Need to fix a leak in your roof? Or is your roof already too old and damaged that it needs to be replaced right away? Regardless of the group you belong to, it’s important that you choose the right person for the job. Fixing anything on your roof is no ordinary task. Even with a lot of DIY experience, it’s still recommended to leave this task in the hands of the experts. The problem, though, is that finding the right contractor entails quite a bit of work. Here are some tips to help you hire the best roofing services.

It’s always a plus to hire a local roofing contractor. One advantage is that you can expect to receive professional assistance right away. You can also head over to their office in case you need to clarify any issues about their service. But you shouldn’t forget that a local contractor is more familiar with local rules and regulations. Surely, you want the roofing service to be done according to the guidelines set by your local government.

Checking the credentials of the roofers you plan on hiring should always be a priority. The last thing you want is to hire somebody who only disguises as a professional roofer. Manufacturer designations, in particular, tell a lot about the experience and expertise of the person. Getting these designations require roofers to pass minimum requirements. If possible, try to find a Master Elite contractor in your local area.

To get an idea of the reputation of the contractor, you may want to research Better Business Bureau ratings. Spend a few minutes looking up the roofers on the BBB website and checking whether any complaints have been filed against them. If the contractor isn’t found on BBB, then do yourself a favor and move to the next person on your shortlist.

One of the trickiest things about roofing services is that if they’re done incorrectly, you may not realize it until the scope of damage has already become huge. This is precisely the reason why you should ask for an extensive warranty. Be sure to get a manufacturer warranty that covers the contractor’s workmanship as well. This ensures that you wouldn’t end up paying for their mistakes.

You should also choose a contractor who has gone through a safety training or program. As you can imagine, any kind of roofing service involves a certain level of risk. The roofer should have the necessary knowledge about how to stay safe throughout the service while minimizing damage to the property at the same time.

It’s easy for a contractor to show a proof of licensing, but you should make sure that they have adequate insurance coverage as well. Their insurance should cover their employees and subcontractors. This is the only way to get peace of mind knowing that the company will be held liable for damages or injuries. And while unlicensed roofers offer much cheaper rates, you’re risking too much in case the person doesn’t really know what he’s doing.

Watch out for any roofing contractor who says that they will take care of the repair service without requiring you to pay your deductible. This is a big red flag. Basically, this is insurance fraud and it’s you who get the short end of the stick.

It’s also common for roofers to disguise themselves as “claim specialists.” Again, this is a red flag. The roofing contractor should never negotiate an insurance claim on your behalf.

Have you ever had a roofer knock on your door following a huge storm? These roofers are often called storm chasers, as they try to convince homeowners that their roofs need to be checked for serious damage. This fear mongering tactic works surprisingly well, but you should know better. Never give in to pressure. Take the time to call a professional roofer who can inspect the condition of your roof instead of agreeing to the storm chaser right away.