Many homeowners find it nerve-wracking to pick an Arlington Heights roofing company to perform repairs or replace their roofs. It's understandable. Roofs are a major investment that should last for decades, if installed properly and with quality materials. But how can you guarantee this ahead of time?
It all starts with choosing the right roofing contractor. There are a few things to look for when interviewing contractors that indicate the company is reliable, trustworthy, and will provide you with a good product. We have narrowed the list down to four easy-to-remember ways to make sure you hire an Arlington Heights roofing company that will do the job right.
4 Signs To Look For In A Reputable Arlington Heights Roofing Company- They Have The Right Insurance. Make sure the roofing contractor not only has insurance, but also has the right insurance for their line of work. Look for both worker's compensation and liability insurance policies. This will protect you from being financially responsible for any injuries or damages that may occur while the company is working on your roof. It also allows you to evaluate the bids more thoroughly, depending on who is providing you with insurance protection. Companies that don't provide this protection may come in with lower bids, but you're taking on an unnecessary risk by hiring them. Some homeowners mistakenly think their homeowners' insurance policy will cover them if problems arise, but this is not always the case. It's better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to ask to see the actual insurance certificates and call the carrier to ensure the policies are up to date. In Illinois, roofing contractors are required by the state to also carry at least $250,000 of coverage in property damage insurance and $500,000 in personal injury insurance. This is in addition to any workers' comp or liability insurance policies the company may have.
- They Are Licensed. Licensing goes hand-in-hand with insurance. It's protection for you against poor workmanship or problems that may arise with the contractor. Roofing contractors are one of the few types of construction contractors that must be licensed for business by the state of Illinois. Licensing requires that roofers pass a state administered exam covering a variety of topics ranging from safety to preparation, materials, measurements, and roofing systems, to name just a few. Licenses must be renewed periodically.
- They Are Local. It's a nightmare scenario. You have the work done only to discover a problem, but when you go to call the company to ask about repairs under their standard 5-year warranty, they have vanished. It's not always the case that the company was a fly-by-night operation. In some cases, the company just couldn't make it. Those first 5 years in business are tough in the contractor world. But in many cases, it is a situation where a company was following storms, sometimes called “storm-chasers”, and doing as many repairs as they could get. Then they move on to the next storm-hit area, leaving their customers to deal with the aftermath. Always look for a company that has a physical, local office and has been in business for several years. Ask for references from friends, family, co-workers, etc. A local company that has been around a while will have an established reputation and a place to turn if you ever have problems with your roof. A warranty means nothing if you can't get a hold of the contractor who provided it.
- They Are Professional. There is nothing worse than dealing with an unresponsive, unprofessional contractor. You're already nervous enough about making the right choice, it does not help ease your anxiety if the company never returns your calls or brushes off your questions and concerns. You want to hire an Arlington Heights roofing company that communicates with you on your terms and in a way that you understand, which will ultimately make you feel comfortable.
Contact Erdmann Exterior Designs if you are in need of a new roof or roof repairs in the Arlington Heights area. We are a 20-year old, family owned and operated business and a proud installer of CertainTeed shingles. Call us at 1-847-357-9607 to learn more about our roofing products and services.
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