Roofing is dangerous work, and it’s crucial that the roofers you hire care about safety for themselves and their team members. If they don’t, it may cost you in bad reviews online or shoddy workmanship.
Look for a contract that details every aspect of the job, including safety procedures and clean-up methods. Also ask about payment options — never pay cash.
1. Reputation
A good reputation is a key factor in choosing a roofer. Start by making a list of contractors in your area and then begin to narrow it down by excluding those who don’t have insurance, are not licensed, have poor ratings with the Better Business Bureau or have a large number of negative customer reviews online. Also, choose a contractor who will accept payment with a check or credit rather than cash so that you can be sure of the exact amount being paid.
2. Insurance
The roofing industry presents certain injury risks, and it’s important for your roofer to have full professional insurance coverage. For example, if an employee falls off your roof and breaks their leg, workers’ compensation insurance will cover the cost of medical payments for the injury. If the injured roofer doesn’t have insurance, personal injury lawyers may come after you to pay for their injuries.
General liability insurance can also protect you from financial loss if an employee accidentally damages a customer’s property while working on their roof or elsewhere at your business. In most provinces, it’s mandatory for roofers to have a workers’ compensation policy or pay into the state-run program. However, it’s best to review your policy and ensure it’s up to date.
3. License
Roofers are responsible for installing roofing materials and ensuring buildings are weatherproof, durable and well-insulated. They also inspect structures to determine their condition and make repairs as needed. Without roofers, homes and businesses would be exposed to structural damage, leaks and compromised energy efficiency. This is an excellent career choice for individuals who are practical, independent, stable, genuine and thrifty or who like to work with their hands and fingers. A background in construction and completion of an apprenticeship program or high school, college or industry courses are typical qualifications. Certification is required in Quebec and available but voluntary in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Yukon.
4. Customer Service
Customer service is a crucial factor for any business. According to Gary Vaynerchuk, 61 percent of customers will defect to a competitor after one bad experience. This makes it even more important for businesses to provide great customer service.
One way to do this is by providing helpful information to customers. Another is to be flexible with customer needs. This can mean stepping outside of your company’s standard rules to help a customer.
Roofers work in many environments and can be found on construction sites, at homes, and in other buildings. Take our free career test to see if roofing is a good fit for your personality. If it is, learn more about the construction trades through Penn Foster’s accredited online school.
