Home Service Professionals

Roofer

Services, costs and hiring best practices - proven tips for getting great Roofing Installation, Maintenance And Repair Service

May 2012

When hiring and working with a Roofer, every homeowner needs to know: What services does a Roofer commonly provide? What is the best way to find good prospects? What should I look for when I interview the Roofer? And most importantly, how do I make sure that the Roofing Installation, Maintenance And Repair Service is done right?

Use the following information to understand your options, make good decisions and get quality work at a fair price.

Roofer - FAQ

How do I avoid the scams and get good Roofing Installation, Maintenance And Repair Service at a fair price?	First, decide on ALL product / service options. Compile a list of work and quality requirements (see the next section). Have at least 2 qualified pros complete detailed bids on the work. Use a written contract that ties payment to verifyable results. Download the Roofer Hiring Guide for step-by-step details.
What should I expect to pay for Roofing Installation, Maintenance And Repair Service?	Most Roofing Installation, Maintenance And Repair Service work is quoted at a fixed price, for specific service(s) or deliverables. The underlying hourly rate for a Roofer ranges from $27 to $41. Usually, a minimum fee will be charged, which represents 1.5 - 2 hours of effort. In some cases, the quoted job price may be negotiable, particularly if other work is performed by the Roofer.
Do I need to use a licensed Roofer for my job? If so - how do I verify license status?	A professional Roofer must be licensed to provide most Roofing Installation, Maintenance And Repair Services. To check a Roofer's license status, search the telephone directory or online for your state's professional license board or department. Contact the licensing authority to verify license standing and history for the business and individual.
Should I use an insured Roofer for my project?	Your Roofer should carry appropriate insurance for job related injury or health risks.
Does my Roofer need to be bonded?	A bond will protect the homeowner if the terms of the contract are not met by the Roofer. A bond is recommended for any work over $500. Make sure that your Roofer's bond is valid and that the bond limit will cover the cost of completing or re-doing the work, before any work begins.

Roofer - Services

A Roofer can handle a number of jobs, activities and problems. The list below summarizes common Roofing Installation, Maintenance And Repair Services. Follow the appropriate links below to learn more about cost, options and quality requirements:

Roofer - Finding and Hiring

Not every Roofer has the same ability. Experience, skills, and sense of acceptable quality vary considerable. To get the results that you expect, it is essential that you put appropriate effort behind finding a Roofer matched to the specific requirements of your job - not simply someone that puts you at ease or wins your confidence. Before starting, make sure that you completely understand the work you want the Roofer to perform and the job quality you expect. Then, begin the selection process outlined below:

Check with local building department to determine if a licensed professional and/or permit is required for your project
Collect referrals from reputable material suppliers or local building permit authority
Verify license status and license standing history with licensing board
Check Better Business Bureau for complaints
Develop a detailed description of work, timing and quality expectations (project specification)
Interview topic: how is project price determined?
Interview topic: payment, warranty and contract terms
Verify references, insurance and bond coverage for final candidates
Interview topic: how are change orders handled?
Responsibility for protecting structure, furnishings and work in progress from weather and construction related damage

Roofer - Important Agreement / Contract Terms

A written agreement greatly improves your odds of success when working with a Roofer. Never start work until you have a complete agreement signed by your Roofer. For small jobs use a written work order. For larger projects, use a detailed contract. Never feel pressured to use the Roofer's standard contract. Make sure the following points are included in the agreement:

Job site cleanliness, worker conduct, and rules for use of on-site bathroom, phone, etc.
Detailed description of items and material to be installed and all work to be performed
Project completion, quality and payment criteria
Responsibility for material selection, purchase, delivery acceptance and storage
Detailed summary of costs, fees and payment milestones
Payment for and coordination of design approvals, permits and inspections
Change order rules, responsibilities and contract cost adjustments
Warranty on workmanship
Insurance and bond coverage requirements
Responsibility for protecting structure, furnishings and work in progress from weather and construction related damage