How To Select
the BEST ROOFING Contractor
The easiest, and one of the best ways to select a roofing contractor, is to get references from
friends, family, or neighbors.
Once you have some names, meet with them, look for “chemistry” or rapport between you and them and observe their level of professionalism.
Courtesy, respect, punctuality and the ability to communicate are some of the most important attributes a contractor can have next to their basic
competency. Actually, no matter how good someone is, if they don’t click with you on these points, don’t hire them. Period.
Getting Estimates & Choosing from Possible Roofing Contractors:
Here’s a checklist of things to consider when selecting your contractor.
Let’s use ratings of “Best”, “Good”, “OK”, “Fair” and “Reject” to classify some of these items. See how your
choice of contractors add's up!
You have had good personal prior experience working with contractor [BEST]
Reliable referral from direct experience of family, friends, or neighbor, completed projects in your area that you
can see and speak with homeowner [BEST]
You know of the contractor's reputation but have no direct experience [GOOD]
You found them on the BBB website, Angie's List, or the Local / State Contractors Licensing Board in good standings [GOOD]
You found them from a trade association or general advertising [FAIR]
You found them on an Internet posting, such as Craigslist, advertising “Cheapest Price” [REJECT]
State Contractor Licensing (they must provide the number if licensed):
Licensed; has never had a complaint filed or had disciplinary action taken [BEST]
Licensed; has no prior complaints filed for at least 3 or more years [FAIR]
Licensed; current complaints or actions against them within the past 3 years or opened under new business name or License # with the
intent to escape complaints / judgments, opened under alias or accomplice name to avoid debt / accountability [REJECT] [REJECT!!]
[REJECT!!]
Contractor has no license [REJECT]
Insurance (ask to see their certificates):
Workman's Compensation and General Liability [BEST]
General Liability only (bodily injury and property damage) [REJECT]
Contractor has no insurance or coverage has expired or been canceled [REJECT]
Business Longevity:
In business more than 15 years with the same name and License number [BEST]
In business 10 or more years with the same name and license number [GOOD]
In business 1 to 10 years with the same name and license number [OK]
New -Opened under new business name or License # in previous years, (typically with the intent to escape complaints / judgments, or
opened under alias or accomplice name to avoid debt / accountability) [REJECT]
Stability and Permanence:
Has a physical business office and address, can be reached after hours (reasonable hrs). Willing to give
alternate or cell number to accommodate your schedule [BEST]
Has only a phone number or answering service, no office or employees [FAIR to OK]
Cell phone contact or email contact only, no office [REJECT]
Reference Check (yes, you should check references)
Positive prior and current local references, neighbors, friends, Family. List of local jobs, allowing the ability to
go by and see, talk with these customers if situation allows(people outside, or close neighbor. Please respect
peoples privacy) Good, clean record with contractors board [BEST]
1 to 3 verifiable local references only [FAIR]
References all out of area, or only in photograph form without physical addresses [REJECT]
No real references or negative references provided [REJECT]
Experience
Specializes in the work you want performed and is Certified by Manufacture, Contractor has extensive
knowledge and experience in product and application. Contractor uses own employees and oversees job site
[BEST]
Can perform the work you want, but does not specialize and does various other types of work [FAIR]
Contractor is new business but has previous experience from past employers – Check out Thoroughly! [OK]
Little to no experience in the work you want performed or uses Sub Contractors only for this work [REJECT]
Scope and Price:(All Items Required to Ensure the Best Possible Choice)
Detailed description of the scope of work, including any add-on items or additional repairs that are obvious, in
writing.
Ventilation, intake and exhaust, is addressed and corrected if needed. Bath and Kitchen Exhaust fans brought up to
code.
Assumptions (if any) are clear and accurate. Detail of any charges for dry rot repairs found after work is started.
Contractor to have Good communication skills, can answer questions and objections with an adequate response,
be able to have a resolution to any objection or answer to any questions in a manner in which you are satisfied. He
should be easily reached, and return calls promptly.
Installation done by employees, not a subcontract crew. Clean up and disposal is addressed, and in writing.
Crew, or Foreman, speaks English to allow for job site communication and clarification. You should NOT have to
project manage your own job!!
Contractor will Guarantee the work in writing. Don't fall for Inflated Warranties offering LIFETIME, a company should
offer a minimum state required, (typically 2 years) but often will exceed this. A reasonable warranty period on the
installation, against leaks caused by workmanship, is 3-7 yrs. Most roofs will leak from poor installation during the
first rain, but definitely within the first two years.
All verbal Contractor representations are in writing, no matter how insignificant something might seam. Talk is
Cheap!
NO money asked for up front. In today's market, there is no reason any contractor in good standing needs to
require up front, or down payment money. If they need to pay for the material in order to start / complete your
project, that is not a good sign!
Final payment is not required until work is completed. This will ensure you are satisfied before you pay a dime!
Most Reputable contractors do not require payment until work is completed, these
are the contractors that will most likely not hesitate to return if a problem arises,
without an argument or threat of additional charges.
Tips for a Long and Healthy Relationship with YOUR Chosen Contractor
Respect your contractors time.
Don't expect him to drop everything the minute you call. Understand that he is attempting to treat his future, and
present customers, with the same attention and respect that was paid to you and your project. If he returns your call, or
request, in a reasonable time frame, then he has not forgotten about you. You are important to a reputable contractor, he
knows that customer service, and customer satisfaction is the key to repeat work, and referrals!
Pay your contractor promptly!!
The contractor is not a finance company, and should not have to wait until, you “transfer funds within the next
week”, or wait until the next rain storm to ensure it does not leak. Materials and labor are costly! Employees need to be
paid regardless of when you pay your invoice. Cash flow is the number one reason most contractors do not survive in a
down economy or when a “slump” occurs as in the months of heavy rainfall or extreme cold which makes the process of reroofing difficult. They lived up to their part of the contract, make sure to live up to your obligations.
Give the Contractor a chance to do the right thing, DON'T Assume the worst!
The relationship between you and your contractor is dependent on both parties. Show respect, as respect was
shown to you and your project.
As the homeowner, you have the right to report any mis conduct or unethical business to the Contractors
Board (OR. C.C.B .or WA. L& I), the Better Business Bureau, Attorney General, and of course the ability to spread word
to all neighbors, co-workers and friends. This will ultimately be the downfall of any contractor that decides to conduct
business poorly or unethically.
The contractor has much more to loose from negative complaints and negative word of mouth, than he does by
choosing to ignore you or not address a problem or concern. Most contractors will welcome feedback, even if negative, so
that they can learn from the experience, and ensure not to repeat it. Remember, Contractors are Human. Human Beings
make mistakes. It is more important how they handle them, and that they learn from them as to not repeat the mistake!
Give them the chance to do the right thing for any issue with work performed, or with an individual employee or company
representative. Most reputable contractors will go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction in the hopes of a positive
referral!!
In our area, the contractor is required to put up a bond, as well as carry the
proper amount of insurance, for the sole purpose of
your protection.
If you choose the right contractor, you will develop a long lasting relationship in which you will have them at your
disposal for any repair or service needs that they offer, along with a great resource for other trade referrals!
Don't expect, or assume that they “owe you”, or that you deserve a “free service” or special treatment because you
used them for your project, or referred a job to them that they ultimately were awarded.
The contractor is in the business to earn a living for themselves, and their employees and families. The idea of them
making a profit should not be dis-regarded. Contractors have to make a profit, you would not work your job for free,
would you? You want them to be profitable and successful, so that they will survive and stay in business for years to come
in order to be there should you have any issues or future needs. It is reasonable to expect the contractor to make a profit,
but not to make such a profit that allows them to retire off your job!!
Most contractors will “Thank You” for any referrals and often offer a discounted service or even a referral fee! The
best compliment to any contractor, is a referral!!!!
Choose the best contractor that fits your needs. Budget should not be the deciding factor when contracting a home
improvement. You can shop different dealerships for the same vehicle, based on price, selection, and customer service, but
even though many contractors offer the same products, it does not mean the quality of the installation or customer service
will be equal!
Know who you are trusting to perform improvements on one of
your largest investments!!
Remember, the Lowest Bid
is not always the VALUE it appears to be!
Although price should be a consideration, be sure that you are acquiring value in the job you are
getting and for the amount of money you are spending. Don't find out afterward that you were miss-led, or
miss-informed and are not getting the quality job your hard earned money is going towards. A bad job at a
discounted cost, is still a bad job! No matter how much you saved!! Your time is worth more in dollar
amounts, and to you and your family, than to have to spend the time to project manage your own job or stay
on top of things to ensure it gets done correctly before completion or worse, after! You should not have to
keep your fingers crossed with the hopes that the services performed will function and perform as intended,
or that the product was installed per manufactures specifications.
If the cheapest bid results in substandard work, or not backed by a reputable company in which to
stand behind the work if there is ever an issue, the job can cost you a lot more than originally thought!
Avoid costly mistakes, avoid future MOLD created by roof leaks, or shingles blowing off because they
were installed improperly, and now not backed by manufacture warranty. Don't get left holding an
umbrella to stay dry in your own home!!
Make sure to hire a certified contractor, approved by the product manufacturer and actively
licensed, bonded and insured, that has been in business with a proven track record to ensure you have the
peace of mind that somebody is on your side if a problem has occurred. Your roofing contractor should not
be on speed dial because you consistently have to call to report another “leak”, or “shingle Falling Off”.
You should have a detailed record of your roofing contractor and the paperwork from your project in
your files (It should be hard to remember the number off the top of your head because you should have not
had the need since the project was completed!) so that if anything ever arises, you can call and be assured
that you are being taken care of. And of course, to be able to offer their name and number to all who
ask!
Call the Rest, Then Call The Best!!!
Exteriors Inc.
OR C.C.B. # 126986 WA#EXTERI*022BN
a Full Service Roofing Contractor
We are confident that once you put your choice of contractors to the test, with the help
from the checklist above, you will agree that the only call you need to make is to Exteriors Inc.
From roof repairs, to cleanings, maintenance, and full roof replacement. Residential and
commercial. Call today for a FREE, no obligation, inspection / Estimate.
Our representatives are not seasoned salesmen!! We have a combined experience of
over 80+ years!
Specializing in ROOFING!!!
Vancouver 360-260-1311 * Portland 503-292-2073