DO – Verify your roofing contractor’s license
The State of New Jersey no longer requires permits for roofing or siding replacements on single-family or twin style homes. Since the state and local municipalities are no longer checking if roofing contractors are licensed for these projects, it is important to do your own research.
DON’T – Pick a roofing contractor solely based on price
Many times the lowest priced estimate is low for a reason. Of course, price is a factor, but proper licensing, insurance and positive reviews are most important. Sometimes homeowners will hire the cheapest roofing contractor they can find and then end up having to pay a reputable contractor to redo the work. If an estimate is remarkably lower than others, the contractor may not carry proper insurance or may use substandard materials, or may even take your money and disappear.
DO – Ask friends and family for their recommendations
With so many roofing contractors to choose from, just about everyone has a positive or negative experience to share. Friends, family, and neighbors are the best people to ask for referrals for their favorite contractor.
DON’T – Try to do your own roofing work
With an endless number of YouTube tutorials and online do-it-yourself guides, many household projects can now be completed by just about anyone. However, roofing is not one of them! Aside from the obvious safety issues, there are many aspects that go beyond nailing down shingles. Installing flashing, weaving valleys, and cutting in ridge vent are skills that require extensive training and experience.
DO – Ask about warranty options
If your roofing shingles are defective, it’s important to know if you are covered. When hiring a contractor, make sure that they are certified by the roofing material manufacturer to provide you with a warranty. Many shingles manufacturers will only allow their certified contractors to provide extended warranties. Ask your roofing contractor for warranty options to see what works best for your needs.
