If your roof needs repairing or replacing, you may find yourself wondering where to start or who to turn to. One of the most difficult tasks that homeowners face when they are looking to fix or replace their roof is finding a reliable contractor to carry out the job. It’s no secret that roof repairs and replacements can be costly, which is why it is imperative that the roofing contractor you choose is appropriately equipped with the skills, knowledge and qualifications to carry out the job to the highest standard.
It can be difficult to know what to do when your roof suddenly starts leaking or you notice light shining in. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, discovering that your roof needs repairing or replacing can send you into panic-mode. How can you guarantee that you’re getting the best price?
Finding a contractor who is both reliable and professional may seem like a somewhat daunting task – but it doesn’t have to be. In order to prevent costly problems down the line and to ensure that your roof is repaired and replaced to the best standards, follow our top tips below.
Ask for recommendations
Before you turn to the internet to search for a roofing company, first ask friends, family members and neighbours if they have any recommendations. Perhaps there is a nearby neighbour who has recently had some work done on their roof or you know of a friend who had their roof replaced a while ago. If you know anyone who has any experience with local roofing contractors, ask them exactly who they used and how satisfied they were with the job. This is a great way to ensure that the contractor you settle with is reliable.
If you are unable to find any local recommendations, the next best place to look is the internet. Any reputable roofing contractor will have an online presence with a list of the services that they offer and their full contact details. Look out for companies that offer the address of an office and landline number as well as mobile numbers and emails, otherwise you risk choosing someone who simply drives around in a van with equipment and a mobile phone for contact. They may be difficult to get hold of should something go wrong.
Read customer reviews and testimonials
Reading previous customer reviews is a great way to check the reputation and reliability of a company. Before settling with any contractor, always be sure to read up reviews online and to request customer references from the company in question. It is important to check that previous customers are satisfied with the work that has been carried out and whether they ran into any problems along the way.
It is also good practice to contact customer references should you want to learn more about their previous work carried out. Ask previous customers what they had done, how satisfied they were, whether the company met the contract and if the job was finished on time. If a roofing contractor is reluctant to provide references or does not have examples of their previous work online, this may well be a sign that you should take your business to a different contractor.
Choose an experienced company
In order to guarantee that you receive the best service available coupled with the best value for money, you should always choose a company that has been in the business for a while. Choosing an established company that has the appropriate experience, skills and knowledge is absolutely essential to ensure that the work carried out on your roof is completed to the highest standard. Generally, we recommend choosing a company that has been in the business for at least 10 years, as they will have proven themselves to be both experienced and trustworthy in the industry. In addition to this, an established company that has been in the business for a while should offer a range of different products and roofing services including repair, maintenance and roof replacement.
Remember, a contractor can very easily hide from a past company by changing their name and moving forward as a brand ‘new’ business. This is why it is always a good idea to ask if the company has ever changed its name and inquire into how long they have been in the business.
Check that they are licensed and insured
Before hiring a roofing contractor, it is absolutely essential that you check that they have the correct insurance and licensing. All roofing contractors should have adequate insurance; roofing can be a very dangerous job and therefore anyone who carries out any job on your roof should be appropriately covered. Check that the company in question has workers’ compensation insurance. Should anyone get injured while working on your property, this insurance means that all medical and legal costs are covered.
You should also make sure that the roofing specialist you choose has liability insurance. If any damage is caused to your property while a roof repair or replacement is being carried out, liability insurance ensures that this damage is covered. In the unfortunate event that someone is injured or your property is damaged, you need to make sure that you and your property are completely covered. Failing to do so could leave you with some costly bills and cases on your hands.
Don’t be afraid to ask the company in question for proof of their insurance and licensing. If you have any doubts or concerns about the contractor, ask to see copies of the certificates to put your mind at ease and to ensure that both parties are fully covered before any work takes place.
Ask for specific details about how the work will be carried out
In order to best prepare for your roof repair or replacement, it is important that you discuss with the roofing contractor exactly how they intend to carry out the work beforehand. When having work done on your roof, contractors and roofers will be working on your property; therefore, it is important that you are aware of the timescale of the project and how long they will be around.
Similarly, if you are having work done on your commercial roof, it is important that you are aware of the details of the installation and how long it will take in order to avoid downtime as much as possible. Members of staff will need to be informed about the work being carried out and you will likely need to come up with a plan to avoid business downtime. This is why it is important that you request a clear timeline and schedule of all of the work being carried out.
It’s always a good idea to discuss with your roofing contractor how to best prepare for the work. You want to ensure that your property is completely ready for when the roofers turn up on the day to begin their work.
Cooper & Williams Ltd: Roofing and Flooring Specialists
If your roof needs repairing, insulating, modernising or replacing, or you simply need some new roof tiles, look no further than the experienced and skilled team of roofing specialists at Cooper & Williams. With over 40 years of experience under our belt, we offer all of the services and roofing products that you need to keep your roof in top condition. As well as domestic roof repairs, we also specialise in commercial roofing.
We comply with all modern health and safety regulations and hold public liability insurance to the value of £10 million. At Cooper & Williams, we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation and our high level of service that sets us above the rest. We always work to your schedule and keep any disruption to your property or your day to a minimum, so that you can continue as normal. Our roofing services include pitched roofing, flat roofing, roof repairs and commercial roofing.
For more information about our reliable roofing or flooring services, simply visit our website or get in touch today.
