One of the most essential and expensive parts of a building project is a roof installation. It is your first defense against the weather. So, whether you need a full installation or a little repair, you need to hire a roofing professional who would deliver on his words. But how can you hire the right residential roofer in Philadelphia?

Steps to Hiring a Professional Roofer

Here are the steps you can take:

1. Search for Reliable Contractors

The first step to hiring a roofer is to look for those that are reliable. You have to treat this step as when you are hiring a new employee. You do not want to go in search of an untrusted roofer. You can search for roofers in Philadelphia on the internet. There are several reliable residential roofers in Philadelphia if you know how to search for them.

One way to do this is to check the reviews of customers to see what people are saying about their services.

Furthermore, you can ask for recommendations from neighbors, friends, or family members. They may know a trusted roofing contractor. You will need to make a list of all the names you will get from your search.

2. Verify the License

When you have made a list of reliable contractors, select at least 3 names to contact. Ask them to provide a license. This is proof that they are recognized by a professional body and they have the basic knowledge and skill to render roofing services. If the contractor is unable to provide a license, it is a red flag. So, beware.

3. Verify the Business Details

A genuine roofing company needs to have an address that can be traced. You can also ask about their tax identification number; check if they have a website, phone number, and email address.

4. Ask About Insurance

It is very important for you to hire a residential roofing company that is insured. This is because if the roofer sustains any injury during installation, repair, or roof maintenance, the insurance will cover the medical bill. On the other hand, if the roof was not properly installed or developed some defects, the company’s liability insurance will cover the cost of re-installing the roof or repairing the damage.

You can click on the link to read more about liability insurance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liability_insurance

5. Request to Speak with Previous Clients

You can ask the contractor to provide the contacts of their previous clients. This will enable you to have first-hand knowledge of the roofer’s expertise. You can also request for their portfolio to see their past works.

6. Check the Better Business Bureau Rating

Most roofing companies are listed on the website of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), especially those who have been in the business for some time and are well-known in the industry. The ratings are between A+ to F. Those companies that are highly rated are consistent in their services, which means that you can trust them. You can call the Better Business Bureau on 703-276-0100 in the United States.

Although some companies may not be listed on the BBB website, they can still be trusted. They may either be a small company or a new one.

7. Check Their Level of Expertise

It is important to know if the contractor you want to hire has experience with the type of roof you want to install. Some roof installations require special training, licensing, or certifications to ensure that it is properly installed.

Additionally, you need to know how many people will be working on the project and the time it will take to complete it. A professional will be able to complete the work on time and install it according to the building code.

8. Go Over the Contract and Ask for a Warranty

When you have satisfactorily decided on who to hire, a contract needs to be drafted. Go through the details to ensure that everything is in order. Do not sign until you have fully understood all the terms and conditions. A good contractor will be happy to explain thoroughly until you are satisfied.

This website explains the qualities of a good contractor.

Also, do not forget to ask for a warranty, in case anything goes wrong. The materials used in installing the roof needs to have a warranty of at least 5 years.

Conclusion

Your roof is a very important aspect of your house. Do not treat it lightly. You can follow the steps discussed in this article to hire a professional roofer.