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> Hiring a Contractor can be Complicated, but it's Not Impossible
When you are considering hiring a contractor, there are many things to look out for. By using some common sense and a little investigative know-how, you can avoid some of the issues common to most bad experiences. Within this article we will provide many of the questions you need to ask, and some of the best moves to make to ensure that your experience is a good one.
> Are the Terms of the contract clearly defined?
The proposal that you receive from any contractor should be clear, easy to read, and define all of the work to be done. It should also be clear when payments are to be made by you, and how much each of those payments are to be. Keeping you informed is a big part of our job, but having everything in writing protects both parties.
> Is This Contractor Required to Be Licensed?
Many states and local municipalities require contractors to be licensed. This typically means that they will take certain tests to prove that they have a working knowledge of the services they provide, and also the code requirements and other laws in your area.
> A Few Questions to Ask
Are You a Licensed Contractor?
If a license is required in your area, be sure that you find a contractor that is licensed, and that license is in good standing. You can check state or local authority websites to find out a lot about your potential contractor.
Do You Carry Insurance?
Most established contractors will carry insurance that will cover any accidental damage they may inflict on your property, as well as employees who may be working on your project. Many licensing agencies will require certain levels of insurance based on the projects they take on. A good contractor carries a current insurance policy that can be verified with a phone call to the agent.
How Long have you been in Business?
A general rule of thumb is that the longer a contractor has been in business, the better they are. But this is not always the case. Oftentimes a contractor who is just starting their business is a talented installer who decided to go out on their own. So while length of time in business can be helpful, you will need to decide if you are comfortable with someone who is just starting out.
Do you have references?
Past customer experiences are a great way to learn more about a contractor. If they have a long list of great testimonials, you are more likely to be happy with their services. If you are happy with the service you receive, take the time to write a testimonial for the contractor. They will greatly appreciate it.
> Do a Little Research
Does the Contractor have Online Reviews?
It is becoming much easier to find reviews of companies online, and roofing contractors are no exception. Doing a bit of research on a company in advance can save you a great deal of headache in the future.
Ask For Photos of past Projects:
Ask to see photos of past projects, whether they are on their website or simply on their phone. This is a great way to see what they have done in the past, and to ensure that they have actually completed the projects they have undertaken.
> Common Sense
Use Common Sense:
Putting some thought into your decision in advance can save you a great deal of difficulty in the future. You should hire a company who meets your expectations and with whom you are comfortable.
Cheaper is not Better:
Contractors who offer a price that is substantially lower should be given a great deal of scrutiny. Make sure that they are going to be installing the same quality products, and doing it in the same way. Money is only saved by cutting corners, not carrying insurance or a license, and can often have a profound affect on the outcome of your project.
> Check Insurance, Check Insurance, Check Insurance
The importance of hiring an insured roofing contractor cannot be overstated. Our business is a dangerous one, and you need to be protected in the event of an injury or damage to your home or office if something goes really wrong. (My Company Name) is fully insured and maintains both liability insurance and workers comp insurance for your protection.
> Uninsured Contractor Nightmare
We constantly hear stories of the havoc wreaked by uninsured contractors. From burning down buildings to accidents that happen on the roof, the possibilities are endless. A properly insured contractor can help protect you from these issues and give you the peace of mind that you deserve.
> Protect Yourself
By checking the insurance of a potential contractor, you are weeding out the companies that are operating below-par and can save yourself many headaches in the future. An insured contractor is more likely to install your roofing properly because they care about doing things correctly. While the uninsured contractor may be able to offer a better price, you will get what you pay for.
> Call The Insurance Company to Verify
It's a simple thing to do. Pick up the phone and place a quick call to the insurance company to ensure that your contractor's insurance is in good standing. Unfortunately an insurance certificate is an easy thing to forge, and it is more common than you may think. We encourage you to contact our insurance company to verify our coverage, and any legitimate contractor should do the same.
> Licenses are Required
Roofing contractors in our area are required to be licensed to do business. Hansen Roofing Services, LLC is fully qualified and has satisfied all of the requirements for licensure and we are ready to work for you today. We are happy to give you our license information and be sure to check ours, or any contractor license to be sure that you are working with a contractor who is not circumventing the system.
To request a copy of our license, call us any time. We are happy to provide our customers with any information they may need to make an informed decision to allow us to work on their home or office.
> Avoiding Ponding Water
Ponding water on a low-slope roof can lead to premature degradation of the roofing material, and structural damage from the weight of the water standing on the roof. A ponding water situation should be addressed as soon as it is discovered because a leak is most likely to occur exactly where the water is ponding.
> What Causes Ponding Water?
While your low-slope roof was likely designed with a slight pitch to drain water, over time the building settles and lessens the effectiveness of the slope.
> Why Does My Roof Leak Long After The Rain Ends?
When it rains, a ponding area on your roof will fill with water. When the rain stops the pond either evaporates or drips into the building after a leak develops. The water that has accumulated on the roof will continue to drip into your building until is is gone or the penetration is above the water line. Ponding areas will develop leaks, and those leaks are very much like a funnel pointed directly at the interior of your structure.
> How do We Remedy a Ponding Situation?
Every roof is completely different and we will need to see yours in order to devise a plan to keep it from leaking and remedy the ponding situation. Don't hesitate to call us today for a free inspection.
> The Roofing Process
The roofing process can seem like an arduous task, but we are here to walk you through every step to ensure that your roof is installed correctly the first time with the smallest impact on your home and daily routine.
> Step One - Call Us Today
The first step in this process is calling us so that we can stop by and take a look at your roof, gather measurements, talk to you about your goals and assess the complexity of your project. During our initial visit, we will be assessing the ease or difficulty of accessing the roof from all sides, the height and pitch of your roof, and will try to ascertain whether or not the roof has potentially unseen damage that will need to be remedied prior to re-roofing. All of these items and more will affect the final price, but we will be happy to explain everything in detail so that you know exactly what to expect.
> Step Two - The Proposal
We will write up a proposal that will include all of the information that you will need to understand the scope of work, the final price and any extras that may be expected. This will include the brand, style and color of any products that are needed for your job. We highly recommend that you ask as many questions as possible so that we can answer them prior to getting started. This will set you at ease and you will know exactly what to expect prior to the project commencement.
> Step Three - Scheduling
Once your contract is signed we will begin ordering the materials needed for your project. In some cases we have them in stock, but due to the enormous variety of styles and colors this is not always possible. We work with suppliers in our area to provide a large selection of products we offer. We will inform you as to the availability of the products you have selected, and will devise an expected schedule based on that information. Once the materials are available, we will pick them up ourselves or have them delivered directly to your property. At this point your project will be scheduled, but keep in mind that weather plays a large part in deciding when it is best to begin. We definitely do not tear off your old roof until the weather is clear enough to safely do so.
> Step Four - Protect Everything
Roofing your home can get messy during the process. We do our very best to protect your landscaping and other items surrounding your home from damage. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional service, and part of this is leaving your home better than we found it.
> Step Five - Assessing Any Unseen Damage
Once your old roof has been removed, we can now see the condition of the roof decking. Sagging or water damaged pieces will need to be removed and replaced so that your new roof will perform properly and do so for the entire life expectancy. We will let you know a course of action once we can see if there is any damage, and any additional costs involved.
> Step Six - Installing Your New Roof
As every roof is different, your specific project parameters will be included in your quote. All roofing materials are installed according to manufacturer requirement and industry best-practices to ensure that you get the most life out of your new roof. We never cut corners so that you know your roof is installed correctly the first time.
> Step Seven - Clean Up
Our goal is to always leave your property better than we found it. We will clear and remove any and all debris pertaining to your project so that you can immediately begin enjoying the beauty and functionality of your new roof.
> How Long Does it Take?
Most residential roofing projects take one or two days, but some can take longer depending on your roof and accessibility. On our first visit we will give you an approximation of the length of time it will take to complete your project. Now is the time to pick up the phone and put us to work for you. We look forward to speaking with you.
> Should you Leave it To Roofing Professionals?
If you are asking yourself this question, then the answer is probably yes. It may seem like an easy thing to walk on a roof, but if you are not experienced with negotiating different pitches, and if there is any question at all about the roof's ability to handle the weight you are adding, do not attempt to climb on your own roof.
> Slipped Shingles
Shingles that have slipped out of place or those that are loose will always pose a threat to your safety while on the roof. It is very easy to step on a loose shingle that will take your feet out from under you increasing the chance that you will slide off the roof. The older your roof is, the riskier it becomes.
> Rotten Decking
If your home has a roof leak that you see inside, your roof decking is already being damaged. As shingles are installed, the nails penetrate the wood. If water is added to that mix, the decking can deteriorate from the inside out. This leads to weak spots that can literally collapse as you step on them, causing a risk of falling, even death. Trained roofers know how to walk on a roof, testing their steps before they take them to ensure that the roof can handle the weight they are about to place on it.
> Steep Roofing
It takes special training to walk or negotiate steep roof planes and it is never a good idea for anyone without this training to attempt to walk on a steep roof. The fall risk is simply not worth anything you need to accomplish, and this should only be left to trained professionals.