The average asphalt shingle roof lasts for about 20 years with regular care and maintenance. As a homeowner looking for a roofing contractor in Caledonia, the best thing you can do for your roof and your house is to take care of repairs as quickly as possible.
However, you’ll need to find a roofing contractor you can trust to take care of those repairs safely.
If you’ve never hired a roofer, you might not know where to start. Here are a few simple tips to help you find the best roofing contractor in Caledonia now.
Ask Your Neighbors
The best way to find experienced and trustworthy roofing contractors in Grand Rapids, MI, is to speak with your neighbors.
Ask the people you know for recommendations. If your neighbors don’t have contractors they trust, ask your friends, family, and coworkers for suggestions.
Someone in your network will know of a reputable contractor to help you keep your roof in good condition. If more than one person recommends the same roofing company, make a plan to contact them. The more people that are happy with their services, the more likely it is that you’ll be happy with their work, too.
You can also search for contractors online. However, you’ll want to take the time to research those roofing companies in detail to make sure they’re worth working with.
Talk with Your Insurance Company
If you’re trying to get your insurance company to pay for a portion of the repairs, it doesn’t hurt to ask them for recommendations. Speak with your insurance agent when you file the claim, and see if they can give you a list of names.
Keep in mind that you’re not required to use the roofers that your insurance company recommends. However, it can be a great place to start if you’re not sure who to talk to.
That said, it’s always a good idea to shop around and get quotes from several roofers before you settle on a contractor. Remember, your roofer is the expert and will be able to make sure the insurance adjuster estimated the cost of your home’s roof repairs accurately.
Read the Reviews
Once you have a few companies in mind, read up on their reviews. See what others have to say about their services and the quality of their work.
If most of the reviews are positive and homeowners are happy with the repairs the company did, you’ll likely have the same experience. If most of the reviews are negative, see what the complaints are like. Since online reviews can be anonymous, you’ll want to dig a little deeper to verify any negative reviews.
Check with the Better Business Bureau and see if there are any outstanding complaints filed against the company. If there are, keep looking.
Make Sure They’re Licensed and Insured
Every reputable roofing business will have a valid business license registered with the county or state. Check with the county and make sure that the license number is current. If it’s not, you’ll want to keep looking. It could be a sign that the roofer isn’t professional or doesn’t stand behind the work they do.
You’ll also want to ask for proof of insurance before hiring the company to work on your property. Every trustworthy roofer will have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.
This coverage protects you from liability should their employees get injured on the job. It also keeps you from having to deal with costly repairs should they damage your property.
If the contractor doesn’t have insurance or won’t provide you with proof of a current policy, it’s onto the next one.
Schedule Estimates with Several Roofers
Try to schedule estimates with at least three roofers in Grand Rapids, MI. During those estimates, roofers will come to your home and inspect the damage. They’ll then provide you with a written estimate that outlines the work they’ll perform and the estimated costs of materials and labor.
Get a written estimate from each contractor you’re considering working with and compare them in detail.
Look at the types of repairs they’re willing to do and the estimated costs and fees they’ll charge. Keep in mind that it’s best not to base your decision solely on price alone. Instead, choose the roofer that offers the best quality workmanship and most thorough repairs at a price you can afford.
Follow Up with References
Every reputable roofer will have previous clients that are more than happy to discuss their experience with you. Use this to your advantage.
Ask each contractor for references and follow up with those references. Ask each person you speak with what they thought about the roofers, their workmanship, and whether they would work with them again in the future.
If the references are all positive, you’ll be in good hands. However, if they mention similar concerns, you may be better off with a different contractor.
Pay Attention to Their Location
Unfortunately, some roofers are little more than storm chasers, offering repairs after severe weather events. Most of these contractors aren’t experienced and won’t have valid business licenses in place. Worse, they’ll disappear as soon as the work gets finished.
If you have any issues with the repairs in the future, you won’t be able to get them to fix the damage. This means you’ll risk paying for the same repairs twice and won’t have the peace of mind knowing that the contractor stands behind their work.
Instead, look for roofing contractors that have a physical business address in your area. This way, you’ll know how to get a hold of them if anything comes up after they finish their repairs.
Choose the Best Roofing Contractor in Caledonia
If you’re dealing with a leaky or damaged roof, the sooner you can get it repaired, the better off your home will be. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to find the best roofing company in Caledonia to handle those repairs.
Are you ready to schedule an inspection and get a detailed estimate for your home’s roofing repairs? Don’t wait.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with us and let our team help you keep your home safe, dry, and in good condition.
