If you rush through the decision process, you risk hiring the wrong roofer for the job. And that can be a recipe for disaster. Let's dive into a few of the most important reasons to research and vet your options for roofing services.
Why Every Homeowner Needs to Vet Their Roofers
We get it: you're busy. The last thing any homeowner wants to do in their free time is research contractors near them. However, there are many good reasons why you should carefully evaluate at least 3-6 roofing companies near you.
Believe it or not, home improvement scams happen every day. Many contractors will promise to do the work, but they may leave you and your home in worse shape than when you started (FTC). The only way to ensure that your roofer won't scam you is to make sure you do the proper research.
In addition, it's worth noting that roofers can vary drastically in terms of craftsmanship and professionalism. A newer roofing company may lack the necessary experience to deliver top-tier repairs. If you want quality work, pay attention to the details surrounding the company.
How to Properly Vet Roofing Companies in Mobile, AL
You don't need to be a home improvement expert to do your due diligence on local professional roofers. All you need is a laptop or mobile device and an hour or two of free time! From there, just follow these easy steps to evaluate a roofing business near you.
1. Seek Trusted Referrals from Your Social Circle
When it comes to any home improvement project, the best place to start is your friends, family, and neighbors. Ask around for a few referrals or recommendations from your social circle in Alabama. The odds are that one of your local connections has worked with a roofing company within the past few years and can give you a recommendation or two.
It is generally recommended that homeowners get estimates from at least 3 roofing contractors. This way, you can accurately compare quotes, spot red flags, and make the right hiring decision for your roofing and budgetary needs. So, if possible, get referrals for a handful of local roofers before moving to the next step.
2. Read Testimonials and Reviews
"The proof is in the pudding." That statement applies to any home improvement service, including roofing!
Roofers tend to position themselves online as the best options near you, but it's always important to validate those claims through customer reviews. You can find past client testimonials and reviews on third-party websites like Google or the BBB. You can learn a lot from reading through those reviews, including things like:
- The level of professionalism
- Customer service capabilities
- Experience with roof insurance claims
- The quality of work that you can expect
- Common customer complaints with one company
- And more
Don't just hire a roofer based on their star rating. Make sure you take the time to read at least a few reviews for your roofing company for greater peace of mind.
3. Schedule In-Person Consultations and Roof Inspections
Did you know that most reputable roofing specialists offer consultations and roof inspections for little or no cost? It's a great benefit that you should take advantage of, especially since you don’t need to hire a roofer following an inspection.
Those face-to-face meetings provide a great opportunity to learn more about a roofing contractor. Not only will you learn about your roofing system, your roof issue, and what services you need, but you can also learn key facts about your local roofers.
It’s also a good idea to write down a list of questions to ask each roofing company prior to your inspection. There are plenty of things to learn and ask about, but here are a few questions to help you get started:
- What kind of roofing materials would you recommend?
- Can you tell me about the roofing warranties that you offer?
- What steps will you take to protect my home from damage during the repairs or restorations?
Following your conversations, carefully compare what you have learned at every step of the vetting process. You should have all the information that you need to make the right decision for your home.
Get Started with One of the Leading Roofing Companies in Mobile, AL
Does your home need a roof replacement? Or do you need some repairs following a severe thunderstorm? If so, you've come to the right place.
Ethos Roofing & Restoration has proven to be one of the leading providers of roofing work in Mobile County. We strive to go the extra mile on each roof installation project and we can capably work with any type of roofing material. We work hard to excel at customer service and provide a wide range of roofing services.
Contact us today to schedule your FREE roofing inspection with one of the top roofing companies in Mobile, AL.
