Last week the unthinkable happened. I woke up to the sound of dripping water. This, after a long rain storm. I panicked and jumped out of bed, discovering that the leak was coming from the master bedroom ceiling. A giant area of wall was already destroyed by water, and the carpet was soaked with water. I grabbed a garbage can to catch the dripping water. Now what?
All too often, stories like this happen and homeowners are left wondering what to do next. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), have come up with recommendations on how to choose the right roofing professional. Here is their checklist:
·Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D. number and, where required, a business license.
·Request verification of professional liability insurance.
·Look for a company with a proven track record; ask for and check client references and request a list of completed projects.
·Verify whether the contractor is properly licensed or bonded.
·Insist on a written proposal. The proposal should include complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate start and completion dates and payment procedures.
·Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry associations, such as NRCA.
·Call your local Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints that have been filed.
·Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures.
·Carefully read and make sure you understand any roofing warranty offered; watch for provisions that would void the warranty.
Professionalism, quality of work and price should all be considered when choosing a roofing contractor. Make sure that you are comfortable with not only price, but also the professionalism and workmanship of the company.
Source: https://disastersafety.org/roofs/hiring-a-professional-contractor/