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7 Benefits Of Hiring A Roofer To Do Your Roof Work

If you have any issues with your roof, it might be tempting to grab a ladder and do the work yourself or to hire the first roofer who knocks on your door, especially if the issue appears to be minor. Think again!

Your roof is one of the most essential parts of your home, and any work related to it is outside the scope of amateur handymen. Roofing requires special knowledge, tools, safety equipment, and experience. It’s best to leave roof replacement, inspection, and repair work to the pros. Here are the benefits of hiring a reputable local roofing contractor to do your roof work.

1. Safety

Roofing work comes with some significant risks. Residential roofs may have steep slopes, making slippery and dangerous. And when you’re learning a new skill and using unfamiliar tools, most of your attention will be on getting the job done, not your surroundings.

Hiring a roofer to do your roof work means you’ll be able to avoid safety risks. Not only do professional roofing contractors have the knowledge to get the job done right, but they also come prepared with the proper equipment, which allows them to effectively repair your roof and remain safe as well. Some of the safety equipment used by professional roofers include:

  • Fall arrest gear
  • Roof brackets
  • Equipment hoists
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Heavy-duty ladders
  • Safety harnesses
  • Hard hats

Roofing crews are also trained to get a roof repair, replacement, or inspection job done quickly and safely.

2. Warranty

Many roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which guarantees that their products are high-quality. There are many ways to void that warranty, one of which is attempting a DIY roof repair or hiring a handyman to work on your roof.

A local contractor who has been in the business for years will have manufacturer training and the experience to provide you with the best available warranties. When you need repairs done, they’ll ensure efficient work to keep your roof warranty intact.

Professional roofing contractors also issue a workmanship warranty. If anything goes wrong with their work, you can be sure it can be readily solved.

3. Reliability and Expertise

Quality and reliable roofing work often comes from the skills learned through hands-on experience. Reputable roofing contractors spend hours upon hours mastering the craft and developing their skills. No amount of research and watching DIY roofing videos will give you the same knowledge and expertise that extensive experience can.

A skilled and experienced roofer will use the right products and techniques to ensure your roof remains in excellent condition for a long time. They have a trained eye to spot issues and efficiently solve roofing problems, preventing minor issues from becoming big, expensive ones.

What’s more, a reputable local roofing contractor will be there in case something goes wrong with your roof. They’ll not disappear like storm chasers or general contractors will.

4. Time

Most people don’t have the knowledge to complete repairs when they head up to the roof. They take an immense amount of time to figure out the source of the problem and its solution. Working on your roof can keep you from focusing on other priorities in your life. And any delays could put your home at risk of damage because of the imminent weather changes.

Professional roofing contractors work efficiently to meet deadlines. They can do the work faster because it is their trade – they are experts at what they do. You’ll be able to enjoy some quiet with your loved ones and have more time to spend on your office work.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

If you plug the leak but fail to repair or replace that section of rotted roof decking, your patch job may leave your roof worse for wear. There’s no guarantee that your work will hold up, or you could just make the problem worse.

If not correctly fixed, small issues can quickly turn into bigger, expensive ones. As a result, it will cost you more time and money to hire a professional roofing contractor to rectify the issue.

The roofer will get the job done right the first time and prevent the problem from spiraling out of control. And because roofers have built long-term relationships with suppliers, they can keep costs low and pass that saving to you.

6. Tools

Another benefit of hiring a roofer to do your roof work is access to the right tools and equipment. Your hammer, ladder, and utility knife will not be enough to fix the roof. Many roofing jobs require different and complex tools, which you likely won’t have access to unless you choose to buy them. Purchasing all the necessary tools will cost a substantial amount of money, which might be more than you’d have spent hiring a roofer.

A roofer has all the right tools to ensure the project is completed successfully. This means you won’t have to invest in tools you don’t know how to use and might not need again.

7. Peace of Mind

Knowing a roofing contractor has the knowledge, skills, and experience to do the job right means you’ll have peace of mind. You’ll know your roof is going to last, giving you reliable protection for your home, possessions, and family.

Also, having warranties in place will give you something to fall back on. Not to mention you’ll be able to get regular inspections to ensure your roof is in the best condition possible, now and for decades into the future. The bottom line is reputable local roofing contractors have the knowledge, skills, tools, and experience to produce lasting results.…

What Do Roofing Contractors Do For Your Property?

A roofing contractor is someone who holds a license to work on repairs and other services on your roof. A contract will help you with supporting many maintenances and other needs that you might have when getting your property fixed up the right way. The variety of services available will give you the assistance you deserve for getting any space covered and cared for in an appropriate and well to do fashion.

roofers on the roof

Inspect Your Roof

A roofing contractor will start by inspecting your roof. A contractor needs to give you a full estimate for the project before starting. A free evaluation will come about based on what the contractor can find when working on your property.

An inspection includes more than just looking around the outside of your roof. An examination also includes checking the seams around the roof, your attic and other spots relating to the roof. The comprehensive analysis determines what a team should do to fix up space.

Home Renovation Tasks

A contractor will help you with all the renovation needs that you have. Renovations include getting a new roof onto your property after your original one has become too old. Your contractor will go over the tile options you have and the different color tones available for your use.

You can talk about which options are appropriate based on weather conditions, the style of your home and so forth. The odds are there is a choice for your use that will work appropriately and efficiently.

Gutter Issues

The gutters around your roof are as important as the roof itself. A repair or replacement process will incorporate the gutters as a vital part of what can work. Your contractor will assist you with looking at how well the gutters are hanging off of your roof.

A gutter analysis includes how well the gutters move along and if water is flowing off of them well enough. A full review helps to see if there are any problems with your gutters and how they carry water away from your foundation. Total replacements may work for your property if the contractor feels that there are too many issues with the ones that you have right now.

Storm Repairs

Damages to your roof following a storm can come from many sources. Some accidents occur due to branches or other hard items falling onto your roof. Sometimes the wind might have blown off a few tiles. Whatever the case may be, you can contact a roofing contractor for help with fixing up the situation. Doing so as soon as possible is the best solution for ensuring any problems will keep from getting any worse.

These are all useful tasks you can get from a roofing contractor. Be sure to see how well one of these professionals can resolve your roofing situation. It’s all about doing more for getting your roof to look and feel its best no matter what.…

9 Things You Should Absolutely Expect from Your Roofing Company

Experiencing roof issues and looking for a reputable and experienced local roofing company? You’re on the right track! Given the costs and importance of a quality roof, researching local businesses to ensure you find the right roofing contractor for your roofing project is critical.

In this post, we’ll outline 9 things you should always expect from a roofing company working on your roof.

 

Good communication

When making an investment in your home, you’re going to have questions throughout the process. Who answers those questions matters.

Make sure any roofing contractor you work with has someone available to answer any questions you have, when you have them. This person should not be a salesperson, but someone directly involved in the work being done on your roof.

If any contractor tells you that there will not be a consistent point of contact, be wary. This could mean that there is no one managing your project and holding the day-to-day workers accountable.

 

Proper diagnosis

Similarly, at the start of the project, make sure the contractor is able to diagnose the root issue and not just recommend a new roof. Without proper diagnosis, the same problem that caused the initial issue could cause you to have a damaged roof all over again.

Make sure the person selling you your roof is knowledgeable and empowers you to make a good decision.

 

Positive reviews

Homeowners who’ve had work done by a roofing contractor are in the best position to evaluate the work of a roofing contractor. Shouldn’t their opinion matter?

Anybody you work with should always have positive reviews online. This will give you some key insight on aspects of how the contractor operates. Take special note of comments regarding:

  • Customer service
  • Quality of workmanship
  • Cleanliness
  • Professionalism
  • Overall experience

If you see multiple negative comments, ask for an explanation. If they don’t have a good answer, it’s probably a good idea to steer clear.

 

Local experience

Local businesses stay around for one reason above all else: consistent, quality service. Focusing your search on local businesses that have a track record of quality service in your area will lead to a better roof every time.

When a company has firm roots in your area, you know they won’t be going anywhere. This means you can rely on them being there for their warranty and standing behind their work.

Don’t be afraid to ask a contractor how long they’ve been in the community. If they’ve been in town for multiple decades, you’ll know you’ll be working with a contractor you can trust with your home.

 

Utilization of good roofing products

Roofs need to be made from quality products that last. Here in the Pacific Northwest this is particularly important — a mid-winter roof failure could mean damaged property or an even larger repair to restore your home. You should expect an explanation of the products being used on your home and why they work for your specific roofing project.

When a roofer gives you a quote, they’ll also include the type of roofing material they’re planning on using. Make sure the material they use actually matches up with the material on your estimate. If it turns out to be a different material, make sure you get what is rightfully yours.

 

Products and labor warranty

Good businesses stand behind their work. Roofing contractors should be no different.

When a roofing project is completed, there are generally two components to any roof warranty:

  • Labor warranty: This is the warranty of the workmanship of the roof and covers a faulty job installing the roof. This is covered by the roofing contractor.
  • Materials warranty: This warranty covers failure or manufacturers defects on the actual materials the roofs are made with. These are generally offered by the manufacturer and not the roofing contractor themselves.

The standard for roofing contractors is a 10-year warranty on labor. Reputable roofers are trained to install the roofing material in a way that does not void the material (a problem with some less-reputable roofers out there). They’ll also help you with any roofing material claims that need to be made.

 

They must be insured, licensed, and bonded

This could be the most important step to protect yourself against shoddy work. Working with a roofing contractor who is insured, licensed, and bonded will protect you before, during, and after the roofing project has been completed.

All three protect you in different ways:

  • Insured roofers protect against worker or property damage during the project. The two types of insurance every roofing contractor need are workers compensation insurance and liability insurance. The former protects you from injured workers claims and the latter protects you from any damage done to your project during construction.
  • Bonded roofers protect against a subpar job. Bonded roofers pay into a fund that is used if a contractor does not finish work or does a faulty job. This protects you in case the roofers just get up and leave, don’t honor a warranty, or are simply being unresponsive to obvious failures to live up to your contract
  • Licensed roofers provide overarching protection to everything else. Roofers who are not licensed will certainly not be bonded or insured and will void a materials warranty on your roof. They also generally don’t do a very good job.

 

Free estimates

Make sure any roofer you work with provides a free estimate for your roofing project. While a roofing contractor’s time is valuable, they should be willing to earn your business. Reputable roofing contractors will be eager to come out to you and provide a simple quote for the cost of the project.

 

Good work

Above all else, you should expect good work from any roofing contractor you work with. While this may seem simple, not all roofers are created equal.

The best way to ensure you find a roofer who does good work? Don’t settle. If any roofer you research doesn’t satisfy all of the requirements listed above, move onto the next. Your home is likely your biggest investment, and your roof is the shield that will keep that investment valuable. Don’t let a subpar roofer come and complete bad work on your home.…

What to Expect When Working With a Reliable Roofing Company

Are you having problems with your roof and looking for a reliable and knowledgeable local roofing company? You are in the right place! Given the expense and necessity of a high-quality roof, it is essential to conduct local company research to identify the best roofing company for your job. According to the International Energy Agency, in addition to reducing peak cooling demand by 10% to 15%, cool roofs can improve heat insulation. To achieve this, a trustworthy roofing company is essential. In this read, you will get to know what you should always anticipate from a roofing company performing work on your home.

1. Communication Skills
Throughout the process of investing in your house, you are likely to have questions. Who you refer to with these questions is important. Ensure that any roofing company you hire has someone available at all times to answer your inquiries. This individual should not be a salesperson, but rather someone actively involved in the roofing labor. Be careful of any contractor that claims there will be no regular point of contact. This may indicate that no one is supervising your project or holding the daily employees responsible.
2. Labor and Materials Warranty
A good roofing company will stand behind its work and products. Upon completion of a roofing job, there are typically two parts to a roof warranty: the labor warranty and the materials warranty. A materials warranty covers failure or manufacturing flaws in the actual materials used to construct the roofs. Typically, they are provided by the manufacturer rather than the roofing contractor.
The normal labor warranty for roofing contractors is ten years. Reputable roofers are educated to install roofing materials in such a way that does not breach the manufacturer’s warranty (a common issue with some less-reputable roofing companies). They will also assist you with any necessary roofing material claims as needed.
3. Proper Diagnosis
Ensure that, from the outset of the job, the contractor is capable of diagnosing the underlying problem and not merely recommending a new roof. Without a correct diagnosis, the same condition that caused the first problem might cause the new roof to be damaged as well. Homeowners who have previously hired a roofing company are in the ideal position to judge a contractor’s performance. Everyone you collaborate with should always have favorable internet reviews and be open and honest about their process.
Reviews provide crucial insight into the contractor’s operations. Pay special attention to feedback regarding customer service, craftsmanship quality, professionalism, cleanliness, and overall experience. Comments about timeliness can also give you a sense of how efficient the company is. If you observe several bad remarks, ask the contractors what could have prompted them. If they cannot provide a satisfactory response, it is usually best to avoid that company and look for one who is truthful about growing from their past mistakes.
4. Utilization of Superior Roofing Materials
Roofs must be constructed from durable, high-quality materials. This is especially critical in areas where weather conditions are severe and a roof failure might result in property damage or require even more extensive repairs to restore your house. You should demand an explanation of the roofing materials utilized on your property and their suitability for your particular roofing job. When a roofer provides an estimate, they will also specify the roofing material they intend to use. Ensure that the material used on site corresponds to the material listed on the estimate. If they try to use a different material, ensure that you are informed and consulted about the decision, as it may affect the quality of the job and how much they charge you.
5. Local Experience
Local companies survive mostly due to their continuous, high-quality service. Concentrating your search on local providers with a track record of providing great service in your region will always result in a better roof. When a corporation has deep roots in your region, you may be certain that it will do a good job. This indicates that you can depend on them to honor their warranty and stand behind their work. When decades of experience are paired with a strong regional tie, that can be a sign of a trustworthy, dependable company to hire.
6. Free Estimates
Ensure that any roofer you choose delivers a complimentary estimate for your roofing project. Even though a roofing contractor’s time is valuable, they must be eager to gain your business. A reputable roofing company will be glad to visit your home and give a straightforward estimate before bringing any materials on site. Your roofing company should convey a sense of confidence and familiarity with the work. You can glean this from their capability to answer specific questions you may have.
7. Insurance, Licensure, and Bond
This may be the most crucial precaution against substandard work. Working with an insured, licensed, and bonded roofing company will safeguard you before, during, and after the project is finished. All three provide protection in unique ways. Roofing contractors with insurance offer coverage for damage to the workers or the property during the process. Bonded roofers safeguard against substandard work. Licensed roofers offer comprehensive protection for the rest of the structure.

9 Reasons To Hire A Professional Roofing Contractor

You might be wondering, why is there so much fuss about roofing? As you may have guessed, the roof is one of the important parts of your property. It keeps the inhabitants and the structural integrity of the home safe. However, the roof is exposed to the elements and is prone to all kinds of damage. Therefore, it requires regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Otherwise, it may end up ruined beyond repair.

Roofing is quite a tiring job, and it isn’t easy, either. If you have a knack for doing a few home repairs, then it may be possible to do some minor roofing projects here and there. However, there are limitations to the types and extent of roofing that you can do on your own. If you aren’t much of a handyman, then you’re probably better off calling a professional to help you out.

But you shouldn’t only call professional roofing contractors because you don’t know how to do it. There are other reasons that make hiring them a practical and smart decision.

  1. Licensed professionals

Roofing contractors are licensed professionals. (Check with your local municipality, licensing is not required everywhere)  There are some areas where roofing can be done without a license, but where it is required, would you want to take that risk? After all, a sturdy roof helps to protect your home from the everything the elements throw at it. In most states, roofers need to be licensed, or they can’t operate. It’s also a representation that they’re highly qualified, and you can trust their services.

  1. Experience

Professional roofers are also highly experienced. They’ve probably met other homeowners who have the same worries that you do. So, they’ve dealt with the specific repairs and works your roof needs multiple times. Experienced workers are more likely to know the root causes of problems, which materials to use, and what process needs to be done to repair the roof correctly.

  1. Inspections

When hiring a roofing contractor, you can also get a thorough inspection of your roof. Most of the time, leaks from your roof can be difficult to trace, so it takes a trained eye to find where the problem lies. You might think that you only need a few shingles replaced, but once the roofer inspects it, you might be surprised to hear about other issues that have been missed!

  1. Building codes

Here’s where it gets technical. Building codes vary in every area, so you have to do a lot of research on how you can comply with it if you plan to do roofing yourself. This might take a lot of time, and it’s boring to read up on all these rules and regulations.

If you hire a professional roofing contractor, you can skip the research and the risk of violating any building codes. And if there are any amendments to these laws, a professional roofer will be amongst the first to know.

  1. Safety

Being licensed and experienced professionals, roofers know their way around the structure of a house and employ the proper safety measures when roofing. Using unfamiliar tools is already dangerous, and it’s even worse when you’re doing it several feet off the ground. If you want to keep yourself safe from harm, leave it to the pros.

  1. Materials and work quality

Professional roofers are also extremely knowledgeable about the materials they use. They know which types of roofs are better for your house, budget, and location. Furthermore, they know superior brands and tools that can get the job done more efficiently. Plus, their work is first-rate, in comparison to the underwhelming job you might do if you aren’t great with tools.

  1. Economical

Mistakes and accidents can also be avoided if you hire professionals. Think about it; if you try to do the work on your own, you might end up making the situation worse, which means that repairs need to be redone, and roofing materials have been wasted. You’ll be wasting time, energy, and money in the process.

Plus, a professional roofer’s work is going to last longer because it’s done correctly. You can expect it to withstand the elements for years.

  1. Warranties

As professionals, contractors give a roofing warranty to clients. Depending on what roofing projects they do on your roof, the warranty can last for months or years. Any issues with the quality of work can be repaired by the roofers free of additional cost.

  1. Professional advice

A great bonus of working with a roofer is that you get professional advice about roof maintenance. They’ll be glad to tell you more about when and how often to clean the gutters, how to spot leaks, and what color to paint your roof. So, when hiring a contractor, don’t be afraid to talk and ask for advice.

Conclusion

Hiring professional roof contractors is a wise decision. Your roof will look great, your home is property protected, and you won’t have to climb up the ladder yourself!

What are the Services Offered by Roofing Contractors?

Generally, roofing contractors can provide their clients with multiple services, most of these services pertain to the roof itself, but many also offer additional services for their client’s convenience. Depending on if the roofing contractor specializes in residential roofing, commercial roofing or both, the services will differ. Here we will outline the most popular services provided for each.

Residential Roofers

All residential roofs are not the same, some are sloped while others are flat, no matter your residential roof type, a residential shingle roofing contractor typically will support any of your roofing needs. These services include:

  • Inspection of your roof to assess any damage from a recent wind storm or from aging.
  • Repair of small isolated issues on your roof, for example lifting or missing shingles.
  • Restoration of your roof, this includes cleaning your roof, and attending to any minor issues such as cracked or lifting shingles.
  • Shingle replacement, if your shingles are coming close to the end of their life span, a roofing contractor will remove and dispose of the old shingles, prepare your roof and install new shingles.
  • Emergency Repair, when the unexpected occurs most roofing contractors will be ready to help out with your leaky roof, or repair any damage caused by last night’s storm.
  • Gutters, downspouts, and soffit border your roof and work to move any water runoff from your roof away from your home. These items are all considered and integral parts of an effective roofing ecosystem.

Commercial Roofers

Like residential roofing companies, commercial roofing companies provide their clients with a wide array of options to help maintain the strength and durability of their commercial roof. These Services include:

  • Maintenance Packages, as most commercial roofs are flat, debris and dirt collect on the top of the commercial structure. Commercial roofing contractors will offer a scheduled maintenance package that includes cleaning the roof and inspecting for any signs of potential issues.
  • Repairing small sections of a large commercial roof is common, as long as the issue is isolated. Many of these issues arise in areas where water collects or rests leading to damage or aging quicker than other areas of the roof.
  • Roof Replacement, over time all commercial roofs will need to be replaced. There are several options when replacing your flat commercial roof:

TPO & EPDM Roofing – This is a synthetic rubber roofing membrane used primarily on low sloped roofs.
Tar Roofing – Made of several layers of waterproof materials adhered together with hot tar and covered with a layer of mineral aggregate.
Torch Down Roofing – One of the most durable roofing materials out there, it is made of strong membrane connected to a thick layer of asphalt and laid down on flat roofs with high heat from a torch.

  • Emergency Service is offered for commercial buildings to help repair any unexpected leaks or damage.

Not all roofing contractors offer the above-mentioned services, and some may even offer additional services that may or may not be related to your roof. No matter what type of service you are looking for, you should always work with a licensed and insured roofing contractor.…

Types of Services Provided by Roofing Contractors

Roofing contractors can typically provide various services to their customers, most of which are roof-related issues, but many also give extra assistance for convenience. The services will vary depending on whether your chosen professional specializes in residential roofing, commercial roofing, or both.

Roofing contractors oversee the whole operation of roof installation from start to finish, much like general contractors handle a large team of specialized professionals throughout a ground-up building project. Roofing contractors not only supervise the tasks on your project but also help guide it through the permits and inspection stages.

Here are the types of services your roofing contractor may provide for you and some more information that you may find fascinating:

Project Management

Your roofing project may require multiple teams to finish. There will be personnel who will replace your old roof and transport it off, and roofers who will place the new roofing surface. These professionals will not work unless someone orders the necessary supplies and schedules their delivery on time.

The roofing contractor is effectively a project manager who organizes and controls every aspect of the installation process, from planning, and procurement of materials, to managing the skilled worker you hire and ensuring that you hit all project milestones.

Installation

Proper installation is the most crucial element of a roofing project. Your roofing contractor will ensure that personnel utilizes the correct materials and complete the installation according to industry best practices. The contractor will function as your spokesperson and middleman, ensuring that the roofing installation is according to your specifications and that you are happy with the outcome.

They must oversee every detail of the project. If, for instance, you’re renovating a space to become a music studio and it requires sound-rated access panels installed, your roofing contractor must ensure that everyone involved knows how to handle it correctly and place the installation according to your specifications.

Consultation

Although a roofing contractor may not focus on inspections, most contractors can assess your roofing project’s demands and provide you with a quotation. Roofing installation starts with a consultation, during which they will determine the project’s scope and all of its components. After a preliminary assessment of the project, they’ll be able to provide an estimate so that all involved are aware of the roofing installation cost.

Paperworks

You won’t have to understand the permit process or navigate your local authorities to receive the go-ahead to start the project if you employ a roofing contractor. They can handle that operation, enabling you to focus on other areas. You can also depend on your contractor to ensure that the proper authorities are the ones who conduct the inspection and clear it for completion once installed.

Project Assessment

Among the most typical services a roofing contractor renders for your endeavor is project assessment, which occurs once the contractor understands the scope of your undertaking. They can set several parameters during the project, including timing and planning, after assessing the job and its requirements in terms of labor and materials.

Once the estimate is acceptable and you sign the contract with them, they can plan the phases of the project and the workers assigned to do the job.

Residential vs. Commercial

Residential Roofers

Although not all roofs are the same, some are steep, and others are flat, a residential roofing contractor can typically help with any of your roofing needs. Among these services are:

  •  They oversee the inspection of your roof for damage caused by a severe windstorm or deterioration.
  •  Repair tiny, isolated faults on your roof, such as shingles that are shifting or missing.
  •  Cleaning your roof and addressing minor problems such as broken or lifted shingles are part of the restoration process.
  •  A roofing contractor will replace and discard the old shingles, condition your roof, and place new shingles if they are nearing the end of their functional life span.
  •  When the unexpected happens, most roofing experts will be ready to assist you with your leaking roof or any storm damage from the night before.
  •  Downspouts, gutters, and soffit run along the edge of your roof and direct any runoff away from your house. All these elements are essential components of a thriving roofing environment.

Commercial Roofers

Commercial roofing contractors, like residential ones, offer various choices to help their clients keep the performance and durability of their commercial roofs. These services consist of:

  •  Since most commercial roofs are flat, trash and debris build on the roof. Commercial roofing contractors will provide a routine maintenance plan that covers cleaning and checking for any symptoms of possible issues.
  •  If the problem is isolated, they can repair minor pieces of a large commercial roof. Most of these issues emerge in regions where water accumulates or sits, causing damage or deterioration to the top faster than in other areas.
  •  All commercial roofs will eventually require replacement.
  •  Emergency service is available for commercial buildings to assist with any unforeseen leaks or damage.

The Benefits Of Working With A Professional Home Improvement Contractor

A home renovation project can be challenging for any homeowner, especially if it’s their first time. While some homeowners try to tackle most of the do-it-yourself (DIY) work to cut down on costs, it may not always yield the best outcome.

Depending on the scale of the renovation or remodeling project, working with a professional contractor may be a practical move. Doing so ensures that the project is done right from the start. Even if you have some experience, employing the services of a professional company will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that a team of skilled and experienced professionals will oversee the project.

Understanding The Role Of A Professional Home Improvement Contractor

Hiring the services of a professional remodeling contractor brings several benefits. If you are still hesitant to hire one, consider it a convenient process, similar to working with a wedding planner. When you work with a contractor, they handle all the details of your upcoming renovation or remodeling project, including assembling the right team, managing paperwork, and ensuring a seamless flow of activities.

The approach is worth considering to make the project flow as hassle-free as possible and let the professionals tackle the challenging tasks. Hiring a professional is a practical decision to ensure a good head start in your upcoming remodeling or renovation project. Consider checking out Nova Exteriors or other similar reputable providers to know how to ensure your remodeling project flows seamlessly.

Benefits Of Partnering With A Professional Home Improvement Contractor

If you want to ensure the seamless flow of your upcoming renovation or remodel project, consider hiring a professional. Here are some benefits of working with a professional home improvement contractor:

1. All-Around Resource

Employing the services of a home remodeling contractor ensures that you have all the necessary resources to complete a project, regardless of its scale. You provide the details of what you want to be done, and the contractor takes care of all the arrangements. This includes developing a schedule, applying for necessary permits, and coordinating with key suppliers, among other responsibilities.

Dealing with waste from the project, such as dumpster bins or other disposal methods, is already part of the contractor’s responsibility. Overall, a team of professionals ensures that the remodeling project flows smoothly and is completed promptly.

2. Industry Experience

Even if you already have a clear perspective on the outcome of your remodeling project, working with a contractor will guide you in developing a plan and choosing suitable design elements.

When you decide to hire a reputable professional home improvement contractor, you can be assured of getting the results you want. The right contractor has years of experience in the industry and possesses the skills to handle projects of any scale.

For example, when upgrading your kitchen or adding a home office, a contractor will ensure that the project complies with protocols, incorporates your ideal design, and identifies potential flaws before they become issues. Depending on the specific design you have in mind, a contractor can offer valuable suggestions, incorporating suitable design elements and eliminating impractical ones.

Working with a contractor is key to ensuring that your project adopts a precise strategy to meet your design requirements, while also considering crucial aspects such as functionality and adherence to building codes and quality standards.

Industry experience home improvement contractor

3. Save Money And Time

A home renovation or remodeling project requires a significant investment of time and finances, especially when tackling major overhauls. However, by enlisting the assistance of a professional home improvement contractor, you can effectively minimize both the duration and expenses associated with your project.

Teaming up with a reputable contractor offers a multitude of benefits, including access to readily available resources. Contractors possess valuable knowledge about suppliers and can provide guidance in selecting stores that offer a wide range of options at competitive prices.

Here are a few examples of how working with a contractor can help:

1. Materials: A professional contractor has established relationships with suppliers and can direct you to reputable sources for high-quality materials. This ensures that your project utilizes the best materials available within your budget, reducing the risk of subpar results or the need for costly replacements.

2. Management: A professional contractor takes charge of overseeing the project from start to finish. They handle the coordination of various tasks, scheduling, and ensuring that everything progresses smoothly. Their expertise in project management minimizes the likelihood of errors, streamlines the workflow, and ultimately saves you time and money.

3. Cost-effective solutions: Contractors have comprehensive knowledge of the market and industry standards. They can suggest cost-effective alternatives and value-engineering strategies without compromising on the quality or desired outcome of your project. This enables you to make informed decisions that maximize your budget while still achieving your renovation goals.

Hiring a professional contractor helps you leverage their expertise and industry connections, leading to savings in time and money for your renovation or remodeling project.

4. Includes An Insurance Coverage

Even reputable remodeling contractors can face unexpected issues during a project. However, most have the right insurance coverage, giving you an assurance that you won’t end up in a predicament. If you handle a renovation project yourself and encounter issues, you will be solely responsible for dealing with any damage. Furthermore, working with multiple contractors can make it challenging to keep track of those with adequate insurance coverage or who will take charge in case of damage.

5. Better Level Of Safety

One of the significant advantages of hiring a professional remodeling contractor is ensuring good safety throughout the project. Hazards such as fire and electrocution can occur if safety standards are not followed. Remember that depending on the scale of the project, certain aspects should be left to the professionals. It is best to determine if you need to delegate specific tasks to professionals. Here are some indications:

1. Potential to cause harm: When a remodeling or renovation project poses a high risk of harm if you make a mistake, it is obvious that you must entrust it to a professional, especially electrical work.

2. Tasks that require a license: If a project necessitates a permit, it indicates its complexity. For example, in some areas, you must partner with a licensed contractor to obtain a permit. Avoid the hassle by assigning such tasks to a professional to prevent unwanted damage.

3. Possibility of damage to your home: Consider tasks that can cause damage if not done accurately. For example, mishandling the electrical aspect of an old residence can put it at risk of fire.…

7 Qualities of The Best Roofing Contractors

When you’re hiring a roofing contractor for your home, it’s important to hire a contractor with experience and good customer service. Quality makes a difference!

Roofing contractors that have been around for many years, that are invested in their business and in their customers, will work hard to treat their customers right. After all, it’s their customers that make their business a success.

If you’re looking for a good contractor, it helps to know what you’re looking for. The following seven qualities can tip you off that you’ve found the right contractor for your needs.

1. They Treat Your Home Like It’s Their Home

Roof repair and replacement is a messy job. The best contractors treat your home like their own. They take care to protect the job site, and when the work is over, they’ll clean up the remaining mess.

In fact, you should be able to find information about the clean-up process in the contract or paperwork from the roofer. You know that you’ve found a good contractor when they can tell you in writing that they’ll clean up their messes when the work is over.

2. They Have a Great Reputation

Reputation is important. A roofer with a good reputation is a roofer that has treated their customers right. How can you tell if a roofer has a good reputation?

Positive reviews online are a good place to start. Read the negative reviews too. You can tell which contractors have repeated problems with customers, because you’ll be able to see patterns in the online reviews.

Referrals from friends and family are great indicators of quality work, as well. If you know someone who recently replaced the roof on their home, find out if they liked their contractor. If they did, ask for a referral.

3. They’re Smart, and Knowledgeable

You’ll be able to tell when you’ve found a good roofer because they should be willing to offer input during the consultation process. They may point you in the direction of certain types of materials to help you meet your goals, or they may give you information about how long you can expect your current roof to last.

4. They Listen and Take Notes

Good communication skills are a must for any roofing contractor. Look for a contractor that appears to be taking notes during the consultation, and has a lot of questions to ask about your budget, timeline, etc.

The best roofers provide regular updates once you’ve signed the contract, either by checking in over email, over the phone or even with a quick text. They should also be available for questions and concerns as your questions come up.

5. They Have a Stable Team

Find out what you can about the roofer’s team when you’re meeting for your initial consultation. Is the entire team new? Have the members of the team been around a long time? A stable team indicates a stable company, and that’s good for you as a customer.

Remember that contractors that have a stable team also may have spent more time training their team members, which means that they’re less likely to make mistakes or have accidents on your job site.

6. They are Honest and Trustworthy

The contractor you hire should be willing to share information about their license, certifications and insurance. You may be able to find this information on their website, but if not, ask them during the consultation. Their website should have all of their contact info, including a mailing address. Transparency is the hallmark of a good contractor!

7. They Love to Show Off Their Finished Roofs

In addition to references, contractors should be happy to show you completed projects. Ask your roofing contractor to show you pictures of completed jobs. The best contractors may have hundreds of pictures of completed projects that they’re proud to have been a part of.…

10 Tips for Selecting a Roofing Contractor

A new roof system is a big expense — it is one of the largest exterior building components — and it is also one of the few building elements that is primarily built on-site and reliant on proper application for long-term success. The roof system is constructed of a number of separate components — deck, insulation, membrane, and flashings — that must interact with total synchronicity. Improper application of any of the components within the system contributes to premature failure. For this reason, the selection of the contractor is critical to the service life success of the system. Here are 10 factors to consider to help vet and choose the right contractor for your roofing situation.

 

1. Actual Cost

Cost is often the determining factor in choosing a contractor for a project. It remains one of the top considerations in the roof purchase process. In the traditional process a number of contractors are solicited to provide bid estimates for the completion of the work. In this scenario, the awarded contractor is selected based on lowest price. This format is often used in public bids —  state, local, or federal government projects — where the rules stipulate that low bidder must be awarded the project unless there is cause to disqualify the bid.

The drawbacks to the process are inequality of bidders, inequality of materials and systems bid, and the reality that the low-bidder may have made a mistake in the bid process that could ultimately jeopardize the quality of the work. If the contractor made a mistake in the bid, the firm may try to cut corners so that it does not lose money on the job. In that scenario, the contractors’ mistake will end up costing the building owner and facility manager in the long run.

As a best practice, the only time that price should be the ultimate consideration is when you have equally qualified contractors bidding on the same materials, system, and application procedures. You should also qualify the low contractors’ price to ensure that they did not miss anything in the bid process.

 

2. Pre-qualify

If you are selecting contractors based largely on cost, it’ll be important to pre-qualify the contractors prior to the bid process. This ensures that all contractors are equally qualified to complete the project. The bidding contractors should be equal in professionalism, experience, and workmanship. The requirements for pre-qualification are provided below.

 

3. Scope of work

There is a plethora of roof materials and systems available on the low-slope commercial market. There are also different application methods — recover or replacement — that will have an impact on the cost of the project. It is best to provide a scope of work (preferably design specifications) that provides materials, systems, and application methods so that the contractors are all bidding equally.

If a scope of work cannot be provided, make certain that the contractors’ estimates include a detailed scope of work that provides materials, systems, and application procedures. The goal is to compare apples to apples.

Have the contractor provide a proposed schedule with the bid estimate that includes estimated start time and estimated project duration. The schedule may become a top consideration if the low-bidder cannot start the project based on your needs.

 

4. Financial strength

Have the contractor provide the company’s financial records for a time period acceptable to you (typically three to five years). Ensure that the contractor is financially stable and that it has the proper financial resources to complete your project. Financial strength becomes more important as the duration of the project increases. If a contractor cannot complete the project it will be nearly impossible to hire another contractor to complete the project. A new contractor will likely not assume risk or take responsibility for any work that it did not do. A manufacturer may also not provide a warranty based on these circumstances.

The contractor should provide a financial list of references that includes its main suppliers — material manufacturers, equipment companies, disposal service, and distributors. The suppliers that they deal with on a regular basis can provide the best analysis of their true financial strength.

 

5. Experience and history

Experience is an important factor. Well-established companies can provide some assurance of professionalism based on the conception that they would not be in business if they did not provide quality workmanship. It is important to establish that the company has the history that it indicates in its marketing materials. For instance, has the ownership and management been consistent or was the company recently sold to a new owner? This may impact how the company currently does business. Make certain that the company has operated under the same name and tax identification number. Also, ensure that there have been no filings of bankruptcy or delinquent taxes in its history.

 

6. Service record

There was a time when roofing contractors had worse service records than cable providers. Competition, the economy, and renewed professionalism in the industry have changed that perception. Most roofing companies have separate service departments that fix leaks and make minor repairs and conduct maintenance on completed roof areas. This is an important criterion to look for in a contractor, particularly if a warranty is provided. All of the manufacturers require that the owner conduct annual maintenance to the roof system to keep the warranty valid. It is beneficial to the owner if the company maintaining and repairing the roof after completion is the actual installer because that company has a vested interest in its long-term performance.

During the bid process, obtain the contractors’ service rates and response time once a leak is reported. It should be immediately or at the least within 24 hours.

 

7. Track record

All contractors should provide references of projects that were successful. It is important to contact these references to ensure that they were satisfied with the contractor’s work. It is more important find out how the contractor responded when problems occurred on the project. This is construction, and problems are likely to occur. It is best to contact the roofing manufacturers that the contractor is certified with to provide insight on how they responded on the “problem” projects that they typically do not list as project references.

You may also contact your state’s Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to see if there have been any complaints against the contractor.

 

8. Safety record

Safety training and on-site job safety have become the most important aspects for all trades on all construction projects. Due to the nature of the work, safety is especially important on roof projects. Ensure that the contractor has an established safety training program and that all on-site roof mechanics are properly trained. Most construction projects also require that a safety talk be completed daily, prior to the work day,  to review all safety requirements. The contractor’s safety procedures may be required by your insurance company or your organization’s management.

 

9. Insurance coverage

Have the contractor provide a current Certificate of Insurance. Make sure that the insurance coverage is in compliance with your requirements and the requirements of the state where the facility is located. Ensure that the insurance coverage is in effect throughout the duration of the project.

The important coverages to review are general liability and workman’s compensation. The contractor should have coverage required in case of damage to the building, the landscape, and interior contents. This is heavy construction and damage may occur. Workman’s compensation rates should be in compliance with your local state’s requirements. Check with your state for the current requirements.

 

10. Licensing and certification

Ensure that the contractor is properly licensed to complete work in the state where the facility is located. Make certain that the license is up to date. Many states require that contractors complete annual training to maintain the license. You can find this information through your state’s department of professional regulation or licensing board.

Also, have the contractor provide a list of all roofing manufacturers’ materials and systems that they are certified to install. Most manufacturers require that the contractors complete special training and have extensive experience installing the products prior to issuing a certification. They will also complete extensive due diligence into the contractors finances, experience, and quality of work prior to providing certifications.

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