Choosing a roofing contractor is something that should be done carefully and with a great deal of consideration and research. It is always advisable to check out any company before employing them. Employing a good reputable company, with a proven track record of excellent workmanship will almost certainly reduce the likelihood of you encountering costly problems further down the line.
What makes a good flat roof installer?
Whether you are repairing an existing roof, replacing your conservatory roof, or completing a property renovation, it is important to consider the following points when deciding between roofing contractors:
Firstly, make sure the company is registered in a national trade association, such as the NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) or the CRC (Confederation of Roofing Contractors). These regulatory bodies are there to help protect the general public against unscrupulous roofing contractors and ensure high quality of roofing at all times. Canova are proud to me members of the Confederation of Roofing Contractors.
Listen to recommendations for roofing contractors from friends and relatives, or even suppliers of roofing materials. These endorsements will help you decide who is a good reputable roofing contractor in terms of price, reliability and workmanship. As a rule, you should avoid opportunistic door-to-door salesmen touting for business. At Canova, we understand that our clients are one of our greatest assets when it comes to advertising, as they are able, and willing, to refer us with confidence.
Ask how long has the roofing company been in business. Are they an established company? Have they established systems that will ensure clear lines of communication? An established company may be more able to communicate when any questions arise. They should be able to keep you informed of the project updates, every step of the way. The company should be confident and knowledgeable in their field, rather than pressuring you to make decisions you’re not ready for.
What size company are the roofing contractors?
A large establishment with many employees can sometimes verify their reliability, but also means they can become faceless. Make sure that the roofing company you’re considering has an established office, support personnel, and a warehouse that you can locate as a permanent business address is a sign of stability within the company. This may become important for contacting them again if a warranty repair service is required at a later date.
A trusted roofer will provide you with a strong portfolio of their projects upon your request, as well as gladly provide you feedback from previous local residential properties. Ensure the roofing contractor has insurance coverage, as without insurance you could be vulnerable to a variety of risks such as damage to your property or personal injury.
Get several roofing quotes
Shop around and do your research online before settling with a roofing contractor. Ask for a quote from different companies, centring your selection on the quality of the advice given and your confidence in the company. Ensure that the quote or estimate selected is given to you in writing, with each individual cost having a detailed explanation. An experienced and reliable contractor should be able to justify their prices accordingly, so don’t be afraid to ask. At Canova we sit down with all of our clients and discuss their quote to ensure that everything is fully understood and that our clients are confident that there will be be no hidden costs or nasty surprises later on. Although it seems the most influential, do not automatically take the cheapest option! You could be agreeing to further hidden costs, shoddy workmanship or discounted materials which will cost you more in the long run.
Agree payment terms before any work commences. Be careful about up front payments and ensure you know what you are getting for any payment in advance. It may be difficult to get your money back. Contractors offering cash / VAT-free deals are not easily tracked down if things go wrong.
It can be difficult to decide who to trust with the installation of your new flat or replacement conservatory roof. We believe that as a company we are dedicated to providing both excellent craftsmanship as well as first class customer service. You can choose Canova with confidence!
