how do I pick a good roofer?

5 years ago

we need to get a new roof and we're absolutely paralyzed with indecision. our first quote was insanely expensive. we're not necessarily going to go with the lowest bid because this is a very tricky project (see below if you feel like details). but I have no idea how to vet roofers. besides "licensed and bonded", are there other things we can look for? one website says they're GAF certified -- is that good? I have no idea.

honestly, I feel like I can't quite trust google or yelp reviews for this project. personal referrals are not exactly making me feel good either. my husband got one from a co-worker, and it turns out they were the same abysmal guys who did our skylights, who we hated. I'm so freaked out we're going to make the wrong choice.

how do I do this?! help!

((details if you're curious: this is a metal roof that was installed incorrectly over the original tar roof. it was done in a way where moisture could get trapped, and the wood it's bolted to could rot - one rotting spot was already found when the skylights went in. (don't ask me why we proceeded with the skylights at the time, that's a separate long story.) it has zero insulation and no attic. they're going to have to tear off all layers so that the only thing left is the tongue-and-groove ceiling, so the entire interior will be a complete effing mess. we're ordering rigid foam insulation, new gutters, two skylight replacements. an additional contractor to do electrical wiring for anything that goes in the ceiling. needless to say, we need to hire the best to make sure this project doesn't end our marriage, lol.))

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Comments (4)

girl_wonder
5 years ago
I think GAF Certified means they are certified to install that brand of shingles.

Are there other people who can offer references, like neighbors, friends, your realtor? Anyone in the trade, maybe if you hired a house painter or ? If they send you to a roofing supply store to get samples, ask there? Check references and listen to why people like their roofer. I know several people who love their roofers because the roofer came out and did repairs when the roof leaked during the first year. Personally I want a roof that's not going to leak.

(I just read your description of the roof. Ug! Hang in there!)

This is an interesting question. I googled "roofer how to vet" and got a bunch of hits. (more than I can post). I need to hire a roofer soon, so if you learn anything, please share. ;)
acm
5 years ago
might be worth investing in a membership in Angie's List...
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Manon Floreat
5 years ago
I went through the roof experience last spring & summer. It's a process. I started with neighbors and other contractors who have done work for me. I asked friends as well. Then I browsed through Angie's List. I researched on the web what sorts of questions to ask. I compiled my list of questions, then went to the state to see if any of the roofers I was considering had any L&I issues, safety infractions or lawsuits.

Those with any weirdness, didn't get a call.

I interviewed five. One of them stood me up on our scheduled day to meet. He did not get my money. Another arrived 30 minutes late - without a call - and spoke to me in a condescending manner. (That tone some men take when they're interacting with a woman who they assume know nothing about anything.) He didn't get my money either. Another ( a neighbor referral) arrived on time, was professional and had a great record. I would have had to sell a kidney to afford his pricing. I kept my kidney. Another was promising, but when I asked for references, I never got a response. So, it went like that.

I finally found a company who ticked all my boxes - a referral from a friend whose parents had used the company. Only problem was his company had only been in business for five years. A bit of a red flag, but I felt good about him. He got my money. I now have new a roof and both kidneys - win win.

Some questions to ask:

How long is this going to take?

Do you have your own power supply or will you need access to power from my house?

How are you going to protect my landscaping, shrubs and garden? How are you going to rectify any destruction?

Do you use subcontractors?

Who's responsible for quality control and what is the process that person follows?

How long have you been doing this?

Who's going to clean up the mess?

GAF certified just means they have the GAF certification from that shingle provider. I interviewed a GAF certified roofer, and he made a big deal about the certification (he was the condescending one). All the other roofers pretty much said that it's the installation that's important - not so much the brand.

Good luck and get ready for some serious noise.
GreenDesigns
5 years ago
Metal roofs and fixing rot IS insanely expensive. The good guys have months long lead time. You are in the hot season.

It would be nice if they did actual background checks of employees. Of course you’ll pay for that type of standard. Too many in the industry won’t pass. Pick the the guy who shows you his NarcAnon chips rather than the one still using. And buy a drone, for you to inspect and take pictures of the process. The best you can hope for is that the busy licensed and insured guys feel like you’re paying attention to the details.

how do I pick a good roofer?

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girl_wonder

acm

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