How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Florida
Depending on your roofing system, how well it was installed, and how diligently it’s maintained and repaired, a roof can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years. But it will still need to be replaced eventually, and you need a professional roofing contractor to make that happen. With so many residential roofing companies offering their services to homeowners nationwide, how do you choose the right one? Keep reading to find out.
Tips for Hiring a Roofing Contractor That Suits Your Needs
It’s difficult to choose a roofing company when you have so many options. The good news? You don’t have to blindly choose and hope for the best. Here are a few tips for finding the best roofing contractor for your needs.
1. Find a Roofer Close to Home
First, find a roofing contractor local to your area. For one thing, it’ll be easier for you to research a service provider close to home. You can ask neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers about the companies that have taken care of their roofs. It’ll also be easier to contact a local residential roofer if you have questions or concerns.
For Florida homeowners especially, don’t fall prey to so-called “storm chasers.” These sketchy characters drive into town after severe weather to offer their services to homeowners whose roofs were damaged. The problem with storm chasers is that very little is known about who they are and where they’re from. They travel from place to place whenever a storm wreaks havoc. And even if they do have a physical address, that address is usually not local to you.
When you need a roofer for your property, find a reputable service provider based in or around town. That way, you’ll know who you’re dealing with.
2. Look for Experience
When choosing a roofing contractor, you also need to focus on how long the roofing company has been in business. You should look for a service provider that has been helping homeowners in the region for a long time. You’ll be better off if you find a company that has been operating in the area for many years over a handful of years. It’ll also be easier to do thorough research and conduct your due diligence if a company has been around longer—they’re likely to have data about them! Another thing to consider is that a warranty is only as good as the company behind it. If you get a warranty for work done, you’ll want to have confidence that the residential roofing contractor will be around for a long time to honor the warranty.
3. Ask for References
When choosing a roofing contractor, ask for references from previous customers. A reputable service provider will be able to accommodate such a request. When you follow up with these past customers, ask questions like:
- When did the roofing contractor do your roof?
- What type of roof did you get?
- If you considered multiple roofers, why did you go with this company?
- Did you have any problems? If so, how were the problems resolved?
- Were you satisfied with the work provided?
- Would you recommend the company?
While getting recommendations is a good idea, you can follow that up by reading reviews or customer testimonials online. You can bet that homeowners in the area have posted the nitty-gritty on their experiences with residential roofing companies serving homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida.
4. Ask for Proof of License and Insurance
Don’t even think about working with a roofer that doesn’t have proof of license and insurance. The license proves that the roofing contractor has the skills needed to work on your roof, while the insurance proves that you’re protected financially if a worker damages your property or is injured while working on your property. Any roofing company that lacks these credentials does not put the customer or its workers ahead of financial gain. That’s a red flag.
5. Find Out About Warranty
When choosing a roofing contractor, don’t forget to look for information about the warranties. Don’t only focus on the duration of the warranty. A long warranty is great, but you also have to focus on what it covers. Look at the warranty for the products and the warranty for the residential roofing contractor’s workmanship. What does it cover? How long does it last? Only when you have all the details can you make an informed decision. Make sure you have no unanswered questions, and get the warranty details in writing so you can refer to it as needed.
6. Avoid Cash Deals
Be wary of any roofing contractor that tries to entice you with a cash deal. Such a company will usually offer a lower price and spare you the tax. An all-cash deal will be attractive if you’re only focused on getting the lowest price possible, but that’s not the way to go. For one thing, you won’t get a warranty or any guarantees. If you opt for a cash deal and there are any issues down the road, you won’t have any paperwork to prove your case. Going by the book is in your best interests. After all, is saving a bit of money upfront worth it if you don’t get a warranty? Considering that a roofing job can cost four or five figures, you don’t want to take chances. It’s also essential to remember that a cash deal is dishonest since you won’t be paying any tax.
7. Ask About Permits
You should also ask any residential roofing contractor you’re considering about permits. You can contact your local building authority to find out, but a reputable local roofing company will have the answer and will be able to get the proper permits for you. While you’ll have to pay for the convenience of having the service provider do the paperwork to get the permits, that’ll save you from having to do so.
Reputable Roofing Is Just a Click Away
If you want to know how to choose a reputable roofer, the recommendations above will get you on the right path. At Floridian Roofing and Solar, we offer the best residential roofing services. We’ve been a full-service provider of residential and commercial roofing services for 20 years. It’s our pleasure to help homeowners in and around Jacksonville, Florida. You can count on us for your residential roofing needs. Get in touch if you have questions or want to book a consultation.
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About Us
Floridian Roofing & Solar is a full-service provider of commercial and residential roofing services. We use our 20 years of experience to put a durable roof over your head.
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10752 Deerwood Park Blvd. STE 100
Jacksonville, Florida 32256
License #CCC1331581