What to Expect During the Roof Replacement Process
October 15, 20238 Steps for Getting Your Roof Winter-Ready
December 12, 2023How To Find Reliable Roofers Near You + Signs You’ve Found a Good Contractor
Roofing repairs and replacements require high levels of expertise, professionalism, and timeliness - but it isn’t always easy to find reliable roofers. Learn how to vet roofing companies and find a team of trustworthy roofing professionals who can help protect your best investment.
Your home’s roof is your first line of defence against the elements - you can’t afford to ignore critical maintenance and repairs, or you’ll face bigger, more expensive problems down the line.
When it comes time to invest in the costly process of replacing or repairing your roof, you want to rest assured that the team you choose to help you is well-priced, reliable, and highly skilled.
All roofer contractors are going to sell you on their “fantastic” services, so it’s essential to take time through the process to separate the best companies from the rest and make an informed decision.
Let’s walk through the steps you should take to vet roofing companies and the signs that can tell you when you’re on the right track.
5-Step Process: How Do I Find a Reliable Roofer in My Area?
Step #1: Ask Neighbours For Recommendations
Rather than Googling roofing companies in your area and choosing one at random, one of the most reliable ways to find professional roofers is through word of mouth. When people have a great service experience, they talk - and when they have a terrible experience, they talk even more.
Ask your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours for roofers/contractors recommendations. They’ll share based on their real experiences, which is a little more reliable than a digital ad.
Step #2: Google Them
Now that you have some recommendations and created a short list, you can direct your Google searches to learn more. Look for websites with functional websites and plenty of positive customer reviews on an unbiased third-party platform like Google. A site that seems too good to be true can be a red flag, as can a lack of a digital presence.
Step #3: Pull References
Most local Hamilton roofers will share client references openly, so ask for some references and follow up to ask them about their roofing experiences. Ask about every critical aspect of the process, not just the final product, including the timeline, the budget versus actual cost, communication standards, and the quality of the work.
Step #4: Shop Around For Quotes
Even if you’ve already found a great roofing company, you should always ask for quotes from at least a few roofing companies so you have options. You can compare the roofers Hamilton quotes to get a better idea of what to expect from the typical process and the scope of the work. Sometimes, the lowest price won’t provide the best value or quality overall, and you may be able to use another quote to negotiate a better rate from the company you choose.
Step #5: Review the Contract & Get Everything in Writing
Once you’ve chosen the best roofers for the job, review the terms and conditions of the contract carefully. It should formally outline the materials, costs, scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and warranties so nothing is left uncertain.
If anything changes through the process, get the changes, promises, or agreements in writing. If you don’t note and formalize these alterations, you may end up unprotected during disputes or misunderstandings later.
7 Signs of a Reliable Roofing Company
Now you know how to move through the process of vetting roofing companies, let’s look at the signs you’re moving in the right direction:
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Professional Licensing & Insurance. At a minimum, roofers in Ontario need commercial general liability insurance to operate as contractors and commercial auto insurance to operate any commercial vehicles. And while licenses aren’t necessary to roof professionally in Ontario, look for businesses with trusted accreditations and high Better Business Bureau ratings.
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A Solid Reputation. When locals say great things about a roofing company, there’s real proof they’ve delivered in the past. With consistent, high-quality work, the number of satisfied customers piles up over the years.
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Great Communication Skills. If a roofing team is highly responsive, friendly, and clear in their communications, you’ll be able to get on the same page quickly - and stay on it! A roofing contractor should be able to answer your questions quickly and proactively share important information with you.
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Pressure-Free Sales. You should never feel pushed into saying “yes” before you’re ready to choose a company. Ask questions to clarify anything you need, and stay far away from roofers in Hamilton who use high-pressure tactics to get you to sign before you truly understand the contract terms.
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Formal Processes. Reliable roofers formalize processes to protect their customers and their business. If a roofing company impresses you with organized communications and clear contracts, the odds of a misunderstanding are significantly lower.
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Fair Pricing. Underpriced and overpriced services are both red flags, so look for the contractors that offer you a fair market price. You should also look for warranties that force roofers to stand behind their work. It’s a very good sign if a company is so confident in their workmanship’s quality that they’re willing to put their money on the line.
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Safety as a Priority. If a company takes safety seriously and explains its priority throughout the process, you know they’ll take the right measures to protect your home, property, and family as they complete their work.
SameDay Roofing: Trusted Roofing Contractors Near Me
With the right moves and enough research, it’s relatively easy to find a reliable team to complete your next roofing project. You can’t simply choose the contractor with the lowest price unless you’re willing to settle on potentially cheaper materials and lower-quality workmanship.
Use the 5-step vetting process to find your perfect match and invest in a roof that’s built to last.
Ready to hear more about our roofing services? Our Hamilton roofers can explain our processes, answer your questions, and prove why we’ve built such a great reputation with our local clients. Let’s chat more and start a free roofing estimate - call (905) 544-4667 today.