Do you have an upcoming roof replacement or roof repair project and find yourself overwhelmed by the number of roof installation companies in the Atlanta area, and you aren't entirely sure where to even begin? We understand just how daunting and confusing it can be when you need to find a certified roofing company for your project, and it seems like there are just too many options out there. We also know just how important it is to choose a reputable and qualified company; on average, a new roof can cost you between $5,000 and $11,500 and you want to invest your money wisely and ensure that your new roof will last for years to come.
How to Identify the Right Roofing Company for an Installation
There are a few things you can do to vet top roofing companies. Once you know what to look for in a roof installation company you'll feel confident when it comes time to hire your roofers. Follow our top five tips below once you begin your search.
1) Stay Local
Making sure the roof installation company you hire is local is one of the most important things you can do when hiring roofers. Local roofers are familiar with the weather and climate in your area, know the current state and local building codes, and likely have established relationships with local vendors and can get you the best pricing.
2) Ask Friends and Family
The next most important thing to do is ask your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc., if they've worked with a certified roofing company recently and who they'd recommend. This is the best way to get the most honest feedback about a company's quality of work, level of customer service, professionalism, and rates. As a bonus, when asking someone you know and respect, you can ask to see their home and make sure you like the roofing materials used and that the roof appears to be professionally installed.
3) Look at Online Reviews
After asking friends and family, head to the internet to check out online reviews. Places like Better Business Bureau are great because companies can't request to have negative reviews removed. Other great places include Angi Google reviews, Yelp, and Facebook. Online reviews are an excellent way to measure a broader spectrum of the company's work and consistency, too. For example, if you know you want asphalt shingles, reviewing companies online lets you find out the best asphalt shingle roofing company in your area.
4) Look for a Certified Roofing Company That Is Protected
What do we mean by "protected"? We mean that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. These are three incredibly important things that all top roofing companies will have. Here's what each one means:
Licensed
You'll want to find out if this is required in your state, as the requirements can vary. While there's no state requirement to carry a roofing license in Georgia, many roofing companies still choose to register with the Georgia Roofing Contractors Association a voluntary licensing program. To be licensed means to have passed an exam that verifies a company's skills and aptitude at the job.
Bonded
A bond, also referred to as a security bond, is a legal contract that protects you from monetary losses if the roofing company fails to complete the job. Georgia requires all contractors to carry a $25,000 minimum security bond but check your state, too, to find out their laws.
Insured
The roof installation company should also carry general liability and workman's comp insurance. This is for both your and the company's protection against any injuries or damages on the job.
You should confirm that the company is insured and bonded at the minimum. A reputable company will provide you with their policy numbers as well.
5) Get Several Quotes
Another important thing to do before hiring anyone is to get a few quotes. This allows you to not only compare pricing but assess the company in a few other ways. You can learn how responsive they are, what their customer service practices are like, and their level of expertise.
Hiring an expert roof installation company can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you'll be able to narrow down the top roofing companies in your area in no time. And if you're in the Atlanta area, make sure you contact Atlanta's best-certified roofing company Findlay Roofing today!
