When it comes to roofing projects, asphalt shingles installation is one of the most popular choices due to its affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. However, the success of your project heavily relies on choosing the right contractor. The right professional will ensure your asphalt shingles are correctly installed to give your home long-lasting protection. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right contractor for asphalt shingle installation.
1. Research and Gather Recommendations
Start by doing thorough research. Get referrals from friends, family, neighbors, or others who might have recently had roofing work done. Personal experience can give you the lowdown on how well a contractor can get their work done and all his considerate gestures toward customers. Look up online contractors and check their reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Have a good regard for those with a high rating and good reviews—an indication that the contractor is reliable and able to do the job.
2. Check Credentials and Experience
Ensure that your prospective contractor is duly licensed, insured, and experienced in his field of practice. State requirements differ, so check with your state government about requirements. Insurance helps protect you from liability in case mishaps result in accidents or damage to your property in the course of the project execution. Consider also the experience he has gained with time. If a roofing contractor in asphalt shingles is reputable, he will be more likely to do quality work. Ask how long they have been in business and if they have experience with projects similar to yours.
3. Verify Certifications
Many manufacturers award certifications to contractors who complete special training courses. For instance, GAF and CertainTeed are part of the manufacturers that have certification programs indicating that a contractor is proficient and capable of properly installing their products. When you engage a certified contractor, you shall have a professional who knows current techniques and practices concerning asphalt shingle installation.
4. Request References and Portfolio
Ask potential contractors for references from prior clients. Call these references to find out about their experience with the contractor, the quality of the work, and if they had any problems occur. You also want to see a portfolio with examples of the contractor’s previous projects. This will give you a better feel for their quality of work and the types of projects they have completed.
5. Get Multiple Quotes
Get several prices from several contractors. This should help you get a feel for the going rate for the installation of asphalt shingles and allow you to vary the scope of work and materials each contractor is proposing. Test any quote way too low against others. Their practice could be to inflate their prices elsewhere, use cheap materials, or have little to no experience.
6. Evaluate Communication and Professionalism
A key to the success of a roofing project is an effective form of contact. Observe how promptly and clearly a contractor continues to answer your questions. A professional contractor must be willing to answer any questions, explain every step in detail, and give you future updates. Proper communication assists in avoiding miscommunication and keeping your project on track.
7. Review the Contract Thoroughly
The very important things in the contract are to go through before signing any agreement. It is supposed to indicate all the details of the scope of work, materials that are to be used, timeline of the project, payment schedule, and warranty information. A comprehensive contract will thus guard your interest and the contractor’s as well. In clear terms, it will state what is expected, by whom.
8. Understand the Warranty
A credible contractor should be willing to provide a warranty over materials and workmanship. Usually, the manufacturer’s warranty covers the asphalt shingles, while the contractor’s warranty covers the installation work. Know the terms and duration of these warranties. A good warranty may protect one in the long run and is an assurance that the contractor will stand behind his work.
9. Ensure Proper Permits
Depending on where you live, asphalt shingle installation may need permits. A professional contractor must be in charge of the process with respect to permits, making sure that all the work done conforms to the local building codes and regulations. Failure to acquire permits will result in fines and big problems when it comes to selling your house in the future.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts when choosing a reliable roofing company. If something does not feel right and you have reservations over the professionalism or reliability of a contractor, it is best to keep searching. Your home is a big investment; naturally, you will want to ensure that whoever you are dealing with can be trusted.
Conclusion
The right contractor to install your asphalt shingles is the pristine way to have a successful roofing project at the very end. Detailed research, verification of credentials, getting references, and careful introspection into the contracts will help in finding a reliable and expert contractor who will do quality work. Your choice of professional drives home not only a longer life and better performance of your roof but also gives peace of mind during the process of installation.
