The Portland Area Roof Experts
Call: (855) 707 5914

Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When choosing a contractor you will want to evaluate your options as you would a health specialist or lawyer. Many home and business owners are going to know very little about roof systems and roof maintenance. You need to know that you can rely on the roofing contractor or company you choose to get the job done right from the start.

You don’t want to make a rushed decision. Choosing the right roofing contractor requires research and patience. Take your time, ask friends, family, or a trusted neighbor or two who have had the work done recently.

You will also want to review their qualifications, referrals, past and current projects, the products and materials they use, as well as the price/value relationship of the entire roof package.

Choosing a local, established Portland-area contractor is usually your best bet. These vendors will hold proven, local experience, and will know the weather and climate conditions needed for your roof as these may vary from state to state.

A thorough inspection of your entire roof will also be critical in order to detect damage you may not be completely aware of. As expected, reputation and experience are key. As well as dedication and commitment to providing you with the best possible options.

If you receive a bid that sounds too good to be true, check that they’re an established, insured, and accredited roofing company. More often than not, the cheapest rate will equate to lower quality material and workmanship.

Talk to several roofing contractors to get an idea of how much your investment will cost. You’ll want to review all of your options and work with a trusted partner who is willing to warranty their work. The good ones will always be available to answer your questions and concerns.

This guide is meant to assist you in selecting the right contractor for the job. For this, we’ve outlined a series of tips for you to consider when choosing a roofing company for your home or business.

10 Tips for Choosing a Contractor

Interview your contractor

A good roofer will be eager to answer any and all questions pertaining to your roofing project clearly and directly. They will take pride in discussing past and current jobs with you and will be willing to provide you with valid customer referrals and recommendations. Review up to three separate companies and ask as many questions as you need to ask.

Ask for customer references

If your roofer hasn’t provided these, you will want to request referrals or photos of completed work. Request a list of at least 5 or more names and phone numbers of recent customers within the past calendar year that you can call upon randomly. The more they provide, the better.

Be sure your roofer is insured

A legitimate roofer will carry comprehensive liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation coverage. This will protect you against a possible roofing accident. Ask them to have their certificates of insurance sent to you by their insurer before getting started on any job.

Choose safety over price

Workers’ compensation insurance can increase wage costs by 20% or higher. These contractors carry higher overhead than non insured roofing contractors. A cheap bid is not worth the savings should you be held liable for accident related hospital bills or worse.

Ask for licensing / certification

You want your choice of contractor to be a licensed and accredited roofer in your city or state. Not all cities require contractors to be licensed, but a number of them do. Ask them for their licensing credentials as another indicator of their professionalism and dedication.

Request the right warranties

A solid roofer will warrant their workmanship and the manufacturer will warrant the roofing materials utilized. You will want both warranties, one for the workmanship from the roofer and a manufacturer’s warranty pertaining to the specific shingle products you’ve chosen.

Request a detailed written contract

By this stage you will have received the job proposal or estimate. An estimate will include the basic product specs and price. A proposal will be a tentative agreement with choices, brands, services and pricing. You should expect three product choices, literature and possibly samples.

Review your contract in detail

Misunderstanding the details can be the cause of disagreements in more cases than not. You will want to read through all of the items in the contract carefully. Be sure that everything you’ve requested is stated in writing and ask as many questions as needed before signing.

Preparing your property

Often overlooked, preparing your home or business prior to the job is an important step. This will help save you time and money by allowing the roofer to get started as soon as they arrive. Ask your contractor what steps you need to take prior to his arrival.

Understand your contractor

Just like you, your contractor is shopping for a good customer. Show them that you are a well informed client who has both your best interest and theirs in mind. Tell them you are not looking for the lowest bid but rather the best value. If you've been referred, tell them how you heard of them.

Why Choose Bridgetown Roofing

Bridgetown Roofing brings together a group of local, expert roofing contractors providing 40+ years of combined, professional experience throughout Oregon and Southern Washington. Trust us to provide you with an honest cost estimate and roof inspection for your home or business.

Get in touch with us today and request your free estimate here. We will be more than happy to answer your questions and concerns regarding your reroofing, preventive maintenance, or roof repair needs.

For more information or to schedule an inspection of your home or business, call us today at (855) 707 5914.

Serving the Greater Portland, Oregon, Area:

Including Vancouver, WA, and the neighboring towns and cities that together comprise the Portland Metropolitan Area.

The Portland Area Roof ExpertsCall: (855) 707 5914