step 1: where to begin

    any home improvement is a complex combination of elements, the
    success of which depends on the quality of materials, installation
    and over-all construction. there are many ways to start your
    search for the contractor who meets your individual needs.
    referrals are obviously the best source for names of credible
    companies. ask friends and family members who they have used in
    the past. contact your local chamber of commerce about contractors
    who are active in the community. the better business bureau,
    state and local licensing authorities, local trade associations
    and your local yellow page directory are also excellent sources of
    information. as well as local suppliers of building products.

    step 2: meeting and evaluating roofing contractor

    after you have compiled a list of possible contractors, take time
    to evaluate each one carefully. a professional contractor will be
    happy to provide any information you may require.

    many homeowners have been mystified by the seeming lack of
    interest and response from the contractors they call. to get a
    contractor to respond to your call, tell him you are shopping
    around, but are only interviewing three contractors, not ten.

    a contractor is shopping for good jobs that will make a fair
    profit and bring future referrals . many contractors have had
    experiences with unreasonable or dishonest homeowners. therefore,
    they look for warning signs of customer problems during the
    initial job interview.

    set up a meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications,
    and be sure to pay close attention to the attitude of the company
    representative. good contractors take pride in their work and will
    be enthusiastic about the possibility of helping you with your
    problems. if you feel confident that the contractor is truly
    interested in your project, ask for the company's vital
    statistics-specific business information which will help you make
    your final decision.

    business name and address:  a good, professional contractor will
    provide the telephone number. these are essential when checking on
    the company's previous business dealings.

    experience:  the training and experience of a contractor, as well
    as the age of his or her company, will help you determine their
    ability to successfully complete your project.

    licensing/bonding:  some states require special licensing for
    contractors.

    ask for business license numbers and information on the company
    which bonds the contractor. then check with local authorities to
    see that the company compiles with regulations.

    insurance coverage:  a contractor should carry worker's
    compensation and general liability insurance. request the name and
    address of the insurance carrier, along with a copy of the
    company's insurance certificate. beware of low bids which are a
    result of incomplete insurance coverage and workman's
    compensation.

    professional references: your contractor's past can help determine
    your future.

    ask for credit references, banking information and a list of
    completed projects including the names and telephone numbers of
    previous clients.

    company philosophy:  discuss application techniques and
    workmanship guarantees.

    does the contractor stand behind his work ?

    step 3: utilizing the roofing contractor's product knowledge

    your contractor should have up-to-date knowledge on quality
    products for your project. he or she is the best source of
    information, but you should play an active role in the product
    selection process. ask questions about different materials such as
    brand names, life span, thickness, design, available colors and
    warranties. selecting the best products is as important to your
    job as selecting the right contractor.

    step 4: understanding and negotiating the roofing contract

    prior to drafting a contract, most contractors will provide you
    with either an estimate or a proposal. an estimate typically
    provides a single price, a generically described product, a color
    and no options. a proposal offers more detail with a choice of
    products by brand name, prices, services and designs. a proposal
    will normally offer options-good, better and best-and include
    product samples and literature.

    a contractor who takes the time to prepare a good proposal will
    most likely do a more thorough job. all items to be accomplished
    should be written as part of your contract.

    get it in writing. beware of verbal promises.

    when a contract is presented, it should spell out the proposed
    work, prices and completion date. read the contract carefully.
    misunderstandings are the most common cause of contract disputes.
    pay special attention to be certain the following points are
    covered in the contract.

      building permits - what's necessary? consider local ordinances,
      costs, posting requirements.

      start and completion dates including plan of action in case of
      weather delays.

      products materials -what will be used, brands, colors, etc.

      project inspections · number of inspections, completion timetable

      site procedures · work hours, clean-up procedures on the around
      your home, safety precautions, etc.

      warranties · including both workmanship and product.

      terms · detailed as method of payment to include a lien waiver
      upon final payment.

      liens - you should be aware that under the laws of most states, a
      contractor who does work on your home, or a supplier of materials
      for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property. make
      sure all essential elements of your agreement are written down and
      understood by both parties.

      also, require the contractor to inform you of who his supplier
      will be along with any subcontractors which will be used on the
      job. either pay them yourself or require that you have a receipt
      showing they have been paid before paying your contractor.

      right-to-rescind · providing the right to cancel the contract
      without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days).

    step 5: sit back and relax

    a little well-planned research up front will undoubtedly save you
    a lot of time and trouble later on. once you feel confident that
    you have the best contractor, the best products, the best value
    simply relax and let your contractor do his job. do, however
    monitor the progress of your project to be certain your roof contractor
    lives up to his superior reputation.
 

get ready for your new roof

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