Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home – it protects you from storms, inclement weather, and pests, which is why knowing how to choose a roofer is imperative if you need to fix or replace your roof.
Finding the right roofing specialist can impact almost every aspect of your renovation or replacement, from how successful the project is to how much time and money you can save during the process. Read on to learn more about how our team at Minnesota Exteriors can help ensure you get the best roofer for the job.
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Services That Roofers Offer
Before you look into hiring a roofer, you first need to know what kind of roofing service you need to be done. Roofers offer multiple services, ranging from repairs to maintenance to inspections, and knowing how to choose a roofing contractor that specializes in what services you need is important to ensure your home stays protected for many years to come.
Many good roofing companies also often provide other services as well, such as gutter installation, roof coating, or emergency repairs.
Our team at Minnesota Exteriors offers both residential and commercial roofing services, including:
- Inspections
- Installations
- Replacements
- Renovations
- Repairs (on roofs previously installed by MEI)
What Is a Roofing Contractor? Types of Roofing Needs
When you are looking to find a roofing contractor, it’s also important to know what kind of buildings and projects they specialize in. For example, if you live in a residential home but are researching companies that primarily focus on specialized projects for larger buildings, you may want to start looking into different roofing subcontractors.
Here is more about what you should know about the types of roofer services and contractors:
- Residential vs. Commercial Roofers: Residential companies generally focus on single-family homes, whereas commercial roofers can provide services for multi-family homes and apartment buildings. Thankfully, MEI specializes in both, meaning no matter where you live, you get the best contractor for roofing.
- General vs. Specialized Roofers: General roofers often work in larger teams that can do multiple types of services, whereas specialized roofers tend to have smaller teams that are focused on specific projects.
- Local Independent Contractors vs. Roofing Companies: Larger roofing companies may not offer the personalized care and experience that local contractors, such as Minnesota Exteriors would.
Learn more about the best roofing shingle types for your next roofing project.
10 Tips For Choosing a Roofer
Knowing how to choose a roofer requires thorough research and consideration, but it can seem overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some tips that can help you know how to find a good roofer for your home:
Verify Licenses, Insurance, and Qualifications
Before anything else, it’s important to ensure the roofer you’re looking into is properly licensed and insured. Verifying these aspects protects you from liability and also means that the roof installation services you need will meet industry standards. This insurance can help protect your home from damage or other accidental issues that may arise down the line.
Another important aspect of how to pick a roofer is ensuring they are also qualified for the services you need – a good way to check this is to look over their reviews.
Research Local Roofing Companies
Often, the best roofing contractors are going to be local roofing companies. Not only are they familiar with local building codes and regulations, but they are also nearby for follow-ups and questions. When researching local roofing companies, such as Minnesota Exteriors, ensure you look online or ask friends and family what companies they used. This way, you can also support local businesses.
Review Experience and Expertise
It’s imperative for the roofing company you hire to have adequate and skilled experience in roofing projects. A few questions you should ask your potential roofing company include:
- What materials do you specialize in?
- How long have you been in business?
- What is your experience with similar projects?
This can give you a good idea of how to hire a roofing contractor who will go above and beyond.
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Request Written Estimates and Contracts
Your roofing contractor should provide you with a written and detailed estimate that includes multiple aspects of the project, such as:
- Materials
- Labor
- Taxes
- Additional costs
- Specific considerations
Additionally, reputable companies should provide you with a written contract that outlines the project scope, costs, overall timeline, and if any work is going to be subcontracted out. This helps avoid misunderstandings and provides both the roofing company with a general baseline to adhere to.
Check References, Reviews, and Past Work
Reviewing a roofer’s past projects provides insight into their quality of work, along with how satisfied their customers were with the outcome. Before hiring a roofing contractor, ask them for references or check their online reviews. Looking at overall reviews can also provide you with added information, such as if the company is good at adhering to budget and timeline.
Ask About Warranties
Many companies offer workmanship warranties for their work, meaning that if something goes wrong because of their craftsmanship, they should fix it free of charge. However, not every company offers this, so make sure you ask about the roofing contractor’s warranty coverage, along with if they offer it for the materials they use as well.
Understand the Timeline and Scheduling
While the contract should outline the timeline and scheduling needs, it’s still important to have detail about this when you speak to your roofing contractor. Discussing start dates, completion dates, and how to handle weather delays can prevent misunderstandings or surprises later on.
Be Wary of Large Upfront Payments
Reputable roofers should never request large upfront payments or for the roof to be paid for in full before they start work. Instead, it’s typical for a roof replacement contractor to only ask for a small deposit and then outline a payment schedule based on the project’s milestones. Talking this over with your contractor ensures that you’re both comfortable with the payment timeline.
Find the expertise and support you need for your next commercial roofing project with Minnesota Exteriors.
Values Communication and Transparency
Communication and transparency are some of the most valuable aspects a contractor can have. If you have trouble communicating with them before the project even starts, it may be a sign that you shouldn’t use them for your home. Choosing a roofer who is upfront about the process and easily answers your questions can make all the difference in your project.
Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, it’s important to trust your instincts when you choose your roofer. If something feels off during the consultation process – such as evasive answers, asking for a large upfront payment, or unrealistic timelines – it’s better to look for another contractor. After all, you know your home and your needs best.
13 Questions to Ask a Roofer Before Hiring
Before hiring a roofer, there are multiple questions you can ask them to make the process smooth and ensure that you’re getting the best contractor for your project. While these are only a small sample of questions that can be asked, here are some examples of how to vet your roofer before you hire them:
- Are you a licensed roofing contractor, and can you provide proof of insurance?
- Do you use subcontractors for any part of the project?
- Who will be the main contact for the project, and how will you handle communication?
- Can you provide references or examples of completed projects?
- When will you provide a written estimate, and does it include materials, labor, and tax?
- What will happen if you discover additional damage during the project?
- How do you handle payments, and do you offer financing options?
- How soon can you start, and how long will the project take?
- What is your policy for handling unexpected changes, like a need for additional materials or extended work time and will you notify me beforehand?
- What percentage of jobs do you complete on time, and how do you handle delays like bad weather?
- How do you ensure the safety of both your workers and my property?
- What warranties do you offer on materials and workmanship?
- Do you handle the removal and disposal of roofing materials?
Get It Right The First Time: Choose MEI For Your Roofing Contractor Needs
If you’re looking for a skilled and trustworthy roofing contractor, our team at Minnesota Exteriors can provide quality service with peace of mind. We offer both commercial and residential roofing services that will protect your home or apartment building for years to come.
With our over 75 years of experience serving the local Minnesota community, you can rest assured that we have the knowledge and communication you need for a smooth and stress-free project. If you have more questions, need a free roof inspection, or a free estimate for your roofing needs, reach out to the most trusted home improvement company in the Twin Cities today.