7 Factors to Consider When Hiring Professional Roofers

7 Factors to Consider When Hiring Professional Roofers

 

Ever seen a house without a roof? Probably not. A roof is an integral part of a house, and without it, your house will be incomplete. The roof protects you and your family against harsh weather conditions. Thus the need to invest in quality and durable roofing systems.

But sometimes we fail to take measures to maintain its good condition. This can cause your roof to deteriorate and not reach its maximum lifespan.

Several factors can affect the lifespan of your roof and lack of maintenance is among them. If you’ve not been maintaining your roof, chances are you’re already having a roof problem and you need a roofing contractor.

Whether you want to install a new roof or want to repair your current one, you must ensure you hire the best roofing contractor.

But finding the right roofing contractor can sometimes be challenging. With the many roofing contractors available, choosing the best contractor can be a daunting task.

You’ll need to have the right information to be able to identify the best roofing contractor. In this post, we’ll highlight the key factors to consider when hiring roofers.

1.       Pricing

Exceptional roofing services do not come cheap. If you’re looking to have your roof maintained, you need to prepare yourself financially. However, this does not mean that it will cost a fortune to repair your roof.

The truth is that there are a lot of roofing companies that charge competitively without compromising the quality. Besides, some roofing contractors offer free estimates which can help you in making the right decision. Thus it is advisable to look for roofing companies that are willing to provide free estimates.

The most important thing is to be fully aware of the hidden charges and unexplained fees.

2.       Local Physical Office

A reputable roofing contractor should have a physical office. If your prospective roofing company does not have an office, you should be concerned.

Be sure to find out the physical address of your roofing contractor and inquire about their staff members. Ensure you can easily access your roofing contractor in case you need any help.

3.       License and Insurance

A roofing contractor should have a license and insurance. With licensed roofing contractors, you’re assured of a perfect roofing job. Licensed roofing contractors have undergone formal training and multiple tests, and so they have in-depth knowledge about the roofing industry.

It is also important to hire contractors who have valid roofers insurance. It will not only protect roofers against workplace injuries but also protect you as a homeowner.If a person gets injured while repairing your roof, the roofing company will compensate them without you being financially or legally liable.

4.       Consider Previous Work Samples

An excellent way to know what to expect from a roofing contractor is to look at their previous work samples and references. To get samples of their work, ask your contractor to provide pictures of their previous work. Also, be sure to look at their portfolios on their website.

Also, let the contractor provide a list of references from their previous clients. Then you can reach out to some of them and ask about their experience dealing with that contractor.  Ask them whether they were satisfied with the contractor’s workmanship and how the roof is holding up now.

5.       Client Reviews

As a homeowner, you can take advantage of the internet to carry out a background check on prospective roofing professionals. You simply type the roofing company’s name and search for online reviews. You’ll access numerous client reviews on local listings.

Websites such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Yellow Pages are some of the websites where you can check local roofing contractors and read honest reviews. Don’t just focus on positive reviews; consider the negative reviews as well.

6.       Experience

You’d surely not want to hire an inexperienced roofing professional. Contractors take several years to gain experience in handling various roofing problems.

A roofing contractor that has worked in the industry for many years has undoubtedly performed maintenance on roofs they have previously installed. They are aware of the best practices and the tools to use.

An experienced roofing contractor can handle roofing problems caused by different weather conditions and do it without putting you or themselves at harm.

7.       Roofing Warranty

Another critical thing to check is whether your roofing contractor offers a roofing warranty. A roof installation needs to be accompanied by two separate warranties: Manufacturer’s warranty and workmanship warranty.

Manufacturer’s warranty covers defects that result from roofing material itself, for instance, a roofing shingle. Workmanship warranty, on the other hand, covers installation mistakes.

Reputable contractors should be responsible for their work. The last thing homeowners would like is to pay for a mistake that is not their doing.

 

The Homeowner’s Guide to Shed Insurance

shed plans

 

With the average price for materials ranging between $17-$24sqft, it can cost homeowners about $2,500 to build a typical 10’x12′ DIY shed. Depending on the size, style, siding, roofing, and extra features such as plumbing, electrical, overhead doors, or solar panels, the cost can soar upwards of $10,000 or more. Then, if you consider what’s being stored inside of your shed? The total value of the structure and its contents can undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows and questions, especially when it comes to being vandalized or totally lost due to a natural disaster or fire.

There are several reasons why homeowners might have a shed on their property. In most cases, these structures are covered by their homeowner’s insurance policy; however, there are also cases where they are not. The biggest mistake that some homeowners make is failing to call their insurance company to see if the new shed and its contents will be covered under their current policy. This guide is designed to help the average homeowner understand how it works with some tips along the way, and without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about shed insurance.

 

What’s Other Structures Protection?

 

Whether you have a shed, detached garage, gazebo, chicken coop, fence, or in-ground swimming pool located on your property? In the world of insurance companies, this type of homeowner’s insurance policy is known as other structures protection. In general, the standard coverage is about 10% of your entire home’s insurance policy. For example, if your home is insured for $150,000? Under the other structures protection policy, your shed and other outbuildings would be insured for $15,000.

It’s essential to call your insurance company or read the fine print in your homeowner’s insurance policy to know what the number of your coverage limits are. The next thing you need to know is the value that your new shed brings to your home? If your new shed has an amount more than what your current coverage limits are, it’s a good idea to have your insurance agent raise and adjust your coverage limits to protect your investment.

 

What’s the Value of Your Shed?

 

DIY sheds generally include just the cost of materials to build it and perhaps a good shed plans from Shedplans.org to work from, but you still need to know what it’s worth before you talk to your insurance company about raising your rates. A simple way to get a rough estimate of your shed’s value is by taking the cost of materials and tripling it. Most professional contractors charge about two thirds above the cost of materials for their labor.

On the other hand, you can expect that most insurance companies will want proof of the structure’s existence and paperwork backing its value, especially if they’re going to write you a check to repair or replace your shed. In cases such as this, it’s always best to have a home appraisal conducted. You can easily find a professional with any appraisal management company. These experts are certified and licensed in their perspective states or countries to determine the value of a structure objectively, fairly, and without bias opinions.

 

Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Cover the Shed Contents?

 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies will have a set amount of protection for personal property. This also includes the contents stored inside of your shed or other outbuildings. The amount of protection is typically determined by the amount of insurance outlined in your home’s insurance policy. While insurance companies cover certain items stored in outbuildings such as ATVs, lawnmowers, power equipment, garden tools, there may be a limit to what your insurance company is willing to fork over.

On the flip side of the coin, items subject to damage from moisture and humidity like clothing, photographs, and other personal effects, in most cases, wouldn’t be covered by your insurance company. Therefore, these types of personal items should be kept safe in your house to qualify as being insurable under your insurance policy’s protection for private property.

 

Are There Any Limits on Shed Insurance?

 

In the real world, although your shed and its contents are covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, it’s wise to talk to your agent about your policy’s stated coverage limits. This allows you to make a few different decisions based on what best fits your needs.

For example, let’s say your shed’s finished value is $5,000, and you’re basically using it for storing lawn and garden tools and supplies with a riding lawnmower that’s valued on the lower end of the scale? In most cases, this will not affect the limits on your homeowner’s insurance policy, which also includes the other structures protection plan. Meaning, your current coverage rates, and limits will not be affected.

 

When Does a Shed Limit Apply?

 

When you have specific items stored in a shed or outbuilding, limits will apply. As an illustration, if you have a $10,000 side-by-side ATV in your shed and a natural disaster or fire occurs? There may be a limit of $2,500 on the entire contents of the shed, including your expensive toy. Other items where restrictions may apply include but are not limited to:

  • Motorcycles
  • Snowmobiles
  • Vehicles
  • ATVs
  • Guns & Hunting Bows
  • Woodworking equipment
  • Expensive power tools
  • Small farm machinery
  • Zero-Turn riding lawn mowers

Pro Tip: To protect expensive items that are stored in your shed, talk to your agent about additional coverage for these specific items. You may discover that it’s best to insure them separately as opposed to raising the coverage and rates on your homeowner’s insurance policy.

 

Is There Anything Else That I Should Know About Shed Insurance?

 

One key component to shed insurance for theft claims is to make sure that you have either a keyed lock or a paddle lock installed on the doors of your shed. Contrary to what you may believe, some insurance companies will not give you a dime if you don’t have a lock on your shed, and theft occurs.

Anytime that you have a question about what your homeowner’s insurance policy covers, contact them and get it to explain to you because the information you need to know is usually contained in the small print that every homeowner hates to read. And lastly, you can certainly benefit from building a new shed yourself, but make sure you are covered.

 

Home Improvement Contractor License Requirements

To work as a home improvement contractor in any state, a contractor must usually apply for home improvement licensure. States put the licensure process into place as a consumer protection to prevent the scamming of customers by people falsely claiming to be home improvement contractors. Licensing also prevents te performance of low-quality work that could endanger the customer or the structure.

In addition to state licensure, some towns, cities and counties require home improvement contractors working within a municipality to acquire a municipal home improvement contractor license. Projects of a certain value may have less stringent requirements than projects that are high-value. For example, in Tennessee, some contractors acquire home improvement licenses for projects under $25,000. For projects over $25,000, the home improvement business would obtain a contractor license.

Who needs a license?

A home improvement contractor is a business entity that makes or sells home improvements. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies will all need state licenses. Home improvements include altering, painting, restoring, repairing, renovating, demolishing, modernizing or moving a structure or the property upon which the structure sits. Additional examples of work requiring licensure may include:

  • Performing landscaping tasks like laying sod or planting shrubs, flowers and trees
  • Installing swimming pools or pouring driveways
  • Performing environmental remediation including asbestos, mold or lead removal
  • Working as a subcontractor for a home improvement store
  • Being an employee of a licensed home improvement contractor who also does odd jobs “on the side”
  • Contractors licensed in one state who decide to perform work in a different state

People who are exempt from holding licenses may include:

  • Someone who is working on improvements to a family home
  • A person working on an improvement for a building owned by a charity or non-profit corporation
  • A retailer of home improvement products who does not perform or pay a contractor for installations
  • Contractors who work exclusively on commercial properties
  • Architects, engineers, surveyors, electricians, plumbers and other professionals who already have separate state licensing even though they work on home improvement projects

What type of business do I have to own?

States will have different requirements for submitting proof of the type of business that you own, and the requirements will be spelled out in the licensure application. If your company is a sole proprietorship or partnership, then you will need a document such as a trade name certificate. Corporations will need certificates of incorporation, and LLCs and LLPs will need certificates of formation. If you use multiple names for your home improvement contracting, then you will also need to submit copies of any alternate name certificates that you possess.

What about bonding and liability insurance?

Most states require contractors to have commercial general liability insurance before they will allow them to apply for licensure. While amounts may differ by state, a good rule of thumb is to secure a policy that pays $500,000 per incident. Contractors will need to prove both that they’ve secured and that they maintain the policy in their names. Proof usually consists of an active policy number, the date the policy was issued, the effective date of the policy and the signature of the policy owner.

Additionally, some states require bonding to show that a business is financially secure. Some examples of proof of financial security include surety bonds, cash bonds, property bonds or irrevocable letters of credit.

How does the application process work?

Typically, a home improvement contractor applies for licensure by completing an application, submitting required paperwork and paying an application fee. Businesses must submit a physical address instead of a post office box address, and they must also check currently licensed home improvement contractors to make sure that the name of their business is distinctly different from an existing licensed business or contractor name.

How much do I have to disclose?

Each state will have its own requirements regarding home improvement contractors who have a previous criminal record. Some states will not restrict licensure, while others may not allow a convict who is on probation to hold a license. Home improvement workers with criminal records may have to work as employees of another company until they finish probation or otherwise meet the criteria for working as an independent contractor.

Additionally, states may also ask questions on the application regarding past judgments against the business. If the application requires complaint records, information about convictions, revocations or unlicensed activities, then the contractor must provide an thorough account of past actions.

What happens when I’m licensed?

Most states require license numbers to be displayed on all advertisements or marketing materials related to home improvement projects. Also, some states may require the use of specific forms and procedures for down payments, written estimates, dates of the project and cancellation policies. When a home improvement contracting business is sold, always check state requirements to register the new owner’s name in a timely manner.

While this article will give a general idea of the licensure process and associated requirements, it is not intended to substitute for checking the laws regarding licensure in your state. Always check into your individual state and municipal licensure requirements before beginning work as a self-identified home improvement contractor.