You might be asking yourself, what is a roofing contractor and what exactly does he do? The term “contractor” came from the idea of a written agreement for specific work to be done in exchange for payment. A roofing contractor is the person completing or overseeing a roofing job ahead of being paid for the work. If there are sub-contractors or other workers involved, they are paid by the contractor and not the client.
This scenario is much more common with big sites like shopping centers, churches, warehouses as well as other significantly large buildings. Subcontractors could also be employed if the roofing job involves working on a residential property. Some good examples include repairing chimneys, disposing of debris, as well as all-metal flashing.
It’s usually best to hire a roofing contractor who will work on his own to complete the job. If it’s too large a task, he may employ other workers, but having just one contractor usually ensures consistency and quality. Obviously, large jobs require there to be multiple workers, but residential projects can often be completed by one person. Another benefit of hiring the roofing contractor without sub-contractors is the cost involved. It’s almost always cheaper to use only one contractor. If he must pay other workers, that cost will be passed on to you as the customer and make the job more expensive to complete.
Because roofing is such a specialized skill, there are few general contractors who know everything needed to call themselves a roofing contractor and not just a general contractor. Most often, a team of workers is needed to complete a roofing job, so it is often finished ahead of other parts of the house.
By far, the roofing system is the most important part of any building. As such, regular maintenance is essential to get the most out of your roof and keep it in top shape for as long as possible. Roofing contractors know exactly what to look for in their inspections, and can then pass that info to you, the homeowner, so you can make informed decisions.
The weather plays a very large role in a roofing job. Things like heavy rain, snowfall, or wind can all have a huge impact on your roofing system, so it’s important to find a highly skilled roofing contractor who has handled large projects under these conditions.
Selecting a Professional Roofing Contractor
- Hiring a Contractor for a Simple Task – The best method for hiring a roofing contractor is to hire one for a minor repair or simple maintenance task and see if you are satisfied with the work. By getting them to do a basic task, you can learn a lot about them and test the waters a bit.
- Request an Estimate – Many times, an estimate is free of charge or may only require a small fee. This will allow you to ask questions to determine their level of skill, professionalism, and experience.
- Ask a Close Friend or Neighbor – Asking around will give you an idea of a company that may be highly recommended or one that should be avoided. Keep in mind that not all negative stories are true. It is possible that they had an unpleasant experience because they did not ask the appropriate questions before the contractor began.
- Check the National Roofing Contractors Association
- Determine if They Use Subcontractors – If they hire subcontractors to do their work, there is a high probability that the cost of the job will be slightly higher than one who does not.
We hope that this guide will help you make an educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your next roofing contractor. For more information on roofing contractors, inspections or maintenance, call us today!
