Searching for a Sarasota roofing contractor can be an intimidating task.  Your home’s roof is its first line of defense against the outside world and all that Mother Nature throws at it.  Your roof protects your family and your valuables and without it, a home is just a shell.  So, when you’re faced with the decision to install a new roof, or make roof repairs to an existing one, how do you know who to choose?  Roofing work, not only important to the integrity of your home, can be costly, so getting the best value for your dollar is key.

There are several risk factors involved in choosing a professional roofing contractor, not the least of which is your region’s specific weather conditions. Roofs in the Sarasota area must withstand hurricane-force winds.  Other concerns are the quality of materials used, the contractor’s insurance policies, the business integrity of the roofing contractor you choose, and of course – the cost.

Considering a few of these key factors can ensure that you select the best contractor for your job.  Right out of the gate, it’s important for your contractor to correctly diagnose the problem. If a roof failure occurs before the material warranty expires, it is critically important that you identify why the failure occurred, so your new roof does not repeat that process.  An inspection should be thorough and followed by 60 to 90 minutes of discussion between the homeowner and contractor.  A contractor who rushes through the inspection, or isn’t interested in explaining options and processes with the homeowner, is not the best person for the job.

The best roofing contractors care about more than just getting your business, they want you to be informed about the work and happy with the results.

Once the problem has been assessed and the solution identified, it’s important to have a contractor who understands the importance of using only the best quality roofing products. Your roofing contractor should explain the different materials to you, as well as the application process, and should be knowledgeable in the types of materials needed for your specific roof.

Next, it is important to choose a contractor with a strong business ethic. Reputable contractors will have no problem providing references upon request, as well as a Certificate of Insurance for General Liability, Worker’s Compensation and Vehicle Insurance.  Also important is “Insurance Coverages.” There are various types of insurance that you will want: auto, general liability, workers compensation and even “Completed Operations” insurance which will protect the homeowner from contractor negligence once the job has been completed. Being certain that your contractor is sufficiently insured will not only protect you, should anything happen on your property, but it is a good indication of the type of work ethic that your contractor possesses.

Lastly, weigh the costs. It is not uncommon for costs to vary by 30% to 50% or even more.  With so many variables involved in the service provided, choosing a contractor on cost alone is not a wise decision. However, you can ascertain valuable information based on how a contractor structures their pricing.  For example, a contractor may cut costs in important areas in order to be price driven, rather than value driven.  This business strategy often results in poorer quality work, costing you more in the long run, since the roof’s lifespan will be much shorter. One red flag that may indicate this type of pricing model, is when laborers are paid by the square, rather than by the hour.  When workers are paid by the square, they are motivated to rush through the job, opening up temptation to take shortcuts or to skip important steps. This is a classic “you get what you pay for scenario.”  Be intrepid with questioning about price. It is your money, and the value based contractor will understand and respect your desire to get the most out of it.

The good news is that choosing a roofing contractor in Sarasota doesn’t have to be hard. With Sonshine Roofing, you are guaranteed top quality workmanship for value driven pricing.  Using only the highest caliber products and focused on designing installations and repairs for your own specific roofing needs, we are dedicated to creating satisfied customers by providing a long lasting, high quality product.