Should You Use Roofing Contractors or Go Directly to a Roofing Company?

Most homeowners are not well versed in choosing a professional roofer, as a roof does not need to be replaced regularly. When the need should arise, however, it’s important to do your research and choose the right company or contractor for the job. Since this is an area many people know little about, you may be worried about hiring the wrong person or company and being taken advantage of.

For this reason, you need to ask the right questions. The following tips will help you identify your needs and ultimately decide on who’s best for your budget and your home when you’re looking for roofing contractors in Adelaide.

If You’re Looking to Find a Roofing Contractor

When you make contact with a contractor, speak to someone who knows the business. While most contractors run an independent business, be sure to ask to speak with the most knowledgeable person there, and never be afraid to ask about their business in detail. Here are some key questions to start with:

How long have they been in business, and what is their address? The longer they’ve been in business, the better. It means they’ve been doing something right. Checking their address to be sure it’s recorded as a business address ensures that they are registered.

Do they have references they can provide? They should have satisfied customers that would be happy to talk to you and guarantee their work. Ask their previous customers about the contractor’s work ethic, their timeline for completion, and their general disposition. It’s important to know if you’re dealing with a hardworking, easy-going person, as this can make a world of difference if unforeseen circumstances come up.

What kind of materials do they generally work with and can they guarantee the products they provide (since they are not manufactured by them personally as they would be with a roofing company)? It’s important to then research said materials, and read customer reviews online to ensure that they are using a good product and that you’re getting your money’s worth.

Are the workers insured? This is vital for you to know. If their company does not insure their employees, their labour might come at a cheaper price, but if they are injured on your property, some extended health care bills may fall on you.

Do they or any of their previous clients have before and after photos of their work to show you? Along with great references, the company should be proud of displaying their work.

Finally, ask for a detailed quote. Be sure they include not only the prices but also the brand names of the materials they will use, a list of their services and what to expect, the timeline they are expecting to work under, and their short and long term warranty. Don’t pay the contractor in full before the job is done this is something you should never be asked to do.

If You’re Looking to Find a Roofing Company

All of the above questions are perfectly acceptable to ask a roofing company as well. You should also keep the following in mind:

A roofing company’s business is larger and may have more of an online presence, which makes for an easier search when looking for previous customer comments and satisfaction ratings. Their materials should be guaranteed directly by the manufacturer, as they may very well be the manufacturer or working in tandem with them.

Their workers should most definitely be insured if they are a large company and this is certainly one less headache to worry about. Their warranty can be extended and likely has more benefits than an independent contractor’s warranty. Be sure to read the fine print as always, but sometimes a better deal on the cost of replacing defective product with a roofing company may be handy.

Payment options may vary from company to company, but as with a contractor, you should never be asked or expected to make a full payment before the job is done. Some companies may ask for a down payment, but be sure that you are signing an agreement that ensures you a return in case you decide to cancel the job before it begins.

How They Compare to One Another

A roofing company may charge more than an independent contractor, because they have more manpower to do the job. If you’re looking for the job to be done quickly, it may be worth the splurge to hire a company. If you have all the time in the world, and find a contractor you’re happy with, the cost may be lower in exchange for a slower time frame to get the job done.

Does this mean that the company will do a better job as opposed to the contractor? No, it doesn’t. Getting a job done faster doesn’t ensure quality. Speaking of quality, always keep in mind that whether you are hiring a contractor or company, you’re also hiring the people that come with the contractor or company.

This should play a vital part in your final decision, and it’s where your research comes into play. While the company or independent contractor can certainly find a way to sell themselves to you, listening to their former clients experiences is the best way to learn valuable information about the company or contractor you are looking to hire. The more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be.

So, which way is the right way to go? Only you can answer that for yourself, because you know what best suits your needs. That being said, it doesn’t mean you have to go one way or another, and you can in fact have it all if you’re looking in the right place.

As we have learned, reliability, reputability, and friendly service should be your top priorities in your search, and it’s worth giving us a call at (08) 8343 5988 or fill this contact form. We can provide free in home quotes for anyone within 100 km of Adelaide.