Am I working with the right roofing company? You’re not alone if you are asking yourself the same question. More than 5 million roofs are installed every year in the United States, according to Forbes. Most of those projects come off without a hitch. However, some roofing projects do not deliver as expected. The success of the roofing project comes down to the roofing company. How do you know if you have the right roofing company? Look for these eight signs before you hire!

1. They Will Provide You With Referrals

The right roofing company can and will provide you with referrals. Referrals from former clients should be readily available for you to contact. If the roofing company cannot provide referrals it’s a sign that something is not right. Unless you’re the company's very first client, every company should have previous roofing clients that you can check in with. You can also ask around your neighborhood to see if anyone you trust has worked with the company in the past.

2. They Have a Great Reputation

You should be able to look up the company online and find a bunch of glowing reviews about the work that they’ve done. A good reputation speaks volumes about what you can expect from the company and the quality of work that they deliver. Read the online reviews to get a feel for who you are doing business with. A bunch of negative reviews is a red flag that indicates that you may have made the wrong choice.

3. They Are Openly Communicative

When you’re working on something as large as your roof, you need to be in open communication with your team. Make sure that you have everything promised in writing. This is to protect both you and the roofing contractors. The right roofing company will put everything they promise in writing and have that contract ready before they begin work on your property.

A great roofer wants to ensure that everyone is on the same page. They don’t make promises they cannot keep and are not afraid to put in writing the promises that they made. Ask about the agreement process when you’re talking to different roofers.

4. They Make You Feel Comfortable

Something that can’t be overstated is the importance of how a roofing company makes you feel. You should be comfortable sharing the issues you’ve seen with your roof without worrying about potential upselling. Take the time to interview different companies over the phone or in person. Either way works, but you should speak directly to a contractor or a representative of the company before you hire anyone.

5. They Are Licensed and Insured

It’s essential that you’re working with a roofing company that has the proper insurance, not only for your protection but for their employee's protection. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are working with a company that has its own insurance in place. If a roofer is hurt while installing your new roof and the business is not insured, you can be held liable for the injuries. If your roof company has insurance, they should not have a problem with showing proof.

Being licensed and insured points to the validity of the business and the professionalism you can expect. It also can save you both from great expenses in legal fees and hospital bills. The business owner you work with should understand the value of protecting their workers and the homes they work in.

6. They Share Information About Your Roof

The right roofer will easily be able to diagnose your roof problems and explain the problem to you. They’ll have options for replacing your roof that are ideal for your home. One of the major complaints homeowners have about meeting with roofers is that the roofer does not take the time to explain the problem in full. In other words, they just assume that the roofer knows what they are talking about and agrees to repairs or replacements based on what the roofer says. It’s important that you know what the plan is and what is wrong with the roof. Your roofer should take the time to explain every step of the process and ensure that you are fully informed. The right company moves with transparency.

Additionally, the right team keeps you informed throughout the project. If any obstacles come up they discuss those obstacles and the steps they are taking to overcome them. They should be great communicators that respect your need to know what’s happening with your roof. Don’t work with someone who moves forward with the project without your knowledge.

7. They’re Fully Prepared to Get the Job Done

If your roofing company shows up short-handed or missing materials, it can be a big sign that you did not choose the right company. The right company will show up to the job site fully prepared to get the work done in the time promised. The right roof company properly plans every job, knowing what tools and resources they’ll need for the day. They have a staff that is highly trained, they have enough employees to manage the project, and they have the materials that they need.

One of the key signs that you are working with a trusted provider of roofing services is that they stick to a timetable, and they can get the job done as promised. Not having enough help or not having the right materials can delay completion and speaks to the professionalism of the company.

8. They’re Transparent About the Payment

If you are working with a company that demands to be paid upfront for the work, that should be something to watch out for. While it’s common to pay a deposit for roofing work, you should never pay for the entirety of the work until the job is complete. If you’re working with a company that’s making requests for more money to cover material costs or labor before the job is complete, you are in trouble. The right company will have the funds to cover the expense of the project without having to ask the homeowner for more money during the project.

There are a lot of good roofing companies that are honest and move with integrity. Looking for signs that you’re working with a good company will help to ease your mind about the project. Keep in mind if you do come across any red flags, it’s never too late to back out of the project and replace the company with roofers you can trust. It’s far better to cut your losses early on than risk having a faulty roof or being scammed out of money.

One of the best ways to ensure you’re using the right roofing company is to do the research before you ever sign a contract or pay a deposit. Evaluate your options carefully. Learn more about what a trusted roofing company looks like and how you can find one. Want to get started with a trusted provider today? Reach out to us at Precision Roofing! A representative will be happy to speak with you. We’ll make sure that you get the greatest value from your roofing project.