Choosing a new roof to enhance your home can be a challenge. With so many different materials and styles to choose from, it’s likely to be a carefully considered decision. Equally important, however, is choosing the right contractor to install your roof. Taking the time to make the right decision can save you a lot of stress and unnecessary financial outlay, and can make the difference between a positive experience (and an end product that you are pleased with) and a negative one. If you’re in the process of looking for the right contractor to carry out work on the roof of your property, here are some simple guidelines that may help:

History and Experience

A good roofing contractor will have left a trail of satisfied customers in his wake! Find out about a potential contractor’s history; how long have they been in business? Can they provide references from previous customers who are happy to recommend them?

It’s also a good idea to focus your enquiries on satisfactorily completed projects that are relevant to the type of work you require. There’s no point, for example, in hiring a contractor on the basis of 3 excellent recommendations from customers who’ve had repairs carried out on traditional slate roofs, when what you require is the installation of a GRP roof. In other words, ensure that your chosen contractor has relevant experience and that the projects concerned have been completed to a good standard.

Location

Choosing a locally based contractor wherever possible is always a good idea. Not only does it mean that your contractor has less distance to travel to reach your property (and therefore more time to spend on the job), it also makes it much easier to contact him should you need to.

Get an Estimate

A reputable roofing contractor will always provide you with an estimate before a contract is agreed. Ensure that all work is itemized and that you know exactly what you are paying for. Your contractor should also be able to provide you with a reasonable accurate timescale of when the work will be completed.

The Legal Stuff

This is an area that many home owners forget about, but it can potentially be a costly omission. You should always check that your contractor is adequately insured prior to the commencement of your project. This should cover aspects like accidental damage to your own or a neighbouring property and injury to the contractor, yourself or another party. You should also ensure that all work carried out meets with building regulations and adheres to any other legal requirements where applicable.