Anytime there storms that roll through Florida, we end up with some less than reputable roofing contractors knocking on doors and soliciting for roof repairs. You can take steps to protect yourself before you hire anyone.
Research Your Roofing Contractor
Before you sign a contract or put a deposit down, research the roofing contractor with whom you are considering signing a contract.
Know the Facts
The facts you want to know are:
- Is the company licensed by the state? Florida makes it easy for you to find out about licensing, simply click here and you’ll be taken to a page where you can research your roofing contractor.
- Do they carry the proper liability insurance? Many contractors disclose this information either on their website or their sales people carry a copy with them. Ask to see it. Note the contact name and make a phone call to see that the policy is still active.
- Do they have any outstanding complaints filed with the BBB? Although this isn’t fool-proof, the BBB does provide you with a company’s work history. If there are open complaints or several closed one, be wary. If you can’t find a listing at all, you may also want to consider choosing another roofing contractor.
- Not all roofing companies require a deposit before starting the work. Depending upon the company, you may not have to place a deposit prior to them starting work.
Get Opinions
There are many ways to find out your roofing contractor’s reputation. You can ask for references from the roofer themselves. Of course, they’re likely only to give you names and addresses of people who they know will speak favorably of them. Most companies also post some testimonials on their website that may disclose the names of past clients. Although these too can be biased, they do provide you with good information. Generally the more detailed a review, the more accurate and honest.
Lastly, and probably the most unbiased way to find out what others have to say is to search “roofing (company name) reviews”. You should see a Google My Business page with reviews entered by users, you may also see sites like Angie’s list, BBB, YellowPages, and others. It’s also advisable to check social media like Facebook to find out what people are saying.
It’s in your best interest to do a little research before signing that contract. Protect yourself and your home. Not only do you not want to lose money but you also want to make sure the job is done right. Russ Noyes Roofing Inc is licensed, insured, and has a great reputation in the Orlando area as a professional roofing contractor. We can help you with your roof repairs or replacement, just give us a call to schedule your appointment – 407-388-7700.
