You didn’t plan for it.
No one does.
Disaster strikes and the next thing you know, you have roof badly in need of repairs.
Your roof is an investment. It needs to be protected to ensure the safety and value of your home.
But it can get even more complicated.
When a storm hits, there will likely be floods of salesmen knocking on doors, trying to get business. You think to yourself “Well I guess all roofers are alike, so why not just choose whoever is available and cheap?”
Or you figure you’ll just take a simple one-time poll with friends and family on social media – see what they think and never do the research.
Not a good idea.
We know your time is precious and so we wanted to help you with the legwork. We want to make sure you get the right contractor and the insurance process goes as smooth as possible.
1. Check out their reputation.
A bad reputation is hard to hide and a good reputation speaks for itself.
ALWAYS google the company and check these five sources for starters: Google reviews, BBB, Angie’s List, Facebook, and Yelp.
Then go to their website. Does it have actual content that informs you about the company or is it simply a single page thrown together so they can be found on a google search?
2. Make sure the roofer you choose is licensed.
The state of Texas does not currently require a roofing license or a general contracting license.
That means that anyone can print a business card, buy a hammer, nails, and shingles and call themselves a roofer.
Many of them are good-hearted but uninformed and inexperienced, and leave the customer with inferior roofing system while at the same time missing out on all of the opportunities afforded in the insurance claims process. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a voluntary licensing program to help raise the quality of contractors and the work being done in the state of Texas.
3. Verify proof of insurance.
Ask to see a COI (Certificate of Insurance) for any contractor that you are considering using.
Call the phone number listed on the COI and verify that the policy is in good standing. Don’t skip this step. It is easy to forge one of these documents.
4. Ask for references.
Actually call them. They should be able to provide you with at least three. Don’t be surprised if they get caught off guard by your request. They probably don’t get asked that often, but it will show that you are knowledgeable and have done your homework.
5. Don’t use someone who promises to “Waive” or “Cover” your deductible.
Companies that tell you they can automatically “Waive” or “Cover” your deductible are committing insurance fraud.
Knowingly participating in insurance fraud will put you at risk for criminal prosecution. If a contractor is willing to defraud insurance companies that are actively seeking out and prosecuting this activity how can you be sure he won’t do the same to you?
The best contractors will collect your deductible and leave you with the best service, products, and warranties in the market.
6. Choose a contractor that can do all of the work.
A qualified restoration contractor will oversee and coordinate all of the necessary trades to complete the restoration of your home and property.
Don’t take on the headache of collecting estimates and bids on all of the trades that need to be done and the hassle of scheduling multiple crews.
7. Steer Clear of Salesmen.
Find a qualified roofing contractor.
Many people knocking on your door are simply salespeople, hired to get as many contracts as possible, as soon as possible.
Salesmen will come by and pressure you to sign a contract. Contractors will look to conduct a thorough inspection, identify the relevant damage, prevent further damage, and help you with a plan to restore your home.
8. When in doubt, call a respected local contractor.
Olympic Exteriors currently services the greater North Dallas area and we have developed a good reputation with our customers.
We have been in the roofing & construction business for 40 years, with 12 years of commercial and residential installation experience.
If you need an inspection, want to understand more about your claims process, or are uncomfortable with the roofers you have met so far, give our office a call at 214-444-4141 to schedule an appointment today!