Phoenix Roof Replacement

4 Steps to Hiring the Right Roof Replacement Contractor

High wind, heavy rain & broken, flying tree branches . Our summer monsoon storms can wreak hell on your roof. When a monsoon hits the valley, so do fly-by-night roofers and scammers. There are also some that might be legitimate, but don’t have the experience with the issues roofs here in the desert are confronted with. They won’t be here as the roof ages and needs repair. But, the other problem is that local, experienced roofing contractors can be completely booked up with their scheduling after a big storm. Whatever reason you need a roof replacement, the process of getting it done can seem overwhelming. Here is some real advice for finding the right contractor for your project.

1. Get several roof replacement estimates

Pick at least 3 companies who meet your requirements. Have each do an inspection and give you an estimate in writing. You can keep the quotes limited to the repairs your insurance company says is necessary, or you can have them put together separate quotes for that work and any other repairs not included in your insurance claim. You can then make more distinct comparisons between the estimates and you’ll know that your roofing contractor is working in unison with your insurance company.

Think about using impact-resistant and flame-resistant roofing materials in your final decision. Materials have advanced greatly in recent years – and so have insurance company incentives to use them. A roof that doesn’t have these materials could cost you more in premiums or deductibles down the road.

The amount for the quote for the project shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing a roofer. Ask yourself this: How did each one treat you? Did they answer your questions completely, thoroughly and in terms you understood? What’s their record with the BBB?

Call your three prospective company’s references. Call those close to your neighborhood and the project sizes that are as close as possible to yours. Ask open-ended questions: Were there any issues? How did they handle those problems?

Based on your due diligence and past customer interviews, pick your contractor and ask them to create a contract for the project.

Roof Replacement is Sometimes Necessary

2. Go Through the Agreement with a Fine-toothed Comb

The contract is a binding agreement for you and the contractor, so take your time to go through it closely before putting your signature on it. Make sure that it has the contractor’s name, address, tax ID and phone number printed on it and includes all of the following:

• A detailed list of all the work to be done, including removal and disposal of old materials; the whole scope of the work; any work on flashing or additional venting that needs to be completed.
• The materials to be used, including the type, manufacturer and colors, the type of metal to be used for the flashing, any underlayment and protective membranes, plus the installation methods.
• Who is responsible for repairing or replacing any landscaping or interior finishes that are damaged during the job?
• Approximate start and completion dates.
• How and when you or your insurance company will pay for each stage of the project. 
• What are the refund and cancellation policies.
• The length of the warranties and what is covered under them — is workmanship and water leakage? The warranty must be in writing.
• How disposal of project waste (packaging, unused materials) will be handled.
• Something that notes that you have the right to rescind the contract within 72 hours and get a refund of any deposits, deducting the amount of any work thats already been completed. You can also rescind within 72 hours of the claim being denied by your insurance company, with the same stipulation applying: you’re responsible for any work already completed, assuming that it was done correctly.

3. Avoid Roofing Scammers

If a roofing salesperson knocks on the door of your home, don’t let them in or up onto your roof. Ask them to leave you their business card and any other printed material they have and make a formal appointment so that you can do some due diligence on them. If you think they’re scammers, record their truck’s license plate number to give it to local authorities. If they offer a once in a lifetime deal on your deductible or they use any type of high pressure tactics on you to get you to make a decision immediately, to sign anything, just say no and ask them to leave. 

Roofing contractors should be willing to supply you with the following information. Eliminate anyone who can’t or won’t.

• A permanent place of business, telephone number and tax ID number. If they give you a license number, check it with the Registrar of Contractors.
• Liability and workers’ comp insurance certificates. Ask to see them personally. Look at the coverage end dates to be sure the policies will be in effect throughout the duration of your job.
• Membership in the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) or the BBB. While they aren’t requirements, reputable, experienced roofing contractors will usually belong to at least one of these two organizations.
• Past customer references – get name and phone numbers of past customers where the roofer performed work at least a year ago. You’ll call these past customers later, but at this stage of the process, you can cross companies off your list if they don’t have them.

4. During the Project

Congratulations – you’ve now found your roofing contractor. There’s still a few items you’ll want to do:

• Keep track of how the work is being completed and that it’s being done with the materials specified in the agreement — or any other materials you and/or your insurance company approve of.
• Don’t sign a certificate of completion until the work is completely done and all the construction waste is removed. You can ask that your insurance adjuster inspect the completed work before you sign off on the project.

Mikku and Sons Roofing (623) 465-1068 provides quality tile roof repair, roof installation, roof replacement and other roof repair services to Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding Phoenix area communities. We’ve been a reputable, quality roofing contractor since 2001. When you need trustworthy advice for your roof replacement project, give us a call.