FAQs
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Buying a new roof system or having a roof repaired is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend time learning how to evaluate roofing contractors. You should insist on working with a professional roofing contractor. Martin & Sons Roofing wants to assist you in getting the kind of results you expecta quality roof system at a fair price. All roofing contractors are not alike, and we recommend that you prequalify roofing contractors to get the job done right the first time and to provide continued service throughout the life of your roof. The following guidelines will help you select a professional: Check License Check to see if the roofing contractor is properly licensed or bonded. Wisconsin has specific licensing requirements as well as continued education standards that have to be met. Check Insurance Don't hesitate to ask a roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability coverage and workers' compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job. Many building and home owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. Also, if a contractor is not properly insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property. Many contractors are tempted to have minimal coverage or eliminate it all together by hiring subcontractors since it is one of the highest costs associated with roofing. Check Complaints Contact your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to check for possible complaints filed against the contractor. Check Deal Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors' below-cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and perform substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism, experience and quality workmanship should weigh heavily in your decision. Check Safety Choose a company committed to worker safety and education. Ask the contractor what type of safety training he provides for his workers. Check References Look for a company with a proven track record that offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied. Check Details Insist on a detailed, written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including payment procedures. Be on the lookout for additional charges many roofers will add flashing, metal, vents, disposal costs, etc. to the figure.