Why Is It Essential to Work With an Insured Roofer?

When starting a residential or commercial roofing project, finding the right contractor is one of your most crucial missions. Roof repairs and replacement can be a significant investment, meaning you want to choose a dependable professional to complete the job. It isn't enough that your prospective roofers have years of experience; they should also have insurance.  

Read on to find out why you must hire an insured roofing contractor. 

Why Work With an Insured Roofer?

It Offers Protection for Property Damage

Roof repair and replacement are more complicated than you might think. It isn't something you or your friend should attempt to do. You need the right tools to perform residential and commercial roofing jobs. Expert techniques are essential to ensure quality outcomes. Mistakes during the process can result in serious damage and even shorten the roof's lifespan. 

It's more cost-effective in the long run if you hire an experienced professional to do the job right the first time. Pros go through extensive training, have years of experience and know which tools to use and the correct techniques to apply. What could take you days could sometimes only take them hours. You can also count on them for superior results. 

A reliable roofing contractor would have liability insurance. In case a worker accidentally causes damage to any part of your property, your roofer's insurer will cover necessary repairs. For instance, if the pro causes unintentional damage to your siding while repairing your roof, you won't be charged for fixing the compromised component if the company has insurance. 

For verification purposes, you can ask your prospective contractor for the contact details of their insurance provider. A reputable roofer will have no problems providing you with this information. Once you have the insurance company's number, call the company, and ask if the contractor's policy includes roofing. 

Avoid Being Held Liable for Covering Job-Related Injuries

Thousands of workplace-related injuries happen each year. Jobs involving climbing a ladder or the roof are something best handled by trained professionals. Whether you are only dealing with a minor repair or need a new roof, you must choose a licensed and insured contractor. 

If a worker encounters an accident on your property, you could be liable if the roofer has no insurance. You don't need to worry about hospital bills as long as your roofing contractor has valid worker's compensation insurance. It offers protection in case someone gets injured while on the job. 

Even if a friend or family referred a contractor, you should check if the contractor has valid insurance. Do the same if you also need to hire a siding or gutter installer. Many states require contractors to have insurance, but it doesn't mean everyone complies. Background checks will help determine if you are hiring the right contractor for your project. 

If your prospective contractors have shown you proof of their insurance coverage, it helps to know what to look for. Read the document thoroughly, and see that the company's policy is active. Check if it states the roofer's name or if the contract is under a different company. Consider it a red flag if they have a valid policy, but you noticed that the coverage doesn't actually include roofing. 

It Says a Lot About a Contractor's Dependability

Licenses and insurances are strong indicators of a contractor's reliability. Trustworthy professionals are always transparent. You can take it as a sign that the company cares about its workers. It also shows that they value your satisfaction and would go above and beyond to meet your expectations. 

More Tips on Finding the Right Roofer

Obtain Multiple Quotes

Getting at least three quotes will help you find the ideal contractor for your project. It will also give you an idea of how much your project will cost. A reliable professional will provide you with a comprehensive estimate, including the cost of materials, labor and other expenses. Be wary of quotes that are too good to be true because they probably are.

While it can be tempting to choose the company with the lowest bid, your decision shouldn't depend on the pricing alone. Consider experience, certifications, warranties and the quality of products they use. Which contractor responds to your queries faster? You want to work with a roofer that responds to your needs promptly and is easy to contact. 

Speak to Your Candidates

You can ask for referrals from your family, friends and neighbors or look up local companies online to create a list of potential roofers. Ask your prospective contractors about how long they have been in business and if they use subcontractors. Find out how many projects they work on at the same time and request references. 

Do Background Checks

If you need storm damage repair, it is even more important to do your research before hiring a contractor. After a weather event, you must be careful who you hire to avoid storm chasers or scammers. The more you know about a company, the better you can determine if they are the right fit for your project. 

Check the websites of your prospective roofing companies and see if they have uploaded photos of their previous projects. Have they previously worked with someone you know? If so, you can visit your friend's house to see the quality of the contractor's workmanship. It also helps to read reviews online and check the status of the contractors with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Look for Licenses

Most states require contractors to have valid licenses and insurance to operate their business. Only work with licensed professionals for all your home improvement projects. It would be a good idea to visit BBB's website or your state's consumer protection agency to find out if the contractors have liens against them from past clients, workers or suppliers. 

Ensure the success of your roofing project by choosing an experienced and reliable professional for your project. At Hershey Exteriors, Inc, we are committed to providing superior residential and commercial roofing services. Whether you need a roof replacement or storm damage repair, our highly trained team is here to help. Call us at (302) 569-9039, or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.