Happenings from the Mud Room

A new roof is an investment in the beauty and structural integrity of your home. If you're in the market for a new roof, taking the time to choose the right roofing contractor can make or break your new roofing project. Not only do roofing crews vary widely in experience, expertise and workmanship, taking the time to shop around will help you become familiar with professional rates and wholesale product costs to make sure that you are getting the best value for the cost of the project.

Although it may require more time to research and talk to roofers before your project, doing this research will help ensure that you're happy with your new roof, and may prevent getting yourself into a roofing project that never seems to end, or that is plagued with accidents and disaster. Think through the following as you learn about roofing contractors available in your area, and request full, written proposals from at least two companies to make sure you choose the best company for the job.

1. Material Expertise- Your contractor should be experienced in the variety of roofing materials you plan to install on your home Most importantly, the contractor you choose should be an expert in the roofing material you've chosen, and should have long-standing relationships with manufacturers of these roofing products to ensure that they can pass on the best possible wholesale price to you.

2. Knowledge of Climate- A roofer who has experience working in the area you live will bring with them a valuable understanding of the impact of the local climate on your roof, and will know how to best prepare your roof to withstand the elements.

3. Safety Procedures- Roofing can be a dangerous business, and temporarily losing a member of the roofing crew due to injury can delay the completion of your project. Make sure the roofing contractor you choose has completed OSHA safety training, and complies with OSHA's recommendations for roof safety.

4. Liability Insurance- Double-check that the contractor is carrying current liability insurance. Ask to review the insurance certificate for the company and workman's compensation certificates for all crew members to verify that their insurance coverage will be current through the end of your project.

5. Familiarity with Energy Efficiency- Your roofing contractor should be able to explain how your choice of roofing materials, ventilation, and design will impact the overall energy efficiency of your home. Talk with your roofer about their recommendations, and ask about improving energy efficiency in particular. If you're completing a roofing project anyway, this is a great time to make improvements to save on your energy costs throughout the year.

6. Proven Track Record- Look on the contractor's website for testimonials from previous clients and for photographs of work the crew has completed in the past. Ask to see a list of completed projects, and check references to see if previous clients were satisfied with the outcome of their projects.

7. Get it in Writing- You may feel great about a conversation with a roofing contractor, but always request a full, written proposal for the project that will include all project specifications, including materials and labor costs, start and completion dates, and payment procedures, to make sure you have all your questions answered and know exactly what to expect before your job begins.

8. Value- The roofing contractor you choose should definitely be competitively priced, but beware of "too good to be true" deals. Make sure you fully understand all warranties that come with your roofing material, and prioritize quality over a good deal. The key is to make sure that you're getting the highest quality roof for the cost of the project, not the lowest price on the market-which may also indicate a drop in quality and workmanship.

9. Go with a Pro- Your cousin's best friend may have just started a roofing business, but that doesn't mean he's the best person for your job. Choose a roofer based on the qualifications listed above, and on evidence of excellent workmanship and the highest standards in professionalism.

About the Author:

Lisa Hirst Carnes is a consultant for Specialty Roofing provider Trimline Building Products. Trimline Building Products manufactures eco-friendly roofing materials such as ridge ventilation and composite roofing tiles.

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