You've noticed some issues with your roof—maybe a few missing shingles, a small leak, or just general wear and tear. It's clear your roof needs some work, but you aren't sure where to start. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is the best way to tackle roof repairs or replacements, but it can be an intimidating process if you've never done it before. Read on for our top seven essential tips to help you find the best roofing contractor for the job.

1. Research Potential Roofing Contractors Thoroughly

Before anything else, take the time to research potential roofing contractors in your area. Look for roofing contractors with excellent reputations, proven experience, and good ratings. Also, be sure to check to see how long a company has been in business and get multiple quotes from different contractors to compare pricing. Taking the time to carefully research potential roofing contractors will help ensure you make the right hire.

2. Verify Licensing and Insurance

When researching roofing contractors, it's essential to verify they have all proper licensing and insurance documentation. Every state requires roofing contractors to hold a valid license, so be sure to confirm their license is current. You'll also want to verify they carry general liability insurance as well as workers' compensation insurance to protect you from liability in the event of an on-site accident or property damage. Don't take their word for it; ask to see copies of license and insurance certificates. Hiring unlicensed, uninsured roofing contractors can spell huge trouble down the road.

3. Ask About Warranties

You'll want to ask any potential roofing contractor about the warranties that come with your new roof. In our experience, most roofing manufacturers provide material warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, which the contractor should pass along to you. A reputable contractor will offer a workmanship warranty as well. The time frame and coverage provided by each warranty can vary greatly, so understand these details before work begins. Failing to secure strong roofing warranties can lead to costly repairs over the years.

4. Understand Payment Terms

Before work begins, make sure you know exactly what payment terms the roofing contractor requires. Make sure payment dates and amounts are specified clearly in your contract, along with refund and cancellation policies. Understanding payment terms from the start will prevent future headaches. If you have any questions about their policies, it's best to ask them earlier rather than later.

5. Check References and Reviews

As mentioned above, one of the best ways to evaluate potential roofing contractors is to check their references and reviews. A contractor should be able to furnish multiple references from past clients. Take the time to call these references and ask how satisfied they were with the contractor's work and overall service. Checking online reviews on multiple sites can also shed light on potential issues or red flags. A track record of satisfied customers is a clear sign of a roofing contractor's quality.

6. Confirm Who Will Do the Actual Work

When talking to a potential roofing contractor, be sure to ask who exactly will be completing the work on your roof. Some firms subcontract work out to independent crews, while others have their own in-house teams. You'll want to verify that whoever is on your roof is fully insured, licensed, and qualified. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions about crew training and certification. Knowing precisely who will show up to take on your roofing project provides peace of mind.

7. Get Everything in Writing

This point cannot be stressed enough: a written contract is vital when hiring any roofing contractor. Read the contract thoroughly before signing to ensure all verbal agreements have been captured and that no details are missing. Never let work commence without both parties signing a detailed written contract; it protects your rights and provides accountability. Keep copies for your records.

Hiring the right roofing contractor is one of the most important steps to completing roof work successfully. According to the housing experts at RubyHome, an estimated 5 million roofs are installed each year, so as you might imagine, there are a lot of providers out there. If you need any help with your roof in the Englewood, FL area, reach out to Kirkey Roofing Inc today.