How Can You Tell That Your Roofing Contractor Is Legit?

Roofing contractors are not as easy to find as plumbers or electricians, but hiring one who is licensed and certified can help you feel more secure about your decision. The last thing you want is to hire an unlicensed contractor who does shoddy work or has a history of complaints against his or her name! But how do you know if a roofer is legit? Here are some tips for vetting the professionals in your area:

Ask them to show you their license and insurance.

Ask them to show you their license and insurance. You can ask for this information directly or in the form of a business card, which should include both pieces of information. If they refuse to provide either one or try to trick you into thinking they're covered when they're not, consider this a red flag--it's likely that something shady is going on.

If you don't see any license or insurance info on the contractor's website or other marketing materials (or if they tell you that it's "not important"), ask if there is an alternate place where he/she displays these credentials.

If he/she gives an excuse as to why he/she can't display them at all--for example: "I took care of everything online"--this may also be cause for concern because many states require contractors who perform work valued over $500 USD per year must carry both types of coverage at all times during project completion (and some require contractors working under certain licenses).

Check out their website.

You should also check out the contractor's website. A professional, well-designed site can help you determine if a roofing company is legit by showing that they have been in business for some time and have a track record of satisfied customers. The website should have contact information, as well as information about the company and its staff members. You should also look for testimonials from previous customers on this page--if there aren't any, it might mean that no one has yet had a positive experience with this particular contractor!

Visit the Better Business Bureau online or call them directly to find out what they know about your contractor.

Visit the Better Business Bureau online or call them directly to find out what they know about your contractor.

Check with your local licensing board, who can tell you if a contractor is licensed and insured, as well as any complaints that have been filed against them.

Call the contractor directly to ask about their work history and references from other clients (you don't want to be one of their first!).

Ask friends and family if they've had any experience with roofers.

Ask friends and family if they've had any experience with roofers. If you don't know anyone who has, ask your neighbors or coworkers. You may be surprised to find out that many people have had their roofs replaced by someone they know of through a friend or family member's referral.

Ask for references from the contractor you're considering hiring, and then call them! It's important to speak with past customers so that you can get an honest assessment of the company's quality of workmanship as well as customer service practices (like timeliness and guarantees).

Ask for testimonials--these are usually on a contractor's website or in their advertisements somewhere! Most legitimate roofing companies in Orlando have a Google Business Profile with Reviews. Testimonials give you insight into how happy past clients were with the finished product and how satisfied they were overall during the process of getting their new roof installed by this particular roofing contractor/business owner(s). When checking reviews, it is important to be objective and look for patterns. If multiple customers are leaving similar feedback, that establishes a pattern of a roofing company and how they deal with customers. Keep in mind that majority of complaints come from poor communication and customer service. If you end up having a problem with your roof, a roofing company with good customer service will address it in a timely manner. 

Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions!

Don't be afraid to ask the tough questions!

Ask about their history. How long has the roofing company been in business? Have they been around for more than a year? If so, then it's likely that they have a good reputation in your area and are trustworthy.

Ask about their experience. Does your contractor have any experience with roofs like yours? If not, then they may not know how best to fix your problem or even if it can be fixed at all!

Ask about their work ethic: Do they come when they say they will come (and on time)? Can you rely on them for reliability and timeliness--or do you need someone who will always show up when expected? This is especially important if you need emergency repair work done after hours.

Hiring a roofing contractor that is certified and licensed can help ensure you're getting quality work done safely, quickly, and at a fair price.

If you're thinking about hiring a roofing contractor in Orlando or Central Florida, there are a few things you should look for to ensure that the person you hire is legitimate and trustworthy.

Look for them to be licensed by the DBPR. A certified contractor has passed an exam showing that they know how to do their job safely, efficiently, and ethically. You can also expect them not only to use quality materials but also adhere to industry standards when installing those materials on your home or business property.

Ask if they have insurance coverage in case anything goes wrong during the repair process--this will protect both parties from financial loss dwelling over responsibility for any damage caused during repairs! This is something that every homeowner should discuss and be proactive about. Many roofing companies tend to be under insured. If a storm is to come through and cause major damage, is the coverage enough to cover everything in your home. 

Conclusion

With so many roofing contractors out there, it can be hard to know who to trust. We hope that this article has helped you understand the importance of hiring a licensed and insured roofing contractor, as well as given some tips on how to identify one in your area. If you're looking for someone with experience working on homes like yours then give us a call today at 407-887-7663 or schedule a complimentary 16-point roofing inspection at www.honestaberoofing.com/orlando-fl!