Why
a Professional Contractor?
A
professional is recognized as a person who has a specialized body
of knowledge and has received intensive training in a particular
field. Another common way of determining that people are
professionals is by contrasting them with amateurs, and that's
exactly what we'd like to talk to you about.
The roofing technology has changed
markedly in the last 10 years. New roof coverings, insulation
materials and innovative application techniques demand the
education and expertise of a professional.
Roofing is a relatively
"easy-entry" business. Frankly, not all roofing
contractors are professionals, and too many home and building
owners have paid dearly for using amateurs. You don't have to do
more than glance at the Yellow Pages to see that there are
hundreds of people calling themselves roofing contractors. A
year-to-year comparison of the Yellow Pages will show you that
many contractors do not stay in business for very long.
Roofing is a complicated and demanding
trade. A professional roofing contractor must have knowledge of
materials and building technology, and a trained and skilled work
force to give the best possible service to his/her customers.
Because an informed customer is a good
customer, find out as much as you can about the contractor you
are considering. To get the job done right the first time, and to
avoid costly repairs later, insist on a professional.
WHAT CAN A PROFESSIONAL
ROOFING CONTRACTOR OFFER ME?
A professional roofing contractors may
have a large or small business. They may have been in business
100 years or just a few years. But all have some traits in
common. Professional roofing contractors are:
- WELL ESTABLISHED
A professional roofing contractor will have a permanent
place of business, a telephone number, a tax
identification number and where appropriate,
certification or a business license.
- EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE
The contractor should be an experienced problem-solver,
with a thorough understanding of his/her industry.
Roofing skills cannot be learned overnight. There are
accepted methods for installing flashing around pipes,
vents and chimneys. Often, roofing materials are
incompatible and can cause problems if applied by an
amateur.
- INSURED AND COMMITTED TO SAFETY
Roofing is a dangerous business. A sloppy operation can
endanger workers and bystanders, and cause property
damage. Don't be shy about asking the contractor for
proof of the insurance he carries. Beware the low bidder
who's cheap because he doesn't have complete insurance,
including workers' compensation coverage. Too many
unsuspecting home and building owners have been dragged
into litigation involving uninsured contractors.
- COMMITTED TO EDUCATION
The roofing industry offers a variety of educational
programs that a professional roofing contractor will have
attended. More important, the best roofing contractor is
only as good as the workers who actually install your
roof. Insist on having trained, experienced roofing
mechanics, instead of laborers employed for one or two
interim jobs.
- USING QUALITY MATERIALS
In today's market, you can buy dozens of different types
of roofs. A professional roofing contractor is interested
in more than simply getting the job done and moving on;
he/she will offer service after the sale and application.
Ask for a fair guarantee, written in language you can
understand.
A guarantee is only as good as the
company giving it. What good is a guarantee when the roofing
company that did your roof is out of business? A professional
roofing contractor with a proven track record will still be in
business should a problem arise.
WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE SURE I'M WORKING WITH A
PROFESSIONAL?
- Be sure you're comfortable with the
contractor and the roof system he/she is suggesting. A
pro is going to be happy to answer your questions.
- Check customer references. Ask for
the names of several customers with roofs similar to
yours. Be sure the contractor has performed as promised.
- Check financial information. A
professional roofing contractor will give you the names
of creditors and banking references. Make sure the
roofing contractor is a responsible business person.
- Call the Better Business Bureau. You
will find out quickly if there have been a lot of
complaints about the contractor or if any complaints have
not been satisfactorily resolved.
- Insist on a written proposal. You'll
get it from a professional roofing contractor. Examine it
to make sure you think it is complete and fair.
HOW DO I FIND ONE?
Ask friends and neighbors who have had
roofing work done about their satisfactory experiences with
contractors, and ask those contractors for bids on your job. Or
call (512) 251-7690 and we will give you the names of roofing
contractors in your area. Here is our membership list.
The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas is
not in a position to make recommendations as to its members' skills, experience
and capabilities. Home and building owners should base their decisions on the
qualities they deem most important in a roofing contractor.
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