The phrase, “I put a roof over your head” holds meaning because the roof is the most protective feature of a house. You can think of it as the helmet of every building that you’ve ever set foot in. Without it, we’d be exposed to the many obstacles that nature has to offer with no safe haven to retreat to. Because of this, choosing the perfect person or company to replace your roof is no small task. Use this guide to help you find the perfect roofing contractor so you can sleep easy knowing that you’re safe from falling hazards.

The Contractor Checklist

Every qualified contractor should have certain documents and licenses to prove that they are capable of doing the job and that you’ll be protected in case something goes wrong. If the person you’re considering doesn’t have every single one of these qualifications, you’re better off looking somewhere else. Your ideal roofing contractor should be:

  • Experienced. Of course you want your contractor to know what they’re doing, and what better way to gain that knowledge than by being on the field to see firsthand how things should be done? Ask for a list of references as proof of this qualification.
  • Licensed. Working without a license is a major red flag, not to mention illegal in the state of California as well as many other states. It’s common sense, but sometimes overlooked.
  • Insured. Even the best in the business can be a victim to accidents every now and then. On the off chance that something goes wrong, you don’t want any of the costs to fall on you. Make sure your contractor is insured so you don’t end up being the one responsible for any injuries or damages.
  • Bonded. This one is a little less known, but still very important. This covers the legal aspects of the transaction which offers protection to the client if the contractor decides to break any legal agreements. Even if you know for sure that the contractor is trustworthy, the fact that they still agree to be bonded just proves their trust even further.
  • Willing to give an estimate. You have the right to ask for an estimated cost of the work to be done to avoid any surprises after the fact. If a contractor is unwilling to give you an estimate before the work is done, they may be planning to overcharge you after it’s too late to turn back.

It is entirely possible to confirm some of these qualifications yourself before you even make the call. All licensed contractors are listed on the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) website. You can view an example of a passing roofing contractor listing which clearly states the bonding company, insurance company, and licensing status.

What Can Go Wrong?

Being hasty in selecting your contractor can result in inexperienced workers leaving you with a poor roof job and sometimes damages. Your contractor might not perform a thorough inspection beforehand, thus resulting in added costs to your bill. Some of them might not have the years of wisdom to let them know that leaving certain tools around can lead to popped tires or bodily injuries, or that it’s important not to skip out on easily-overlooked steps like applying starter strips or protective sealants. Attaching a roof is more complicated than throwing on shingles, and a good roofing contractor would know this and take every step necessary to avoid any future inconveniences.

Deciding on Your Roofing

Now that you know the important stuff to look for when finding a roofing contractor, you can focus on the more fun stuff! What do you want your roof to look like? What kind of functionality do you want it to have? If you need help deciding, check out these popular options:

DECRA Shake
  • Wind resistant
  • Walkable
DECRA Shake XD
  • Less likely to be worn out or damaged
  • Low maintenance, long life
Cedar
  • Great insulator
  • Protects against extreme temperatures
  • Earthquake safe
Boral Monterey Slate
  • Durable
  • Pleasant aesthetic
Boral Monterey Shake
  • Resistant to insects
  • No-fade
Owens Corning
  • Laminated
  • Algae-resistance
GAF Grand Canyon
  • Heavyweight
  • Stain protection
GAF Grand Sequoia
  • Fiberglass
  • Multiple warranties

If any of these options stand out to you or if you’re still unsure about which style is right for you, you can find more details on these types of shingles online.

A company-based contractor will have more available materials to provide you with the type of roofing that you prefer, and they’re more capable of completing larger projects in a short time period than an individual contractor. As an added bonus, companies are more likely to offer discounts or free consultations to help guide you through the process.

I Know What I Want, Now What?

At this point you have an idea of what you want done to your house. The next step is to find a contractor who passes the checklist with flying colors and offers the type of roofing that you want. This can take hours, sometimes days, of extensive research. You don’t want to take this decision lightly because the roof is arguably the most important part of your house. It’s the part that’s directly exposed to the sky where all of the extreme weather and natural disasters come from. You don’t want just anyone messing with the most integral part of your home’s structure or else you might suffer from leaks or drafts. So take the time you need to make the right decision because it’ll be one of the most important choices you’ll ever make.

Open to recommendations? Lansford Roofing holds all of the necessary qualifications as listed on the checklist above and we offer a wide variety of roofing styles and materials. We have over 25 years of expertise in the field as well as a five-star rating on both Yelp and Google, making us the best choice for roofing projects in Pasadena, California. Take a look at our reviews to see what people are saying about us. Call us today at (626) 390-3480 for a quote!