Choosing Your Roofing Contractor

Choosing Your Roofing Contrator

Choosing your roofing contractor can be onerous. Roof maintenance (and replacement at some point) is necessary for your home, but finding the right roofing contractor for you is essential. We all have different things that are important to us. What is most important to you? Is it quality workmanship? Is it warranty? Is it price? Is it a financing option? Is it timing? Do you prefer a large company or a small company? Do you want a local business or a sole proprietor? There are no right or wrong answers, just personal preference.

BE PROACTIVE – HERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO

Get referrals or recommendations from friends and family.
If you’re new to the area, consider searching your local Better Business Bureau;
Does your roof really need replacing? Call in a professional or two for their opinion.
Remember that you need to be inspect and maintain your roof. Have it inspected annually. Most companies will charge a flat fee for this service.
The age of your roof will tell you a lot about its condition. In our climate, for example, the average shingled roof lasts 15-20 years. Don’t be fooled by the manufacturer’s claims of a ’30 year’, ’40 year’ or ’50 year’ shingles. Be sure to read the fine print.
Consider the environmental impact of the roofing material you choose. You’ll want to make sure you’ve pre-qualified all of the contractors prior to having them bid on your roofing job so you know that you’re comparing “apples to apples”.
Check the protential contractors Google reviews.
Read through the potential contractors websites. Do they have photos of their own work or are they stock photos? How long have they been in business? What types of payment do they accept? Call their office to book a site visit so that you can meet when they come to your home.
Once you receive a quote — how thorough is it? For example, if you have skylights, is replacement addressed? Will flashings be replaced? Has the chimney been inspected? If so, does it need to be repointed prior to reroofing? What is the condition of your gutter system? What is the procedure if the decking is substandard? Are there hidden costs or is everything set out? Will there be a daily and final clean up of your job site? Will gardens and property be protected by the contractor during the job?
Expect and insist on seeing the following:
- A current business license.
- A WorkSafeBC ‘Clearance letter’. Just having a WorkSafeBC account number is not enough. Protect yourself. If the contrator is not in good standing you are potentially liable for costs associated with accidents or injuries to workers that may happen during your job.
- A minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance — this is separate from WorkSafeBC coverage.
- A minimum of five letters of reference and addresses of completed work. If you are so inclined, drive by the addresses to see the work for yourself.

THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO

Do not choose a contractor where you are expected to pay 50% or more up front. Expect to pay a 15-25% deposit upon signing a contract;
Please do not go with someone who you have an uneasy feeling about. There are plenty of contractors. Choose the right one for your needs;
A contractor with a good reputation who is in demand is not likely to be able to start your job right away. Solid companies with excellend reputations have a job board that fills up quickly. Ask for a time frame to see if it meets with your needs and be flexible. Remember roofing is weather dependent;
Take your time making a decision. You do not have to sign a contract that moment.
Be wary of a “Special price for today only”. Ask yourself, “Why is that?”
Finally, don’t make your decision based on fear. ‘Your roof looks terrible, we need to start tomorrow but of course I’ll need a signed contract right now.”