We are all aware of the increased demand for skilled trades-people in today’s economy. Unfortunately, this demand has attracted many unsavory would-be-contractors who are simply looking to make a quick buck. To help our potential customers make an informed decision about who they hire, we have created the following checklist.
- Did they make a good first impression? A good contractor should show pride, enthusiasm, and demonstrate experience when discussing their work. Trust your gut if you have a poor first impression.
- Is the company licensed and insured? If a company does not have a valid license, or carry the proper liability and safety insurance, you could be personally liable for thousands of dollars in damages or injury claims.
- Does the contractor provide a workmanship guarantee for their work? The duration of the guarantee is not as important as its content. Read the guarantee thoroughly to determine what you are covered for.
- Price isn’t everything! Extremely low prices could be offered due to inexperienced (cheap) labour or unprofessional business practices. “The bitterness of low quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”
- Get it in writing. Make sure you receive a copy of your contract in writing. Also obtain written copies of any related documents – such as the workmanship guarantee. These documents will offer you protection in case you need to take legal action against a company.
- Ask for at least 3 references. It is also a good idea to speak to someone who has filed a complaint with the company as well. Even the best contractors have problems from time to time - it is important to hire someone who will handle problems and complaints quickly and effectively.
OTHER POINTS TO CONSIDER…
- How long has the company been in business?
- Have they done any work close by that you can look at?
- What materials do they use – and will they being installed to the product manufacturer’s specifications?
- How long will the work take? When will the work be done?
- What kind of damage will be caused to your property? (Things like falling debris and waste containers can cause some damage to landscaping – find out what is done to keep these damages to a minimum.)
- Will the job be inspected after it is finished?
- How long has the roofing crew that will be doing your job been with the company?
- What are the payment terms? Do you need to make a deposit before the work begins?
- What will the company do in the event that there is a rain storm or other weather event during project completion?
- Can you easily contact the contractor if a problem arises?
- Does the contractor belong to any associations or bureaus? (Roofing Contractors Association, Better Business Bureau etc.)
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