research, ask the right questions and get multiple bids before making a decision.

Original article and photo source: Exterior Home Solutions