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Overson: When it comes to roofing find an honest roofer

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Your roof is one of the biggest, most important and most expensive structures in your home. A mistake on your roof can cost you even more money and even put you and your family in danger.

It is important that you avoid shoddy workmanship which is why you need to thoroughly vet your roofing contractor before you hire them to ensure they do good and honest work. As the owner of Overson Roofing, I know the qualities of an honest roofer. Here are a few steps you should take to find an ethical roofer.

Vet your roofer’s process

Do not be afraid to ask your roofer questions about their process and their team and you should expect answers to every question you ask. It is important that you ask your roofer how long they expect to work on your roof and how many contractors and supervisors will be on the job. Ask them to detail every step they are going to take to fix your roof. An honest contractor will have no qualms discussing their process with you step by step to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

Ask your prospective roofer for references and ask them for photos of past roofing projects. This will help you further flesh out their reputation in the community as well as show their past body of work. I would also recommend checking out the roofing company’s online reviews.

It is important that a prospective roofer is willing to answer your questions; if they don’t give you upfront answers then you should not hire them.

Ensure they have the qualifications

An ethical roofer will advertise their qualifications and credentials right away. Make sure your roofer is registered with the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association. Both these associations have directories so you can verify if your roofer is registered with them.

Fortunately, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires all licensed contractors to register with their office so it is easy to figure out if a roofer is unlicensed. Never hire an unlicensed contractor.

Ask your roofer what products they use and if they are a certified manufacturer and installer for a certain product. Do they have the proper qualifications to do roofing jobs such as SPF foam installation? A good roofing company will prominently display all their qualifications and certifications on their website.

Understand the roofer’s warranty

Never overlook the warranty provided by your roofer. A roofer’s warranty should be comparable with the length they have been in business. Don’t hire a contractor promising you a 20-year warranty when they have only been in business for two years. The contractor could be out of business quicker than the length of the warranty.

If you are working with a roofer who has been in business for 30 years then you can trust the company can come through on a five- to 10-year warranty.

Get it in writing

Always request a written job proposal from your roofer. The proposal should state each step the contractor will take to work on your roof and what materials they are going to use. The proposal should also state how long the job will take and the price to complete the job.

Insisting on the written proposal gives each party peace of mind by establishing a set of standards and terms for each party.

Your roof is one of the biggest investments in your home so it is important you hire a roofer that is honest and professional. Verify your roofer’s credentials, ask the right questions and get your job in writing. Follow these steps and you will hire an honest contractor.

Editor’s note: Pat Overson is the owner of Overson Roofing in Mesa. Overson Roofing has served its clientele with respect and professionalism for more than 30 years. The company won the Better Business Bureau Blue Torch Award for ethics in 2016.