How Do You Know When It’s Time to Let Go of Your Roofer?

No matter what home improvement project you are planning, hiring a skilled and experienced contractor is essential. Sometimes homeowners deal with contractors who do not have the same vision as them. We understand how stressful it can be to see very slow progress on your roofing project. Firing a roofer is not easy, but there are situations where you need to do it. 

Here are common signs you need to find new roofing contractors for your project. 

When to Fire a Roofer

They Keep Adding More Work

Have you noticed that as your project progresses, your contractor keeps spotting more areas of your roof that need work? It could be a sign that your contractor is doing unnecessary repairs to your roof. To avoid this scenario, review your contract with your roofer, and state the things you will and won’t pay for. Getting a second opinion from another roofing professional will help you make sure you are not being taken advantage of. Consider hiring a new contractor if the one you initially hired keeps saying that your roof needs additional work. 

Lack of Licensing

One of the first things you should ask for when hiring roofing contractors is proof of licensing, bonding and insurance. Think twice about working with a company that can’t immediately give you these documents. Always hire a properly licensed, insured and bonded contractor to avoid putting your home and family at risk. It is a strong indication that you need to let go of your contractor if they can’t prove that their business is legal or documented. 

Poor Workmanship

The most common reason people fire contractors is poor workmanship. When ending your contract with your roofer, you may be asked to show evidence that the quality of their work is not good. If you’re planning any home improvement project, it’s always a good idea to document the process from the beginning. Take photos, keep all material receipts and keep a record of all your communication with your roofer. With this documentation, you can show that the work does not meet what’s written in the contract. 

Poor Communication Skills

Take it as a red flag if you keep on contacting your roofer to address problems and ask questions. Good communication is key to successful roof and gutter installation projects. You should have a good relationship with your roofer, and they shouldn’t be hard to work with. 

Unprofessionalism

A reliable contractor would always treat their clients with respect. Your satisfaction and everyone’s safety would be their priority. Fire a roofer who is showing dangerous behavior and disrespect toward you and your family. Contractors should never drink alcohol or take illegal substances on the job site. If they are always late and don’t follow OSHA guidelines, find more professional roofers for your project. Tardiness can lead to delays in your project, which you shouldn’t have to deal with. Consider firing a contractor who is always absent for no reason. 

Breach of Contract

Whether you are planning a roof or gutter installation, having a written contract is extremely important. Before firing a roofer due to a breach of contract, make sure to review your contract first and understand any key termination terms. Check if you are subject to fees if you terminate the contract. When reviewing your contract, ask yourself if you will need a refund for any upfront payments you made for labor and materials. See if your contract lets you get back costs of labor and materials that didn’t meet your expectations. Also, you should know if your contractor hired subcontractors and whether they have been paid for their services. 

One more thing you should consider if you are thinking about firing your contractor is your state laws. In many states, contractors are allowed to fix any problems in the construction before you can step in and take action. Some state laws also require contractors to adhere to start and finish dates for remodeling contracts. Should they fail to meet the deadlines, firing them would be justifiable. 

Tips on Finding the Right Roofer for Your Project

Ask For Referrals

You can ask your family, friends and colleagues for local contractors they can recommend. By working with a contractor who has previously worked with someone you know, you can personally check their work. You can even ask your family and friends about the habits and workmanship of the contractor. 

Do Your Research

Once you have a list of potential contractors, it’s time to do your research. The internet is a powerful tool you can use to learn more about roofing companies. Browse through their website, read reviews and check their status with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Do they have certifications or industry awards? You also want to check if these companies specialize in the kind of roofing system that you have. An experienced contractor would know if you need better attic insulation and suggest the best roofing materials for your home. 

Obtain Quotes

Experts suggest getting at least three quotes from different contractors before hiring one. Doing so will allow you to determine who is the best company to execute your project. When comparing quotes, price should not be the only factor you should consider. Take note of the quality of materials the contractors are offering and their experience. 

Ask for Proof of License, Insurance and Bonding

During your consultation with your prospective contractors, make sure to ask for proof of insurance, licensing and bonding. By working with an insured and licensed contractor, you can protect yourself and your home if something wrong happens during the project. If a roofer does not have insurance, you could be held liable if someone gets hurt while working on your roof. 

Need to improve your home’s attic insulation or get a new roof? Turn to Shine Construction Inc. for your residential roofing needs. Call us today at (508) 276-6644 or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.