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It would be nice if property owners could trust all roofing contractors in New Orleans. Unfortunately, this just isn’t the case! Some contractors simply lack skill and experience, while others might be outright shady and untrustworthy.
Since you might invest thousands of dollars in roof repairs and replacement, how do you avoid a poor-quality contractor? To increase your chances of hiring a reputable contractor, check out 5 red flags when shopping around. You can even discuss these with potential contractors as needed!
Don’t underestimate the value of online reviews when selecting roofing contractors in New Orleans. While you might dismiss a random negative review, avoid companies that average less than 4.5 stars. This low rating often indicates a history of poor-quality work! A random negative review might be dismissed but several are a sure sign of a shady contractor.
Also, ensure you check more than just Google for reviews. Visit Angie’s List, Houzz, Thumbtack, and other such sites. The more reviews you can compile, the more accurate a picture you’ll get of a contractor’s work.
When you get estimates from a few contractors, you might note that some spot a bit more damage than others. Also, some might recommend replacing a roof rather than repairing it. This is to be expected, as every roofer will interpret signs of damage differently. However, you want to avoid that lone contractor who spots far more damage than any other repairperson!
If one roofing contractor does offer a quote that far exceeds the others, this can be a red flag. He or she might simply be “making up” needed repairs or over-inflating your quote. Ensure you narrow down your list of candidates to those who seem to agree, for the most part, with other companies you’ve called.
Reputable, reliable roofers usually have so many projects to juggle that they don’t need to solicit more clients. If a roofer knocks on your door and offers an inspection, this is a huge red flag! It’s especially vital that you avoid roofers who say they can see damage from the street. Only a full-scale inspection, up close and on the roof itself, can offer an accurate estimate of damage and needed repairs.
This point is vital to remember after storms move through your area. It’s not unusual for shady contractors to take advantage of worried homeowners during this time! However, using a roofer who comes to you risks working with a disreputable or downright unskilled company.
The best roofers in the city will offer a variety of roofing materials for your property’s needs. This might include various asphalt shingle selections, clay tile, and metal roofing. In turn, you should avoid a contractor who “pushes” just one or two materials, especially expensive ones!
While a roofer wants your repairs or new installation to last, they should also understand that not every property owner can afford top-of-the-line materials. One the other hand, they might need to use certain materials to match existing shingles and tiles. However, a qualified roofer should still offer a few options, to fit your budget especially.
A reputable roofing contractor stands behind his or her work with a written guarantee. That warranty should cover both materials used for roofing and their labor as well. Additionally, it should be in place for years, not just a few months! Lastly, a contractor should gladly explain its terms and conditions before asking you to sign an agreement.
If you meet a potential contractor who doesn’t have a written guarantee, or whose warranty expires in a few months, use caution! This might signal that they’re not confident of their work. Also, a contractor without a guarantee might not even finish the job. Above all else, consider their guarantee and ensure you understand it before moving forward with any work.
One last consideration is that you shouldn’t hesitate to walk away from any contractor with whom you’re not comfortable. This includes a roofer who rushes you into signing an agreement or can’t answer basic questions about needed fixes. With so many qualified, reputable roofers available in the city, you shouldn’t risk working with someone unreliable!
The New Orleans Roofers is happy to offer these warnings about disreputable roofing contractors in New Orleans. If you’re in the market for expert fixes, call our New Orleans roofing contractors today! We offer FREE quotes and guaranteed work you can trust. To find out more or to get your property started with the repairs it needs to have done, contact us at your earliest convenience.
