Are you a homeowner in Des Moines in need of roof repairs or more extensive changes, but you have no clue on who to call? Don’t worry, help is here.
The city crawls with a plethora of contractors knocking on doors, advertising their expertise.
You aren’t sure if these folks can do the job, right? Let me show you 10 important tips you can use when looking for the best Des Moines roofing company to hire.
1. Search local contractors
Local roofers have a local reputation you can easily verify. This is why it is best to narrow your search down to the area. You can ask your family, friends, and members of the community to recommend a Des Moines roofing contractor they trust. This will lessen the possibilities of being a victim or ending up in the hands of fly-by-night roofers and suffering from potential roofing issues.
If you ask around and you get referrals from far off in those other towns, ask about those close to you as it will enable you to run a background check in the area without wasting time and gas.
2. Check out the contractor’s recent projects
As part of researching the contractor’s reputation, you need to see proof of the contractor’s proficiency. Look them up in online directories featuring roofing contractors.
You can even get a quote directly. But before you indicate an interest to hire them, ask for samples of what they’ve done.
Usually, they’d send you photos of projects around the city. If the project happens to be near you then it would help benefit your search if you drive over to that place and see for yourself.
Sometimes you also may be able to ask the owner of the project about the contractor just to be sure if they’re the type of contractor you will like to work with.
Asking around is your probing into several contractors’ history, checking their previous jobs, comparing their rates before making your choice.
This will take time but it helps you avoid quacks or fraudulent artisans from scamming you and ensuring you’re working with an experienced roofing contractor offering high-quality shingles. Be patient and take your time.
3. Check for license and insurance
Asking about licensing and insurance is absolutely the right step in finding a good roofing contractor. A licensed roofer indicates someone who is serious about their work and is up-to-date on all the requirements to perform their job properly.
Roofing contractors in Iowa do not require a state license unless they’re working with asbestos. However, Iowa law requires all construction contractors and businesses performing construction work to register with the Iowa Division of Labor if they earn at least $2,000 a year.
Also, make sure the contractor has insurance to avoid litigation in case an injury occurs while working on your project.
Make sure the company you choose can provide a copy of their insurance certificate.
4. Establish clear communication
You want to make sure the communication line between you and the prospective contractor is always open.
Make sure that your requirements are always clearly understood, and that their responses are clear to you.
Make sure to ask questions when you have to and note how answers are provided, and how long it takes for the contractor or give them.
Watch how the contractor relates to your pre-project. It can be an indication of the nature of partnership you will have with him on the job.
5. Avoid undue pressure
You likely know what color, type of material you would like to use for your roofing project.
But should you present your ideas and the contractor is trying to force a different one on you, consider this a red flag.
Or in a case where the contractor is not showing you as many options as possible, this could also be a red flag.
The materials you use for your roofing needs can have adverse or good effects on the value of your home.
Avoid being forced to use inferior materials. You can always disengage a contractor who puts undue pressure on you to use them.
6. Be balanced about price
Don’t cheap out on your home.
When it comes to your roof, your decision should not be based on price alone. Contractors with proper insurance will need to recover their costs through their roofing jobs, thereby, will cost more than their fly-by-night counterparts.
Strike a balance between getting a quality job done on your roof and paying a reasonable price for the job.
As you scour the ads looking for a roofing contractor in Des Moines, beware of those who bid with prices too low for the market or too good to be true.
Some advertise too cheaply to get the project and may end up using inferior materials that will result in potential roofing issues and would cost you even more in the long term.
Your aim should be to get quality service at a respectable price.
7. Will they outsource?
Great question here when looking for a good fit contractor to do your roof.
Some companies outsource their workmanship for many reasons like distance or cost.
In the end, you may be saddled with unlicensed or inexperienced workers.
Your insurance may become void should there happen an accident, or you may lose your warranty on materials.
8. Get a contract
Will the contractor be willing to have a contract written? This is very key in getting a roofer.
Just before work begins on your roof, and right after you are satisfied that the contractor you choose is perfect for the job, request a written contract. A written contract protects you as the homeowner and ensures you’re not liable to any damages to property or your neighbor’s that may occur during the work.
The contract should clearly outline roofing materials used (brand, type, and color), payment schedules, a start and end date, and a list of subcontractors.
You will know to move along if the contractor you have chosen refuses to respect this request.
Get a contract and get it in writing.
9. Avoid paying full payment upfront
This tip is one of the most important to keep. When all else fails perhaps this may save you a lot of trouble.
If the roofing company is asking that you make full payment before the work begins, let the alarms ring.
Legit companies may want a deposit, then require payments as work progresses on your roof.
This is the best practice. Anything otherwise may suggest that the contractor is a scam.
10. Wait on your insurance company
Yes, wait for your insurance company to make an assessment of the damage to your roof if that’s what is necessitating the repair or replacement.
Yes, you do want to get work done. But if you let the work begin before your insurance people get a chance to see and quantify the damage you may lose both ways.
For one thing, the insurance company will be unable to tell exactly how much the damage is worth.
Waiting for insurance to do their job also helps the work process in that the insurance company can give you a check that best covers the cost of hiring a roofing contractor.
Roof Royale is a Certified and Experienced Des Moines, IA Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
Roof Royale is a professional roofing contractor in the City of Des Moines, IA that qualifies for all the criteria mentioned above. As a result, you can fully trust our Des Moines residential roofing company for all your roofing needs. For more information on our services or for a free quote, give us a call at 515-644-7116 or use our online contact form.
