Earlier this month we talked about the numerous reasons that you should never, ever attempt DIY roof repair. For this post, we wanted to talk about some of the steps you can take to ensure that you choose the best, most qualified roofing company for the job.

Get bids from several companies

You likely understand the importance of getting multiple bids.  Why should you do this? Because it could help save you a lot of money.  (Homeowners are often surprised at how much bid amounts can vary from company to company.)  You’ll also want to keep in mind that you shouldn’t automatically choose the company that gave you the lowest quote— and this is especially true if one company came in significantly below the rest.

As you begin to evaluate various bids, make sure they’ve  been printed on company letterhead and that they’re as detailed as possible. For example, each bid should include the company’s name, logo, contact information, FL contractor’s license number, and list the full breakdown of labor and materials costs.  If all you’ve received is a brief email, a few sentences about the job, and a dollar amount, this could be a red flag—and it may be a sign that this particular company isn’t licensed or insured.

Do your homework

After you receive your bids, you’ll also want to research each of the companies you’re corresponding with. Do they have a website and social media pages? Do they have complaints registered against them with the Better Business Bureau?  Have they received positive reviews from prior clients on websites such as Yelp, Google+, Home Advisor, and/or Angie’s list?  If the contractors you’re considering have a long list of positive online reviews, that’s a good sign. On the other hand, if their reviews are mostly negative (and/or you can’t seem to find a trace of them anywhere online), this probably isn’t a company that you want to do business with.

Ask for referrals

Don’t be afraid to ask your friends, neighbors, family members, and/or colleagues if they have a roofing contractor that they like. If the company they hired did a good job for them, there’s a very good chance you’ll receive the same level of customer care and customer service.

For more information about the steps you should take to ensure you hire a reputable, experienced, licensed roofing contractor, we can help. Call our office today to speak with a local expert.