Get Roof Wise
There are a lot of good roofing companies out there; there are a lot of bad ones as well. A new roof is a huge expense. Get educated. Get the best deal. Make the best choice you can.
Do not be afraid to question everything, especially when salespersons become forceful or insistent about things the buyer has no way of knowing. For your own benefit and protection take the time and put that roofer's claims in 'dialogue' with other roofers.
Watch out for roofers who attempt to win your confidence by selling you unneeded products or services in order to justify higher prices or disqualify 'lesser' roofers who refuse to band-wagon such products, services or manufacturer's warranties.
For example...
- Ask salespersons whether or not they think the roof will last as long as the ‘manufacturer's warranty'. Know what the real life of the shingle is. Test their integrity by assessing what they are leading you to believe concerning roof products.
- You may hear a roofing contractor say, "We never use OSB board, only CDX plywood!" Ask him why, and then make sure to ask other roofers what they think until you have enough information to assess who is the most knowledgeable and forthright contractor you're dealing with.
- Consider whether or not the company is excessive in their overhead (office, fleet of trucks, large sales force, advertizing, etc.) and then judge wisely as to whether or not they are the company that will best weather our current economic times. Workmanship warrantees are only as good as the longevity of that company.
Trust your instinct about people, but do your due diligence as well.
If you are concerned about the integrity of the company or their workmanship warranty then look into the history of the company as best you can. Here are three ways to do this:
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Check out the company on the following Labor and Industry website that aids consumers in researching the financial standing of Washington State Contractors.
Labor & Industry Contractor Look Up
Look up the company name. Note similar names that may pop up as well; many companies periodically close down and reopen with new but similar names. Also look up the name of the owners or principals. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the company page to see about potential judgments against that company.
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Don't be shy about asking company representatives more about that company's history or even what they think about the other roofing companies of which you might have interest. If negative information is supplied about a company, then simply ask that company about those issues. In truth and fairness you are simply looking to get the best information you can in order to make solid judgments. Any sales representative should respect that.
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Use your own common sense in judging how long you think that company will be around. Are they substantial and thoughtful enough to deal with the rigorous Washington State taxation, bureaucratic and safety policies? On the other hand, is the company wise in its use of overhead necessary to supply your needs?
In 2009 three of the most ‘substantial’ roofing companies in the Seattle area were forced to close due to excessive overhead in a troubled economy. Two of these simply restarted new companies under new but similar names. Many such companies have left a trail of unhappy customers (some with liens from material suppliers), unpaid suppliers and L & I judgments that have rendered their former warranties worthless.
For your own security, get roof wise.