A roofing project is one of the huge investments you may have financially as a homeowner. When hiring a roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof, you need someone you can trust with your home which is probably your most precious investment. Therefore, it is important to find a contractor who will ensure the job is done right the first time and within your budget. However, it can be challenging to choose the right roofing contractor while trying to balance price and quality as the homeowner. But, how do you find a reputable roofing contractor? To do away with incompetent contractors, here are five common mistakes to avoid when choosing a roofing contractor.

Hiring an Unlicensed or an Uninsured Contractor

Before having any talk with a roofing contractor, check to see that they are licensed and bonded. Most roofing jobs get completed without any incident occurring. However, should something happen such as an injury or damage to your home, you don’t want to be the one liable for it. This is why reputable roofing companies are insured and have worker’s compensation. Ask the roofing contractor for proof of licensing and insurance before hiring them to repair or replace your roof.

Not Asking For Referrals

One of the best ways to determine if you’re working with a reputable roofing contractor is to ask for referrals from local customers. Ask friends, families and neighbors for personal referrals to contractors they have worked with in the recent past. Moreover, the contractor should also be willing to provide you with contacts for clients they have worked with in the past. You can then get in touch with such clients to know the experience they had with the contractor. A reputable contractor who does quality work will not have a problem giving you the contacts of past clients. Reconsider your choice if the contractor is reluctant on giving the contact information.

Neglecting a Roofing Warranty

While the roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty, you also need to ask about the installation warranty. Good roofing contractors stand by their work. You want a roofer is ready to back their installation quality as a way of protecting your expensive investment. A reputable contractor will provide the roofing warranty in writing to ensure it is legally binding.

Not Getting a Written Estimate and Contract

If you don’t get a written estimate, you could face negative consequences in the long run. Without a clearly written estimate and contract, the roofing contractor could inflate the budget or even disregard some requirements for the roofing project. While you hope that the roofer you choose is going to work in your best interests, you never know. Having the estimates and contract in writing is a sure way to avoid dishonesty.

Paying for the full project upfront

When hiring a roofing contractor, don’t give in to pressure from the contractor. Usually, a roofing contractor will only ask for a small deposit before the start of the project and the remaining amount should be paid on completion of the project. However, there are some contractors who may ask for the whole amount upfront. This is a sure red flag that you should consider finding another contractor.