As a homeowner, you have probably thought of starting home improvement projects many times. In most cases, these are probably the repair jobs to fix some of your home’s structural issues. But if you want to increase your property’s value, you may also improve its aesthetics and upgrade some of its amenities.
One such home improvement project that is getting more popular in recent years is the installation of metal roofing.
Metal roofing owes its popularity to its stylish appearance and durability. With proper installation, a metal roof will last as long as the house itself. Due to its innate resistance to fire, degradation caused by insects, and rot, metal roofing beats conventional roofing materials in terms of durability.
Compared to roof tiles, metal roofing is also lightweight and does not add a lot of stress to your home’s supporting structure. Finally, with the way the panels of metal roofing interlock, it is practically impervious to rain and snow.
If you are interested in installing metal roofing on your home, it is highly advisable that you get the services of a professional metal roofing contractor. After all, improper installation of metal roofing can significantly reduce its expected lifespan and even damage your home.
Looking for a metal roofing contractor can be daunting, especially for first-timers. Looking at some of the horror stories about hiring home improvement contractors can scare you from hiring one.
Fortunately, you’re likely to find metal roofing professionals who are honest and trustworthy if you do your due diligence. Here are 5 things that you need to do in vetting metal roofing contractors.
1. Verify That The Contractor’s License Is Valid.
After searching your locale for potential contractors, one of the first things you should do is call them and ask for their licensing information. There are no national certification programs but each state has its own set of guidelines on how to be a certified roofing contractor and practice the profession within the state.
Because the installation of metal roofing is considered home remodeling work, it needs to be done by a licensed contractor to protect the property owner.
A license is a good indication that a particular contractor has the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform the job. While there’s no stopping you from hiring the services of an unlicensed contractor, you may not be afforded the same protections as working with a licensed one. You may end up becoming responsible for defective work and liable for any injuries or property damage that may happen during the work.
Most states have their own dedicated websites that you can use to verify the validity of a contractor’s license. You may also use third-party sites like the License Check tool of Angie’s List to check license numbers.
2. Check If The Contractor Has Insurance Coverage.
Installation of metal roofing involves climbing and working at height, both of which have a risk of injuring you, the professionals performing them, or a third party, and damage to another property. For this reason, you should only choose a metal roofing contractor that carries insurance.
The Federal Trade Commission requires contractors to carry three types of insurance. First, they need worker’s compensation to cover the medical costs and lost wages of workers injured on the job. Next, they need general liability insurance that covers liability claims such as third-party injuries. Finally, they should have property damage coverage, which covers liabilities coming from damages to a third-party’s property.
3. Review The Contractor’s Credentials and Experience.
There are several ways you can check a metal roofing contractor’s experience and reputation. First, if it was a referral, ask the family member, friend, or colleague who referred the contractor about their experience. You may ask if the project was finished on time and within budget and if the roofing installation is still holding up. Next, you may also ask the contractor for a list of past clients whom you can then interview and ask similar questions.
Finally, you may also check their reputation online by reading customer reviews. Check each review carefully and see if you can find a pattern of bad installation jobs. Your state’s consumer protection office and the Better Business Bureau are worth checking too for any complaints lodged against the contractor.
4. Ask if they need to hire subcontractors.
Depending on the extent of the roofing installation, or your home renovation project in general, the contractor that you want to hire may need to employ subcontractors to do part or most of the work. Whatever the case may be, it is important to know who will be showing up at your doorstep and ensure that only top-notch tradespeople will do the work. You may also need to verify if these subcontractors also have the necessary license and insurance coverage.
This information is also important to know in case any payment issue between the contractor and subcontractor arises. If the contractor does not pay the subcontractor they hire, the latter will have the right to file a mechanics lien and put up a claim against your property.
5. Ask For A Breakdown Of Their Initial Quote
When the contractor comes for an initial inspection and gives you a quote, ask for an itemized quote. The specifics of the project that you need to know include:
- Labor costs - These are the costs of the service provided by the contractor or subcontractor.
- Material costs - These are the costs of the roofing materials and supplies needed to install the roofing.
- Miscellaneous costs - These are the costs of incidentals such as travel expenses if the contractor plans to bill you.
A good home improvement contractor will readily give you an itemized quote with close estimates to actual prices. Having a breakdown of the total cost of the roofing project will also protect you from hidden charges and additional fees.
Letting a complete stranger into your home for home improvement projects can make any homeowner quite nervous. But as long as you are proactive in researching metal roofing contractors’ credentials, you will be able to find the best one for the job.
