The importance of doing your homework before committing

It is extremely important to do your homework before you commit to a roofing contractor. That way, you have a fair amount of knowledge about what you are getting into, and will be able to stand on an even plane with the contractor. If you’ve done your homework, the contractor can’t bully you or take you for a ride.

Keep the following things in mind:

• Ask for the full name and address of the company and how long they’ve been doing business.
• Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number and a business license.
• Find out about the insurance coverage they carry.
• Check on their registration, license and certification.
• If possible, look up the work history of the company and how long it has been in business.
• If possible, ask for references and get feedback from previous customers

Before you decide on a contractor, it’s best to get two or three bids. These bids should be based on building specifications, materials, labor and time needed to complete the project. Once you receive these bids, discuss them with each contractor and try to clarify any variations in prices. A lower bid may be more tempting, but it could also mean that the contractor may not be choosing high quality building materials.

Knowing what questions to ask and what to look out for will definitely be advantageous, and will benefit you in the long run.