Finding the right contractor is crucial for your Colorado roof. Peak weather catastrophe season is seemingly always just around the corner, it is important to know what to look for when choosing a roofing contractor. After a storm hits, it can be tempting to have your roof repaired immediately by the first contractor who knocks on your door. While some of these door-knocking contractors may be legitimate, many of them are unlicensed, uninsured, and ill-equipped to handle your roofing project. It is important for homeowners to take the time to properly vet roofing contractor candidates before signing anything.
10 Tips for Finding the Right Contractor
To better equip Colorado homeowners for their roof repair and maintenance needs, here are 10 tips for finding the right contractor.
1. Ensure they’re a registered company.
Confirm that the roofing company is registered with the Colorado Secretary of State. This can be done by performing a business search on the Secretary of State website. The business record should show that the company is in good standing and up to date with all of their business filings.
2. Ask about insurance and worker’s compensation.
Ask the roofing contractor to provide evidence of General Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage. Contact the insurer listed on the certificate and confirm that the coverage is active and that the contractor is endorsed for roofing.
3. Ask about references.
Request references and check them! This is key to finding the right contractor. A reputable roofing contractor WILL have references and will be happy to share their work with you.
4. Don’t let them push you around.
Beware of overly aggressive sales people! Legitimate roofing companies should never push you to sign a contract on the spot.
5. Make sure they’re licensed in your area.
Ask the roofing company to provide a copy of their contractor’s license that applies to work in your jurisdiction. Call your county building department to confirm that the license is active.
6. Ask if they are certified by a manufacturer.
Look for manufacturer designations. Contractors who have received an authorized installer designation have had to meet certain requirements to show that they can install products safely and correctly. A roofing contractor who is factory certified should be able to show a copy of the certificate awarded to them by the manufacturer.
7. Ask about warranties.
Find out what type of warranties, if any, the roofing contractor will provide. A reputable roofing contractor will gladly back their work with a warranty.
8. Ensure adherence to Colorado Senate Bill 38
This bill requires that contracts specify the scope of work and materials to be provided, the total project cost based on known damages, the contractor’s policy regarding the cancellation of the contract, and much more. For a full list of SB-38 contract requirements, please review the Colorado Roofing Association’s SB38 Fact Sheet.
9. Beware of fraudulent practices.
By law, a contractor cannot pay, waive or rebate a homeowner’s insurance deductible in part or in whole. Any contractor who claims they can do this is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. Always pay your deductible.
10. Avoid up-front payments.
Most reputable roofing contractors will not require payment until your project is complete. There are some companies that may ask you to pay for the roofing materials before the start of your project. Be wary of those who are not financially equipped to purchase what is needed to complete your scope of work.
Academy Roofing: the Trick to Finding the Right Contractor
Curious about how Academy Roofing ranks on the abovementioned qualifiers?
Our company has been registered with the Colorado Secretary of State since 1981 and is in good standing. Our Secretary of State business summary can be viewed here. Our certificate of insurance and manufacturer designation certificates can be viewed on the credentials page of our website. We have a long list of customer references that can be provided upon request. We can also provide a list of viewing addresses if you would like to see our work in person. Academy Roofing holds contractor licenses in over 60 jurisdictions, and we are happy to provide our customers with copies of our licenses.
Regardless of which company you select for your roofing services, make sure to take your time and do your homework. If you have questions about finding the right contractor or would like to request a free estimate, please give us a call at (303) 360-0708.