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February 15, 2019When it comes to choosing a roofing company in San Antonio, you’ll find that there is no shortage of options. But, how do you find the right one? Who is actually going to do the best roofing job and at price that won’t break the bank?
As you may know, replacing a roof is one of the most vital home improvement projects that a homeowner could invest in. So you want to choose a roofing company or contractor that is going to get the job done right.
The problem is that many times, homeowners find that the biggest challenge is the task of simply finding the right company to hire. But why? I mean after all, you just want to work with a trusted professional who is going to do quality roofing work, in a timely fashion. Sounds reasonable enough, right?
It certainly can be this simple, but you have to know what to look for. When searching for a roofing company in San Antonio, only consider companies that have a great local reputation and have the necessary licensing. Doing these two things will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
So just how should you go about finding the right roofing company?
Here are 10 tips to narrow down your search and find the right roofing company in San Antonio:
1 – Talk with 2-3 Roofing Contractors
The very first thing you should do after searching for “roofing companies in San Antonio” on Google is call a few. Talk with each one about your roofing project and see what each company would charge. Not only will this give a range of different prices each roofing company would charge, but you would also get a feel for the company itself. Are they friendly? Do they seem professional? Getting a pulse for all of these things upfront is important because it is who you may potentially hire and deal with.
When you speak with each roofing company or contractor, take notes during your conversions. Jot down items such as how much they charge and how long the project would take. You should also take note of what your experience was like speaking with them overall.
2 – Verify Licensing and Credentials
If you haven’t already done so in your initial research, verify that the roofing company you’re speaking with is properly licensed. Most reputable companies are, but you still want to be sure.
In addition, ask the roofing company to provide 2-3 references for you. You want to make sure that the work they do is actually good. This will help answer the question of whether they do or not.
After you’ve verified the roofing company’s credentials and licensing, make sure they have liability insurance as well as worker’s compensation before going any further. You can even call their insurance carrier to be completely sure their certificates are valid.
3 – Understand the Warranty and any Contracts
Sometimes roofing contractors will not offer manufacturer warranties which include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. You want materials and workmanship to be guaranteed for at least 5 years. The roof itself should come with a 20 to 40 year warranty. If it does not, then that’s probably not a roofing company you want to work with.
It goes without saying, but do not sign any contracts without first understanding what they mean and what is included. There is nothing wrong with asking your roofing company to take the time to explain it to you. Having a solid understanding of the contract and warranties is a must in knowing what is guaranteed for your roofing project.
4 – Choose a local Roofing Company
When you are looking for a roofing company, make sure that they are local. Local companies tend to have more of a reputation within the community and offer a more personal touch. You can even see which companies have a good reputation within your community on the Nextdoor app. It’s a great tool for reviewing local roofing companies right in your own community.
You can even see what residents in neighboring communities have had to say about the roofing company and whether they recommend them.
5 – Take a Look at their Online Reviews
Online reviews are like letters of recommendation for local businesses. By taking a look at the reviews of a roofing company in San Antonio, you can get an idea of the overall experience other people have had.
This will also give you an indication on the type of work they do and if people are generally satisfied or dissatisfied with their work.
6 – Pay Your Deductible Prior to Work Beginning
Prior to any roofing work beginning on your home, you should pay your insurance deductible first if you’ve filed an insurance claim. This must happen prior to a roofing company in San Antonio beginning the replacement or repair of your roof. If not, it could have negative impacts for the homeowner’s insurance down the line.
So make certain that you have adhered to the necessary procedures. All work needs to be approved prior work on your roof beginning. You’ll be glad you did in the long run.
7 – Get the Details of the Roof Job in Writing
A good roofing company in San Antonio should provide this. But if not, ask that all the job details be put in writing and ask for a copy. This way, there is no question about the work that the roofing contractor is doing or how long it will take.
Knowing what to expect beforehand will eliminate surprises later. Plus, you can better plan around the time a roofing crew will be at your home to complete the work. If you have any questions about the details, be sure to ask for clarification. This will help you and your roofing company be on the same page.
8 – Don’t be Pressured
When the time comes to replace or repair a roof, it is on your terms. Don’t let roofing contractors make you sign anything that you’re not comfortable signing. Sometimes when you a file an insurance claim, a roofing company may try to have you sign a contract for the price before the insurance has estimated the damage. Wait to hear from your insurance first, then proceed.
Other times after severe storms, you will have “neighborhood roofers” knocking on your door telling you that you have roof damage. Sometimes they may even try to get you to sign a letter of intent. Don’t buy into this. Just politely say, “no thank you.” And close the door.
9 – Don’t Rely on Price Alone
Naturally, you may want to go with the roofing company who offers you the lowest bid. Ever heard the old saying, “you get what you pay for?” Well it couldn’t be more true in this instance.
There are always going to be roofers who can do the job cheaper, but your roof is more likely to suffer in the long run. Why? Because very low bids likely mean their pricing does not cover the proper insurance and overhead costs. What’s more is that these low bid roofing companies will likely have no workmanship guarantee. What does that mean? That pesky roof fix done by a poor job is going to have be paid for out of pocket.
So do yourself a favor and hire a roofing contractor based on reputation and proven work. That extra bit in cost will save you much more long term.
10 – Trust Yourself
At this point, you’ve done the research. You’ve talked to different roofing companies. You know how much they will charge and what to expect working with them from reviews. Don’t think about it too much. There is likely 1 or 2 companies who meet all your criteria, have proper licensing and insurance, and that you feel confident in.
Take a deep breath and make the hire.
Need a Reputable Roofing Company in San Antonio for Your Next Project?
As a homeowner, you want to feel strongly about the company who is replacing your roof. An “okay” roofer just doesn’t cut it. You deserve the best and that is exactly what you will get with Norwest Roofing.
As a local roofing company in San Antonio, we have helped a number of homeowners with their roofing needs. We are proud to say that we maintain a 100% satisfaction rate. With our team, you can expect a guaranteed warranty and a team of professionals who genuinely care about doing great work.
So if you are in need of a roof repair or replacement, we encourage you to contact us today.