Hiring a roofing contractor to perform your New Jersey roof replacement can be very stressful, not only because of the cost involved, but because there are so many shoddy contractors out there. Horror stories abound on the internet of folks who thought they’d hired a good roofing contractor, only to find out later they’d been bilked, shortchanged, or otherwise taken advantage of. Avoid ending up with your own “When roofing goes wrong” horror story by following these tips.
Ask, Ask, Ask: Don’t be afraid to ask questions before, during, and after the process, and feel free to inspect the work your roofer is doing (to the extent that it’s safe to do so). A good roofing contractor will happily answer your questions, allow to watch the installation (from a safe distance), and do everything in his or her power to make you comfortable. After all, you’re the boss!
The Estimate: You should get written estimates from at least three reputable contractors prior to making a decision. Be wary of any estimate that is significantly lower than the others—it’s a sign the contractor may be looking to cut corners or use shoddy materials. Keep in mind that old saying: “If it seems too good to be true, it usually is!” To provide you with a detailed and accurate estimate, the contractor should inspect not only your roof, but also the attic. The area under your roof should inspected carefully for potential problems so that they can be addressed appropriately in the estimate.
References: Ask your potential contractors for a list of references of past customers. You should contact at least three of these folks from each contractor, and find out what work was performed on their homes, if they were (and still are) happy with the results, and what, if any, problems arose during the process. George J Keller and Sons understands the importance of this step and is always happy to provide a list of at least 25 customers with whom you are welcome to connect.
The Contract: Before any work is performed, you should receive a detailed and signed contract that includes a breakdown of the cost of the materials and the labor, as well as disposal fees, permit costs, and any other charges. It should also include information and relevant costs regarding “what ifs,” such as if rotted decking is uncovered. The contract should include all warranties and guarantees in writing. Be wary of any contractor who requests payment in cash or to a person rather than the company. For more tips on choosing a reputable contractor, check out New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs information brief.
Registration and certifications: A New Jersey roof replacement contractor must be registered by the state as a home improvement contractor and display their registration number prominently. They should also carry adequate worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Expert roofers are also certified by premier materials manufacturers, and these serve as further proof that your roofer is highly experienced and carefully vetted. George J Keller and Sons is a GAF Master Elite Roofer, and our company is one of only 4% of roofers worldwide that carry this certification. A good roofing contractor will be happy to show you all his or her relevant credentials, so don’t be afraid to request and inspect them.
Deposits: New Jersey roof replacement contractors are prohibited by law from asking for the entire cost of the project upfront. Most reputable contractors will charge no more than 50%—or 1/2 of the total project cost—upfront (George J Keller and Sons generally requires a 50% deposit). Be suspicious of any contractor who requests more than this, and don’t pay the full amount under any circumstances until you are completely satisfied with the work performed.
Permits: A licensed contractor that’s performing work on your home is required to pull his or her own permits. Under no circumstances should you, the homeowner, ever pull permits for work that’s being done by a New Jersey roof replacement contractor. This is because the entity or person who requests the permit becomes legally responsible for the work that’s being done to the home. A good roofing contractor will NEVER ask you to pull your own permits.
The Work Itself: Your roofers should show up on time and ready to work as outlined in your contract. When the work is being done, ensure your roofer is completely removing the old roof prior to installing the new one. Once that step is complete, a good roofing contractor will carefully inspect the decking and ensure that any problems are appropriately addressed before installing the underlayment. If you’re concerned with how something looks during installation (such as the shingles not appearing uniform), speak up right away. If the work takes more than one day, ensure the roof is properly protected and that the roofers clean up prior to leaving the site. The roofing supervisor should be available on-site to answer your questions and address any concerns as they arise.
By following these tips, you can avoid your own “when roofing goes wrong” story, and instead be completely satisfied with your home’s new roof. A good roofing contractor will do whatever it takes to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the process, so if something seems off, speak up right away.
Are you ready to work with a highly reputable, deeply experienced New Jersey roof replacement contractor? Give George J Keller and Sons a call today at 973-927-0963 and we’ll be happy to meet with you to discuss your roofing project!