finding a roofing contractor

6 Responses to “finding a roofing contractor”

1. By fyffedog_43202 on Feb 28, 2010

   His insurance (if he had any) is of no help to you. His insurance is just to protect his workers from cost of an injury. This is called workmen's compensation. He also had liability insurance to cover damages if someone he employed backed his truck into your house.
   You are probably thinking of his bonding insurance. This is rarely enforced. It is in case he does not complete a job, and since you fired him – I'm not sure this would even apply. Without his help – it's going to be almost impossible to find his bonding company unless you call the city/county he is supposed to have a license in. Try that.
   Since you made him stop – you probably are just out what you paid him to date.
   Truthfully, I would move on- find someone to finish/replace what he messed up. Learn to hire better workers with references. Get written contract with all the license numbers, insurance comp.,bonding agent so you can check him out.

2. By Windstar on Feb 28, 2010

   How about a Roofing/Building Material wholesale company? Outside sales position? His experience would really be beneficial to his customers. Or a technical support or trainer for a roofing manufacturer try the Metal & Asphalt Shingle manufacturers, if he was in the business he hopefully should have some contacts to reach out to. My best advice would be to network within the industry, and to be patient. Something should come along; but not without his local "industry" knowing he is out there and looking for an opportunity.

3. By Joe on Mar 1, 2010

   Shingle companies typically offer a slightly better warranty if you use a certified or preferred contractor. This might mean you get a higher wind rating for the blow-off warranty, sometimes labor included in the warranty, or a combination of both.

   A higher wind rating does have a bit of value. It means that you will be eligible for warranty coverage through a stronger storm than you would have with a lower wind rating. It is hard to place a dollar figure on it, but I would not pay too much of a premium.

   If labor is covered, it is often for a very limited time period and often provided to by the contractor. The shingle company requires them to provide the labor warranty, but you may still have to track the contractor down to get warranty service. Again, probably some value but I would not pay a huge premium.

   The certification programs usually do require some type of exam. Sometimes there is some training that goes along with it, sometimes experience is sufficient.

   From what I know of the various programs (I work for a building materials dealer), I would be willing to pay maybe $10-15 per square more for a certified or preferred contractor, but not much more. Your best bet to evaluate these options would be to ask the contractors. The certification program is really a sales tool for them. They should be able to explain the specifics to you. If not, they did not pay very good attention in class.

   I should add that none of the shingle warranties require the person doing the installation be a certified or preferred contractor. You will still have the standard warranty as long as the shingles are installed per the instructions, which are pretty standard. A qualified and experienced contractor should not have a problem. There are some commercial products that are an exception, but you usually can't even buy those products unless you are certified/preferred, so not a problem.

   Check for insurance, check the references (don't assume they are good, legitimate references just because they are provided) and go from there.

4. By Douglas E on Mar 1, 2010

5. By Jbn555 on Mar 3, 2010

   Asking for references is kind of a joke. think about the when you are looking for a job and have to give references.

   When you get a copy of their insurance info, give it to YOUR homeowners insurance agent and ask them to check it out, make sure it is current and has adequate coverage. Reputable companies don't skimp on insurance

   Ask friends, coworkers, etc if they have used, or know anyone that has used this company. Do a Google search on the company and the owner. Check your city, state, and county court websites, to see if they have been named as a defendant in any lawsuits lately.

   Ask them for addresses of jobsites they are CURRENTLY working on, drive by and just sit in the car and observe. ask employees how long they have worked for company, and if they like it. if they treat employees well, they probably treat customers well also.

   Call the local roofing supply houses, and ask for their A/R department, and say you are doing a credit check on them. Roofing is a tough business full of fly-by-night companies, reputable companies do everything they can to pay their bills in a timely fashion, so if you find your contractor of choice has no credit, or bad credit at every supply house in town, I'd stay away….

6. By Laura H on Mar 4, 2010

   Here is a link to the gun on the manufacturer's website. They don't list any replacement parts. For that price, it looks like the gun is a throwaway when it wears out. You have a few options. You can contact the manufacturer to see if they have a rebuild kit, you can toss it and get a new one, or you can upgrade to a name brand gun, such as Senco, Porter-Cable, Bostitch, etc, that has replacement parts readily available. Hope this helps.

   http://www.homier.com/roofing-nailer.html