When you have a problem with your roof, you will naturally want to seek help from a roofer who you can confidently expect to turn up at the agreed time, treat you courteously, and rectify the issue effectively. However, finding a roofer who can tick all of these boxes and also make the precise charge specified in the original quote can be surprisingly arduous.
This is especially the case if you have dealt with few roofers in the past and, therefore, don’t know exactly what you should endeavour to avoid. Here are some steps that you should follow to increase the chances of making a solid choice of roofer.
How should you start your search?
There are various avenues that you can consider pursuing here. Naturally, the Internet is a treasure trove of useful information – though you may also see an advert that powerfully draws your eye or a friend or family member could enthuse about their experience with a particular roofer.
There is certainly merit to listening to a neighbour’s recommendation, as you and your neighbour are likely to have the same kind of roof, Which? points out. Nonetheless, aim to use an established company that has an office address and maybe their own website, Real Homes advises.
Reliable ways of vetting a roofer
Whatever roofers to which you are most strongly drawn, you should remember to verify their credentials for yourself. You could do this through checking their qualifications and public liability insurance and seeking – and, of course, using – contact details of previous customers.
You should also check what these roofers will charge. Source quotes from no less than free contractors; it’s a good sign if the company presents a quote both freely and without obligation. This gives you the leeway to judge what different firms are offering before you go with just one.
Nonetheless, all the while, keep in mind that the standard of their work is a factor that you should give greater weight than the price. There can, after all, be a crucial difference between a good-value service and an inexpensive one. You should also consider the ease with which you will be able to tell the contractor precisely what you are seeking from them.
The process of obtaining a quote
This stage of your relationship with a contractor warrants greater elaboration here. Typically, a roofing firm will wish to arrive at your property and inspect it before they quote for a job, even if you only need damaged tiles replaced or gutters cleaned. For this company, it could be hard to assess the price without getting a look at the roof’s general state.
If the quote has any peculiarities that you don’t completely understand, then seek clarification from the contractor. By way of example, if you were considering quotes from Durham roofing contractors, then you could contact Findley Roofing & Building’s office, in the nearby town of Washington, by phoning 0191 417 3422. You would be able to anticipate a friendly and helpful response.
October 12, 2017