How to Find a Roofing Contractor in Buckinghamshire
So you live in Buckinghamshire and you need a professional roofing contractor. It may be because you have an emergency and a leaking roof. It may be because you know that there aresome repairs which need doing. Or it may be because you want a new roof. Whatever the workyou want done there are many things to consider when making this important decision.
Steps to finding a good contractor:
1.) Get at least three references.
2.) Ask how long they have been in business.
3.) Get at least three estimates for the job to make sure they are not ripping you off.
4.) Ask how long the job is likely to take.
5.) Get flat rate estimates so you know the total you will pay beforehand.
How to Hire a Roofing Contractor
Think about the last time you purchased a car. Chances are you did not go to the Yellow Pages, choose a dealership at random, and buy your car from the first lot you visited. Many times, though, this scenario describes the way homeowners find a roofing contractor – they look in the phone book and call the contractor with the largest ad or the first one listed. But much like purchasing a car, finding a good roofing contractor requires research and comparison shopping.
So now you take the following steps.
Ask Around
The best place to start asking about roofing contractors is your family, friends and work colleagues. Friends, neighbours, and work colleagues will know of the contractor’s work first hand, or will know the quality of work the contractor did for someone they know. Other good sources of referrals include building contractors and your local roofing materials supplier.When asking for referrals, be sure to check the type of job the roofing contractor
was called in to accomplish. Also, determine if the roofing contractor specializes in residential or commercial work, or in a particular type of roofing work such as flat roofs.
Some good questions to ask:
Were you happy with the quality provided by the roofing contractor?
Everybody has their own ideas of quality, so you should take a look at the referee’s house and judge for yourself. Ask how long ago the job was done. Pay attention as best you can to areas around chimneys, any windows, plumbing stacks and roof intersections as these are the most likely areas where problems could start to arise. If it is a flat roof you are
having done, ask if you can get onto the flat roof to have a good look. What signs of wear and tear are there?.
Did the roofing contractor complete the job in the time specified when the estimate was given, and was the disruption during the job at an acceptable level?
Roofing work with the scaffolding, the tarpaulins and so on can be a big disruption to you and your family. While delays can exceptionally occur if the weather is really bad the job should normally have been completed on schedule. If not, why not? Good quality roofers are very skilled at getting the job done even if there is rain and they should be able to complete the job in the time scheduled and keep everything in the house dry. A complete roof replacement can often be done in a week. Was the roofing team careful not to cause any damage while doing the job? Were they efficient in removing rubbish from the job from your property? Were all the roofing team there when they were supposed to be there, or were they distracted by other jobs? Was everything cleaned up when the job was completed and the roofing team had gone?.
Were they courteous and polite?
This is a very important consideration. The entire experience, from beginning to end, needs to be as stress free as possible. Plus if the roofing contractor and the roofing team enjoy their jobs, the quality and attention to detail will be better. Hopefully this will be the first question you ask. If the answer to this question is no then do not go any further, you do not want to work with that person.
Now you call the contractor.
The initial contact will provide you with a first impression. Was the contractor pleasant and courteous? Did the contractor return your call promptly? Did the contractor set up an appointment with you within a reasonable time (usually within 24 hours)?
The initial phone call
Ask pertinent questions, such what employer liability and insurance they have, how long have you been in business, what is their specialty, how many employees? If time is a priority for you, ask how soon a project could be started.
Meet the contractor
Provide a clear detailed description of the project. Include as much information as possible, including materials, budget, time frame, and any other important information about your expectations. It is always a good idea to be as honest and open with the contractor as possible. A roofing contractor should never have to guess about your project and you should make every attempt to ensure the contractor understands what you want. As you are discussing the project with the contractor, pay attention to body language and voice tone. Remember, based on the size of the project you will be working with this person, in your home, and you must feel comfortable.
Discuss the options with the contractor
Since the roof is one of the most important external elements of a house, it should not only be durable, but also have an aesthetic appeal. There are many types of roofing materials available such as clay or concrete tiles, slate, roofing shingles, and roofing felts for flat roofs, each with their own price tag. You may also be affected by the type of roofing materials in neighbouring properties. Get the contractor to advise on the appropriate
materials given the budget you have in mind.
What warranty will they give?
As a roof is fundamental to your security as a householder be sure to find out what warranty is given by the contractor. A 10 year warranty is commonplace. Make sure you can get it in writing. Simply stating it is not enough. Get it in writing and make sure you understand any limitations. A good contractor will be happy to stand behind his warranty.
Is the contractor a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)?
About 60% of roofing contractors in the UK belong to the NFRC. There are undoubtedly excellent contractors who do not belong and therefore membership should not be an essential requirement when you make your decision. However NFRC membership does mean that the contractor has been inspected once every three years to assess quality standards. If a contractor is not a member it would be worth asking why.
Obtain an estimate
Obtain a detailed estimate. Make sure it includes a complete description of the work and the materials to be used. An estimate should include a projected start time and the project duration. An estimate should include a note that states if the price could change and if so what percentage. If you request any changes during the project, make sure you get a complete updated document that shows exactly what changes has been made and the impact on the final price.
Get a minimum of three estimates.
Insurance and references
Ask for a copy of the certificate of insurance of the contractor to check its validity. Ask the contractor to provide at least three referees and check them out. With each referee ask about the quality of the work, whether the job was completed on time, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
Comparing estimates
Compare all the estimates you have received and make sure that each one contains the same information. If you added something to the project between meetings with roofers, the estimates are not similar. A caution is always necessary when homeowners decide based on lowest price only. Make sure that the estimates contain the same quality materials;
sometimes the lowest bid is not using the same quality materials.
Safety Commitment
Accidents can happen with almost any home improvement project, especially a roofing project. So ask your prospective candidate what steps he will take to prevent injuries and property damage. Again if a roofing contractor is good at his work he will be able to answer this question with ease.
Execute a Contract
Execute a contract specifying the work to be done, total cost, payment schedule, start date and estimated completion date. Make sure the contract includes the roofing materials and the brands and colours to be used and any additional work such as replacing guttering. Make sure the contract specifies that the contractor is responsible for cleanup when the job is done and the removal of all waste materials. Ask about what might be the level of disruption during the project.
FINAL TIP
Think carefully before accepting either the lowest estimate or the highest. The cheapest may have underestimated and may sting you for it later. So check the references. The most expensive, especially if it is significantly higher, may mean that the contractor does not actually want your business, probably because they have work up to their eyes already.
Watch this video about flat roof contractor
This is a Flat Roofing project near the midtown tunnel in Queens. After doing so good on a job a Brooklyn flat roof, the contractor decided to sub out this roofing job to us. This is a certified Firestone roofing installation which means every part of this roof installation has to be applied according to manufactures requirement, A Firestone rep has to visit job site periodically to inspect roof if he does not pass inspection an NDL warranty will not be issued for this roofing project. Check back with us soon to see this roofing project in a different stage. Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorMetal roofing on flat roof???
Dear, I am a Store owner located in Mechanicsburg,PA. We have flat roof over our store and I guess its old can i replace it with metal roofing??? We have all HVAC equipments on the roof, whats the best way to put a new roof, my store is 2100 sq ft I need estimates from roofing contractors
About Author
Philip Tucker -
About the Author:
Philip Tucker is a specialist in finding out how to choose a good roofing contractor. See:
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July 12th, 2010 | by roofing contractor |
By Trey on Jul 13, 2010
It depends entirely on how strong the addition was made. If the roof is just 2×4 studs instead of 2×6 or greater, you have a good chance of problems. And if the waterproofing of the flat surface may break if you try to use it to walk on a lot in all kinds of weather and poke through with chair legs, etc.
The usual solution if the strength is there is to build the "patio" almost like you were making a deck near the ground: a strong sill atfached to the house and pads to rest on the roof and spread the force. Then the waterproofing of the addition stays intact and the deck can be level even if the roof has some slope for drainage.
If the floor of the house is very close to the level of roof, then there isn't really space to do that above. I would suggest getting someone to design it or ask for estimates based on a design being described to you and see how much trouble they think it will be.
By thegurlupstairs on Jul 13, 2010
Make sure it's in writing as to how they'll charge if water damaged sheeting is found, ie, time and materials, or will you supply the material and they repair. They won't know if there is damage until the roof is exposed.
Absolutely ask for references.
Check the BBB.
Don't hesitate to get more than one estimate.
Find out what kind of roofing material they plan to install…is it good quality or some cheapy stuff? That info should be included in the contract and can be verified at your local lumber yard.
How will the roof be loaded? Is a truck with a boom bringing it in? If so, how will the contractor ensure that your yard won't be hammered.
Who will be responsible for getting rid of the debris? Easier for them to do it…just get it in writing!
Ask that it be in writing that they "sweep" the yard (with a magnet) to get rid of any nails that fall to the ground. Even if they tarp the area, nails bounce
As far as meeting with the foreman, it might not be a bad idea. Good to know beforehand if you'll be able to communicate with him.
Best to you!
By bellshouse1 on Jul 14, 2010
You need to check with your local Registrar of Contractors to see if there are any open or previous infraction by the builder. You will also be able to see how long the builder have been in business for (the longer the better). When comparing estimates, you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A $20k spread is huge for a small project so somehow, one of the bids are missing services, whether it is demolition, hauling fees, materials to match existing, etc. If you're putting concrete tiles on the new gable roof, does it happen over a large expanse of windows/sliding door? Any of those builders include additional support on the header and foundation due to the increased load?
Just compare the differences in terms of included scope of work from each builder. By doing so, it may give you a better understanding of the price discrepancies.
By Renoir04 on Jul 14, 2010
I would recommend to do the following:
1) Make sure they are a licensed contractor, who will be getting the building permit for you.
2) Ask the contractor if he will be overseeing the work.
You don't want one of those guys that you only see once, hire a bunch of unkilled labor to do all theactual work, and are never around to make sure the work is being done right.
3) Get a few more estimates for cost to do the whole job. I prefer getting at least 3. If they refuse to provide a free estimate for the whole job, then don't even consider them.
4) Whatever you do, do not give the contractor a huge check up front. There are a ton of horror stories out there, where people have gotten ripped off that way. I suggest a stepwise payment based on the progress of work done. The chunk of which isn't paid until the job is passed by the housing inspector.
By starlight on Jul 14, 2010
Definitely a rubber roof requires a great deal let maintenance and will last 15 to 20 years. This will be a true water proof roof system. Paper and tar is old method and will last 7 to 10 years before needing replaced. UV rays effect both but tar faster. Long term Rubber. Short term is moving in 5 years paper and tar.
By Shizzle DIzzle on Jul 14, 2010
If you are looking for a highly recommended Foam Roofing contractor, you are on the right track. First, you want a foam roofing contractor who has been consistently recommended highly by both old and new customers. If they promise a 10 year warranty, make sure they have been in business for at least 20 years! Finally, verify that they are in good standing with the Contractors State License Board. Type in the company's license number at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ and see how long they have been in business and if their worker's compensation insurance is in good standing. Other organizations, such as Diamond Certified, go even further to interview prior customers of companies they sponsor to verify high customer satisfaction ratings. As you mentioned, the Eichler Network is another organization that actively seeks and sponsors reputable contractors. The best Foam Roofing contractors receive a lot of word-of-mouth referrals from neighbors that were happy with the work.
Only one foam roofing contractor in the Bay Area also offers solar power installations. Take a look at http://www.dura-foam.com/. Dura-Foam Solar Center is not only a SunPower Dealer for the world's highest efficiency solar electric panels, but also highly recommended by the Diamond Certified Organization, Angies List, Eichler Network, Better Business Bureau, and ValueStar. Dura-Foam Solar Center takes responsibility for the whole project by guaranteeing both the roof and the solar installation. You can check the maps on their website to see that they have done thousands of jobs in the Bay Area over the last 29 years. Their vast network of satisfied customers since 1981 is delighted to share the Dura-Foam Solar Center Experience.
By mealking on Jul 15, 2010
A metal roof is not a good idea. Ponding water will leak through the seams even if they are soldered because expansion and contraction will open up the seams. Ponding water will also cause the steel roof to rust prematurely.
A better option is a rubber membrane roof. Warranties as long as 40 years are available. A reputable roofing contractor will make quick work of the roof job and be around for any problems that may develop … in other words, they will be around to take care of any warranty problems.
Good luck with your roofing project.
By arjzv on Jul 16, 2010
You can do one of two things. Either ask a competitor to come inspect the roof and give you an itemized list of what's wrong with it *just tell them what happened and that you are looking for someone who can show you what's wrong and what needs repaired* or you can contact your insurance company who can set you up with someone who can check it for code. Once you get the documentation showing the lack of work done you can put in writing your complaint and demand it be redone. If they refuse, you have it in writing that you are unhappy with the product and also paperwork showing what damage is done. Take pictures! That way if they DO try to sue you for the money you can have that on your side. They won't get a DIME if you're in the right.
Do NOT pay until all the above has taken place or they can claim you damaged it etc. you wouldn't have paid if you weren't satisfied etc. and you won't get it fixed by them.