Last updated October 14, 2008
Be Wary of the Lowest Bid
When it comes to choosing a roofer, the lowest bid may not necessarily mean that you’ve contracted the best company for the job. The first thing to realize is the fact that not all states require roofers to be licensed. This means that if you live in a state that doesn’t require certification or licensing, anyone with a building permit may tell you that they are a roofer. The lowest bid does not necessarily mean that you will be contracting a licensed roofing professional. It is always best to find out what your state’s laws and certification requirements are and choose your roofer based on those qualifications, rather than by choosing the lowest bid.
If you would like to determine your state’s roofing laws and requirements, you will need to check with your state’s Department of Professional Regulation and Licensing. After you determine your state’s licensing procedures, be sure to ask the roofing company to show you their credentials. If your state does not require licensing, you should ask the company for a list of specific items to ensure that they are well qualified for the job.
First, ask the company for proof of the establishment of their business. This may include their business telephone number, address, and tax id number. A very important aspect of hiring a good roofing contractor is choosing a company that provides a carefully thought out written estimate. If a company offers you the lowest bid, but doesn’t explain why you will save money contracting with his company, you should proceed cautiously. A good written estimate will explain in full detail the scope of the project and how much each step, labor, and materials will cost. You should also be able to assess how long it will take to complete the roofing job from the written estimate as well.
It’s also a good practice to ask the roofing company to let you know which manufacturers they are licensed with. Even if the state doesn’t require the company to be licensed or certified, many companies within the roofing business will provide training for roofers. If a company offers you the lowest bid but has no credentials or references to back them up, proceed with caution. It is much better to choose a company that can verify their craftsmanship and business ethics than contract with a company that may offer the lowest bid but will cost you more in the long run.
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