Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When choosing a roofing contractor, obviously it is very important you pick the right one. Getting the wrong one in can mean anything from having a poorly quality roof installed, to suffering significant damage to your property. So what is the best way of finding a quality contractor? Firstly, if possible, try and find a contractor that is a member of a state or a national organisation for roofing. In the US, check with your particular state authorities for advice. In the UK, this is the NFRC. Such organisations tend to require higher standards in order to join, and are also more likely to be able to advise on specialist roofing, such as for historical sites, or solar roofs. In some cases they are also able to offer additional protection if a particular contractor goes out of business. Researching the companies in question is also highly recommended. The Internet makes the process of finding testimonials and reviews easier than ever before, and they are very helpful at giving an indicator of how good a service you can expect, and whether you should be on the lookout for certain problems. What to do before you select a contractor:

Get the site inspected by several different contractors and try to obtain more than one quotation
If building a new roof, ask for advice on the material to be used. Different roofing materials work best under different circumstances
If possible, try and get an independent guarantee for further work that will be honored by the overseeing organisation.
If appropriate, ensure you have permission from the local authorities before you begin. This is the property owner's responsibility.
Get all quotations put in writing

What you should look for in a contractor:

A Health and Safety Policy.
Public, Employer and third party liability (covering at least $1 million)
Evidence of management and technical staff qualifications
An insurance-backed guarantee

Things to consider when the work is being carried out:

The contractor should give a guide on the time to be taken – but this may vary due to bad weather, or if extra work outside the original estimate has to be done.
The contractor will try to keep the work site clean but space for storage and a skip may be required.
Scaffolding is likely to be erected and must be out of bounds to children and any other unauthorized persons.

What should happen after the job is complete:

All waste and scaffolding should be removed by the contractor.
Any architect, engineer or surveyor overseeing the work should be asked to complete an inspection and hand these to the contractor.
The contractor should inspect on completion.
Any disputes should be settled as quickly as possible.


Choosing a Roofing Contractor When choosing a roofing contractor, obviously it is very important you pick the right one. Getting the wrong one in can mean anything from having a poorly quality roof installed, to suffering significant damage to your property. So what is the best way of finding a quality contractor? Firstly, if possible, try and find a contractor that is a member of a state or a national organisation for roofing. In the US, check with your particular state authorities for advice. In the UK, this is the NFRC. Such organisations tend to require higher standards in order to join, and are also more likely to be able to advise on specialist roofing, such as for historical sites, or solar roofs. In some cases they are also able to offer additional protection if a particular contractor goes out of business. Researching the companies in question is also highly recommended. The Internet makes the process of finding testimonials and reviews easier than ever before, and they are very helpful at giving an indicator of how good a service you can expect, and whether you should be on the lookout for certain problems. What to do before you select a contractor: Get the site inspected by several different contractors and try to obtain more than one quotation If building a new roof, ask for advice on the material to be used. Different roofing materials work best under different circumstances If possible, try and get an independent guarantee for further work that will be honored by the overseeing organisation. If appropriate, ensure you have permission from the local authorities before you begin. This is the property owner's responsibility. Get all quotations put in writing What you should look for in a contractor: A Health and Safety Policy. Public, Employer and third party liability (covering at least $1 million) Evidence of management and technical staff qualifications An insurance-backed guarantee Things to consider when the work is being carried out: The contractor should give a guide on the time to be taken – but this may vary due to bad weather, or if extra work outside the original estimate has to be done. The contractor will try to keep the work site clean but space for storage and a skip may be required. Scaffolding is likely to be erected and must be out of bounds to children and any other unauthorized persons. What should happen after the job is complete: All waste and scaffolding should be removed by the contractor. Any architect, engineer or surveyor overseeing the work should be asked to complete an inspection and hand these to the contractor. The contractor should inspect on completion. Any disputes should be settled as quickly as possible.
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