Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, protecting you and your family from the elements and adding curb appeal to your property. When it comes time to replace or repair your roof, it's important to choose a reliable and experienced roofing contractor. Here's a guide to help you find the right roofer for your Colorado Springs home.
Before you talk to a roofing contractor, there are a few things you should do to prepare:
Know the condition of your roof.
Take a moment to review your roof for signs of deterioration, such as missing shingles or water infiltration. Have you endured any recent storm damage? Or does it just need routine maintenance? If you're unsure if you have an old roof that is aging poorly, don't hesitate to contact an experienced contractor and request an inspection.
Talk to your insurance company.
Make sure you understand what is covered, what your deductible is, and what you might need to pay out of pocket. Also find out what your insurance coverage type is, Replacement Cost Value (RCV), or Actual Cash Value (ACV).
Do your research.
Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. It is possible to request recommendations from your insurance company, but be aware that they may not provide an impartial opinion. You can also ask a realtor they tend to know and look for good roofing contractors. Furthermore, you can research local roofers by reading online reviews from previous customers and exploring their websites and social media pages to look and previous roofing projects they have worked on. Keep in mind that not all information found on the internet is trustworthy.
Interview 2-3 roofers.
Once you've narrowed down your list of potential roofing contractors, schedule an interview with each one. This will give you a chance to ask them questions and get a sense of their level of experience and professionalism.
When interviewing roofing contractors, there are several important things to consider:
Are they insured?
A reputable roofing contractor will have the proper insurance, which is general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect both you and them in case of an accident. You should ask to see proof of insurance and make sure it's up to date.
Are they licensed?
Roofing contractors in Colorado Springs must be licensed in your county or region. If they are not licensed they may not be able to get the building permit needed to work on your roof and it's a big red flag if they ask you to pull the permit, so you should be watchful of some independent roofing contractors who don't provide their license, especially after high winds or a hail storm. Be sure to verify their license number and check to see if there are any complaints or disciplinary actions against them.
Do they want money up-front?
Some roofing contractors may ask for a deposit before starting the work, but it's generally not a good idea to pay for anything until the roofing materials have arrived at the job site.
Are they local?
Hiring a local roofer is usually a better choice than hiring independent contractors from out of town. Local roofing companies are more likely to be familiar with the area and have a vested interest in maintaining a good reputation.
Do they have a contract?
A contract should spell out all the details of the job, including the scope of work, materials to be used, the price, and a key detail, the payment schedule. Make sure you understand and agree with everything before signing.
Do they provide a scope of work and estimate?
A professional roofing contractor should provide a written scope of work, which outlines the details of the project. They should also provide an estimate that includes a complete description of the roofing materials and labor being used, along with the total cost. If they ask to see your insurance claim before providing this information, be wary.
Make the inspection part of the interview.
This way you can ensure that your roofer is not only giving you accurate estimates but also has good quality standards and professional customer service. You can also see if their opinions match with the other roofing contractors you are interviewing and ask about the differences that may come up. Quick tip, if you haven't filed an insurance claim yet, be sure they don't circle any damage with chalk as it may cause some issues for your insurance adjuster, or leave hints for the next contractor.
Why all these questions and steps for choosing a roofing contractor?
By asking these questions and doing your research, you'll be better equipped to choose a roofing company that will do a good job at a fair price, and is someone you will be able to rely on for the next 10-20 years. Your roof protects the entire house, and what you have inside your home, and choosing the right roofer is essential to protecting your investment and making sure your roof will last. So, by taking these steps and asking the right questions, you'll find the perfect roofing contractor for your Colorado Springs home who you can trust to deliver quality results.
Where can I find more tips for choosing a roofer?
you can download our FREE guide How to Choose A Roofer - Guide for Homeowners for more information and an easy-to-use list of interview questions.
Comparing Estimates
Once you've gathered all the information, it's time to compare estimates. Before you do this, you should research the cost of materials and labor in Colorado Springs. This will give you a better idea of what a fair price should be.
There are 3 out of pocket costs you should be aware of:
- Maintenance outside of the claim: If your roof is not covered by an insurance claim, you will likely be responsible for maintenance costs.
- Upgrades to your roof or other materials: such as impact-resistant shingles or an extended warranty.
- Your own deductible: You will have to pay your own deductible, even if your insurance covers the majority of the repairs.
How to compare quotes from most roofing companies
What can a quote look like?
Some quotes may have every line item listed and prices separately in deep detail which can look overwhelming, some may have all the line items and a total price at the bottom, and others may be very simple and just be a written estimate that says "replace roof" price, and sign here.
How do I find out why their quotes are so different?
The best way to find out why quotes are different is to ask your contractor. They can tell you exactly what they're including or excluding in their quote, why their choice of roofing material costs more than the other contractors, what they mean by debris removal, etc. Most roofers should be able to explain everything in their quotes clearly, and in an understandable way otherwise, they may not be the best fit for your roofing job.
A few more things to ask about when looking at a quote from a contractor
Ask about manufacturer warranties on material
Some roofing materials come with a warranty from the manufacturer, and choosing roofing materials with a warranty can save you money in the long run, so knowing if this is included in the contractor's quote or not can make a big difference.
Ask about labor warranties
Most roofing contractors will provide some type of warranty on their labor, whether it’s a fixed number of years or “as long as you own the property”. Knowing what kind of warranty they are providing or not providing should be a part of the conversation
Ask if they are using any upgraded products
It's important to know the materials being used in your roof replacement, such as pipe flashing which may be made of lower-grade products that are likely to wear down faster than upgraded options. Ask why certain items are or are not receiving special attention and material upgrades so that you can make a more informed decision about what is right for you and your home.
Be sure to get our FREE guide for picking a good roofing contractor
Be sure to download our FREE guide How to Choose A Roofer - Guide for Homeowners so you can make an informed decision on choosing the right roofing contractor for your Colorado Springs home. With this guide, you'll have all the information you need to confidently select a roofer who has the experience and reputation necessary to provide quality results. With this guide, choosing a roofer can be easy and stress-free!
By following these tips and using our guide, you'll be able to find someone reliable and experienced when choosing a roofer, and will do a great job on your Colorado Springs home. Remember to take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask questions. With the right roofing company, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from the elements and looks great. Want to see just how well this guide works, put us at Homestead Roofing to the test, and give us a call today! We'll be happy to provide you with a free estimate and answer any questions you may have. Thanks for reading!
