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25
June

Pitfalls to Avoid While Hiring Professional Roofing Contractors


Hiring expert roofing contractors can be a wonderful investment in your property that can lead to many benefits for your home. It can lead to an improved curb appeal as well as boost the market value of the property for resale purposes. When choosing a new roofing contractor for your residential and commercial roofing, there are a few key points to keep in mind. In this post, we will share with you some common pitfalls or mistakes that any property owner should avoid while hiring roofing contractors in New York.  


Common Pitfalls You Should Watch Out For


Hiring an Unlicensed Roofing Contractor


Before you hire roofing contractors in NYC, New York, you must verify their credentials. They must have the proper license as well as insurance required to do any kind of roofing work. If you overlook this important point, it can leave you open to a world of liabilities and legal issues. Especially if there is any mishappening or accident during the roofing work. 


The insurance also safeguards you in case there is any damage caused to your home or office during the roofing process. It also protects you in the event any worker gets injured and their medical bills need to be settled. Also, if a roofing company is certified, it gives you confidence that they have gone through the necessary training and have the required skills for their role. 


So, when hiring trusted local roofing contractors, make sure to see their licenses and certifications. Remember that only certified contractors are familiar with the local building codes that one must abide by while doing any construction or renovation. 



Picking the Cheapest Contractor

We understand that many times, customers are working with a strict budget that they cannot go over. In such a case, there may be areas where you would want to cut corners. Because of this reason, some customers make the mistake of hiring a contractor that gives them the cheapest pricing. This may seem like a great deal but trust us, hiring a New York Roof Pro Contractor is not one where you can afford to cut corners. 


The reason why some roofing companies in New York offer extremely low prices is that they use low standards of materials as well as employ inexperienced employees. Choosing such a company may end up costing you more money in the long run. Such companies offer poor service and do not offer any warranty for their work.


Not Checking Their Reviews


Checking any business’s reviews online has become a normal process these days. It should be no different for hiring a roofing contractor. You can go online to their Google My Business page and read the reviews of their previous customers to see how satisfied or dissatisfied they were with their services. You can also visit Yelp to check their reviews. 


Many customers these days also post reviews on a company’s social media page like a Facebook page. So, go there and check those reviews out too. If you fail to check a company’s reviews or check with their previous customers, you may end up hiring the wrong contractor for your roofing. By then, the damage might already be done. 


Forgetting to Ask for a Warranty

As mentioned before, getting a new roof or a roof replacement is a substantial investment. With proper care and maintenance, your new roof should easily last you up to three decades. So, the wise thing would be to get a written warrant from your contractor to protect your investment. If you fail to get a proper warranty for your roof, you may not get any compensation in case there is any damage to the roof, shortly after it is installed. 


The warranties offered by some of the contractors include compensation if the new roof gets damaged within its prescribed lifespan. You may also be eligible for a free new roof or repair work based on the warranty. It is best to hire expert roof repair and installation services that offer a complete warranty on their work. Even though you may never feel the need to invoke it.


Not Checking the Portfolio


Another common mistake that customers make is not thoroughly checking the portfolio of the contractors. In some cases, they do not even ask to see it. The portfolio can give you an idea of the type of roofing projects the contractors have handled before. You can also learn about the scope and result of each project.


Not only does the portfolio give you confidence that this roofing company knows what they are doing and has worked on roofing similar to yours. You can also directly reach out to the customers mentioned in the portfolio. Have a direct conversation with them to get their feedback about their experience working with these contractors. 


Ignoring checking the portfolio may make you regret your decision of hiring your contractor. Especially when you realize they have never handled a roofing project of such a magnitude before.


Hiring a Residential Roofer for Commercial Roofing


If you are looking to hire someone to install a new roof for your commercial property, hire someone with experience in commercial roofing. A big mistake that some make in this case is to hire a roofing contractor that has residential roofing experience but not commercial. Even though the principles of roofing are the same, there is a lot more that goes into commercial roofing. 


Before you officially hire a roofing company in New York, make sure you check their competencies in commercial roofing along with their experience in the same.


Not Hiring Trusted Local Roofing Contractors


When it comes to roofing repairs or replacements, hiring a local contractor can be the best decision for homeowners. Local contractors have a better understanding of the local weather patterns and building codes, which can greatly affect the success of a roofing project. They are also more likely to have established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.


Additionally, local contractors have a reputation to maintain in the community and are more likely to provide high-quality workmanship and customer service to protect their reputation.


On the other hand, not hiring a local roofing contractor can be a mistake. Hiring a contractor from out of town can result in delays and miscommunications, as they may not be familiar with local building codes or may not have easy access to necessary materials. 


In addition, if there are any issues with the roofing project, it may be difficult to reach the contractor and get them to come back and address the issue, this is especially true if they are not from the local area. Finally, not hiring a local contractor can also mean missing out on the benefits of supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy.


Not Reading the Fine Print


With property owners juggling numerous responsibilities, a roof repair project may not be at the forefront of their business concerns. Nevertheless, it’s imperative to prioritize reading and comprehending the contract and warranty provided by the roofing company. Although it’s listed last, failing to do so is one of the most significant mistakes to steer clear of.


It’s crucial to avoid accepting an oral contract, whether you’re procuring a new roof or employing a company for a roof replacement. In addition to thoroughly reviewing the written contract, it’s essential to request copies of the manufacturer’s warranty on the materials that the company will be utilizing.


Putting Too Much Stock in Verbal Commitments


Putting too much stock into verbal agreements when hiring a roofing contractor is a mistake as it can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and legal issues down the line. Verbal agreements are difficult to prove and enforce in court, and they often lack the details and specificity required to avoid misunderstandings. Without a written contract, it can be challenging to hold the contractor accountable for their promises, and it can be challenging to protect your interests if something goes wrong.


Also, verbal agreements may not include all the essential details of the project, such as timelines, materials used, and warranties. This can lead to confusion and disagreements, which can significantly delay the project’s completion and lead to unexpected costs. A written contract is crucial in clarifying these details, providing a clear understanding of what is expected from both parties and ensuring that the project is completed to your satisfaction.


Furthermore, a written contract is legally binding, and it protects both parties. It outlines the terms of the agreement, including the cost, timeline, and scope of the project, and it can be used as evidence in court if there are any legal disputes. Overall, it’s best to avoid relying solely on verbal agreements and ensure that all agreements are in writing to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues.


Conclusion


These were some of the key mistakes that customers make when they hire a roofing contractor in NYC, New York. By avoiding them, you can save a lot of money, time, and anguish. Hiring a well-reputed roofing contractor like Zicklin Roofing can make all the difference in the world. Contact us today for a free quote. 


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