Roofing repairs and replacements with a licensed roofing contractor rarely comes cheap.

For example, on average, a brand new asphalt shingle roof can set you back between $7,000 to $20,000.

Alas, these costs are unavoidable. After all, roofing is somewhat essential to a functioning property. A faulty rooftop threatens its structural integrity and means your house can no longer effectively shelter you from the elements.

Worse still, issues that are left untended will only deteriorate over time. To prevent that from happening, it’s essential for homeowners to fix any problems with their roof as soon as possible.

Thankfully, hiring a quality roofing contractor ensures:

1. That the problems are resolved in record time, and
2. That the cost of repairs and replacements don’t extend (if you’ll pardon the pun) through the roof.

Are you looking to hire a contractor in Sarasota, Florida? Keep reading for 8 key tips on picking the best one for the job.

1. Understand the Roofing Process

Let’s face it, roofing repairs can never be made quickly enough.

However, that desire to get the job done as soon and as cheaply as possible can prove costly. Many homeowners rush the process of hiring a contractor and fail to understand what goes into the roofing process.

In their hastiness, they opt for the least expensive quote possible. This is a recipe for being sold a substandard end-product that’ll need further repairs in the near future.

Think about budget toys or products made overseas.

They’re cheap, which makes them naturally appealing. But then they break within days of the purchase, forcing you to buy another.

Unfortunately, the same situation applies to budget roof repairs.

Educating yourself about the roofing process will help you a) realize that paying more upfront is often worthwhile financially, and b) identify whether your contractor is doing an effective job.

2. Seek Friend and Family Referrals

It’s never easy finding a contractor out of nowhere.

After all, this might be the first time you’ve ever required roofing repairs (and you sure hope it’ll be your last!). Knowing where to turn for help is no easy task.

Of course, you could look to the internet to find a roofer. Alas, ascertaining their aptitude and reliability is far harder with no prior insight into their reputation.

Here lies the benefit of asking your friends and family for referrals!

Check with your nearest and dearest to see if they can recommend a contractor they’ve had a good experience with in the past. Hearing good reviews from the horse’s mouth is always reassuring.

3. Go Local

Looking to local contractors for help is another good way to find a reputable person for the job.

Why?

Because they’re already set up and established in your area. The nature of business is that you don’t last long if your services aren’t up to standard. In smaller places especially, word gets around and consumers look elsewhere.

Another advantage of going local is that you know the contractor will be familiar with local rules roofing and regulations. They’ll have pre-established relationships with suppliers as well, which might help to keep the costs down.

4. Ask for References

A local contractor might come recommended by friends and family and have a great reputation online too. Always ask them to provide references for their recent jobs as well though.

Their willingness to provide these contact details is a sure-fire sign that they’re confident in their work. Not only that, you get a chance to converse with their previous clients.

Again, you have another opportunity to hear from the horse’s mouth exactly how well-suited a contractor is for the job.

5. Check Their Business Rating

Here’s another option for verifying a contractor’s aptitude:

Use the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for an accurate rating of their abilities. Head over the BBB website to search for the roofing company you’re interested in.

It’s a bad sign if they’re no-where to be found! It’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you steer clear of these contractors.

Make sure you check the rating of the contractors that do show up. The higher the score, the safer you can feel hiring them for the job.

6. Ensure They’re Insured and Licensed

Top-rated companies on the BBB will almost certainly be insured and licensed to practice.

There’s no harm in double-checking though. Ask to see evidence of their insurance and licensing.

This is of vital importance! A contractor that lacks insurance means you’d be liable for on-the-job accidents. Roofing carries inherent risks; don’t put yourself in danger of a lawsuit.

7. Make Sure Everything’s in Writing and Under Warranty

Verbal contracts rarely end well.

Any room for interpretation can be abused by unscrupulous contractors. You can find yourself inundated with delays and ‘unexpected costs’.

Make sure that any roofing work to be done is set in stone in advance.

Both parties should sign a written and legally binding contract. If you’re at all uncertain about the contract, send it to a lawyer to run through first.

You’ll want to check that the work is under warranty as well. Have the exact nature of the warranty in the contract too, just so you’re clear on what is and isn’t covered by it.

8. Ask If They Sub-Contract

Many people are surprised to learn that roofing contractors don’t always do the work themselves.

Instead, they often subcontract the work out to a third party.

Now, this isn’t necessarily a problem in its own right. The company that actually does the roofing work can be proficient at the task.

You want to know exactly what you’re getting into though. We don’t have to remind you how expensive roofing repairs/replacements can be. With large sums of money on the table, having all the facts will facilitate greater peace of mind.

Ask for the details of any subcontractors so you can verify that they’re above-board and well-suited to your needs.

Time to Hire Your Sarasota Roofing Contractor

It’s important to choose the best roofing contractor for the job.

After all, roofing repairs and replacements are never cheap. With the levels of expense involved, you need to be diligent in the selection process. You never want to skimp on something as important as the roof over your head.

Hopefully, this post will prove useful in that endeavor! Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to a fully-functioning roof in no time.

Looking for any roofing-related support in Sarasota, FL? We can help. Contact us today to learn more.