Finding a good roofing contractor can be a long and sometimes arduous process. It is not only the contractors themselves who can be difficult to locate, but finding a good roofer can be like hunting for a needle in a haystack. A professional roofing contractor can do more than just get your roof in good shape, they also have many other duties such as inspecting your house for defects or the presence of a leaking roof, caulk padding, sealing cracks, etc.
So, how do you find the good roofing contractors? There are many ways to find a contractor, but we will discuss basic techniques which are the most effective for most situations. These techniques are:
Finding roofing contractors through referrals from friends and family – It is one of the oldest and easiest ways to find a reputable contractor, but it also has its limitations. The lack of contact information or references can make this method somewhat unreliable, particularly if you do not know the contractor personally. You can always hire a service that will help you locate a contractor or suggest a good roofing contractor based on your specific needs.
Looking for a professional roofing contractor directory – Many people choose to use a professional roofing contractor directory, either online or offline. This way, all you must do is sign up with a list of companies that you think have a good reputation. This is the best way to find a contractor quickly and easily, but like the first two methods, it does have some limitations.
Using the Internet – The Internet can be a great resource for finding roofing contractors who offer services akin to roof shingle installation, sealant application, roof replacement, and more. Since so many companies can be found on the Web, you can narrow down your search, without ever having to leave your home.
Using a local newspaper directory – I am sure you remember your local newspaper has a list of local contractors on its website. That is exactly what you need when looking for a roofing contractor. Use this type of information to find a contractor in your area by writing down their name or searching for them using keywords.
Using the local yellow pages or phone book – If you do not want to deal with websites, you can still find roofing contractors with just a little bit of effort. Make sure to look for small businesses that advertise in your local yellow pages.
Using a real estate agent – If you don’t like the idea of having to get out of your home, you can also work with a real estate agent to find a contractor to do the work for you. Using an agent can save you time and money, but it does not guarantee results, so you may need to go through a few contractors before you find one that you feel comfortable with.
A roofing contractor directory – If you have always worked with a single roofing contractor, you might want to consider using a roofing contractor directory. One of the best things about a contractor directory is that they have all the important information about roofing contractors at your fingertips.
A wide range of companies – Most websites will allow you to search for roofing contractors by specialty, including specialties such as asphalt shingle installation, metal roofing, and vinyl roofing. When you type in a search option, you will see the services that each roofing contractor offers, along with their contact information and pricing information.
So, there you have it, four of the most popular methods for finding roofing contractors. The most important thing to remember is that each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should be aware of both before making a final decision.