When it comes to safeguarding your home and investments, being extra cautious is perfectly normal. Maintaining your roof is no exception. You will find a professional roofing contractor out there. But you need to know that roofers are not created equal.
Even the most honest ones can make mistakes. That’s why it’s essential to understand these four straightforward steps to protect both your roof and your peace of mind when selecting a roofing contractor.
How To Choose A Reliable Roofing Contractor
Step 1: Check for a Valid License
Imagine this scenario: You hire a roofing contractor to fix your roof, but after a few months, you discover a new leak. When you try to contact the contractor, they seem to have vanished into thin air, and you can’t even find their office. To make matters worse, you find out that they were never licensed in the first place. Now, you’re left with the option of fixing the problem yourself or finding another roofing company.
To avoid this predicament, always check a contractor’s license before letting them start the job. If they don’t have a license, it’s a red flag indicating that they may not be qualified. Unlicensed contractors can easily disappear or go out of business, leaving you in the lurch.
While a general contractor can legally install a roof without a specific roofing license, it’s a good practice for them to have one. It shows their commitment to their craft and the safety of your project.
Step 2: Ensure Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Picture this scenario: You hire a roofing contractor to repair a leak on your roof. However, one of their workers neglects proper safety procedures and takes a fall, breaking a leg in the process. Now, the injured worker is holding you responsible for covering his medical bills because he was hurt while working on your roof.
Roofing Contractors’ Compensation is a type of insurance that covers injuries to roofing workers. With workers’ compensation, any injured workers are entitled to have their medical expenses and lost wages covered. Ensure that your chosen roofing contractor has this insurance to prevent such a situation from becoming your problem.
Step 3: Check for Liability Insurance
Imagine this scenario: Your roofing contractor leaves your roof exposed after removing the old shingles. That very night, an unexpected storm strikes, causing water to leak into your home, soaking all your furniture. You later find out that your contractor has liability insurance, but it excludes coverage for damage to home interiors. Now, you’re stuck with the roof repair costs.
To avoid this, make sure your contractor has liability insurance that covers potential damage to your home’s interiors. Some contractors may have liability insurance, but their policies have numerous exclusions, essentially offering no coverage at all. Look for insurance that does not exclude water damage resulting from a roof left exposed.
Step 4: Ask for a Lien Waiver
Visualize this scenario: Your roofing job is completed, and you’ve paid the roofer in Greenville SC in full. A few weeks later, the contractor’s supplier contacts you, demanding payment for the materials used on your roof. You discover that the roofing contractor failed to pay the supplier, and now you’re responsible for settling the bill.
To prevent this from happening, always request a lien waiver as soon as the work is finished and before making the final payment. This waiver states that if the contractor fails to pay their suppliers or workers, you won’t be held liable for those unpaid bills. The lien waiver becomes active upon your payment, ensuring your protection.
Make an Informed Decision
Choosing a roofing contractor in Greenville SC is a significant responsibility, whether you’re managing a commercial property or looking after your home. Ensuring you’ve made the right choice is crucial. Ask the right questions, clarify your expectations, and find the best roofing service for your needs.
Our experienced and certified roofing contractors are here to provide you with the top-notch service your roof deserves. Your peace of mind is our priority! Call KM Roof and Home Repair now.
KM Roof and Home Repair
310 Iveydale Dr.
Greenville, SC 29609
864-535-9184
https://kmroofers.com/
Areas Served: Piedmont SC, Fountain Inn SC, Simpsonville SC, Greer SC, Taylors SC, Greenville SC, Travelers Rest SC