When it comes to roofing, many homeowners in Dublin don’t know where to start. There are many choices, from the type of roof to the color and material. And then there are the contractors themselves – how do you know which one is right for you? This post will help you make sense of it all by outlining some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a roofing contractor. We’ll also give you some tips on how to avoid scams and get a reputable roofing contractor serving all of Dublin. So read on for all you need to know about choosing a roofing company in Dublin.
What to look for when choosing a roofing contractor in Dublin
1. Look at Their Accreditation
The most important thing to look for when selecting a roofing contractor or any other service is the number of awards they’ve won. Those who have received honors will usually include them on their website, so you can double-check to ensure they aren’t making up those accolades by going to the site of the company that hands them out to view a list of winners. You should also research the contractor before hiring them to make sure they are certified and have all of the required credentials to work on your roof. After all, you don’t want anybody on top of your home or business’s roof who isn’t qualified. You want someone who has demonstrated their ability and skill in repairing roofs.
2. Look at Their Previous Work
Another good way to tell if a roofing company is worth hiring is to see what work they have done in the past. You can ask them personally about examples of their work or ask to be put in contact with previous customers. You can also read reviews for their company written by former customers. They may have reviews posted on their website, but it is better to go to an impartial website to find reviews, such as a review aggregate website. One or two bad reviews are normal for any business, but if they have a string of bad reviews or all their bad reviews are current ones, you know that they are probably not what you are looking for. Don’t just go by the star ratings on the review sites the testimonials are posted on, though. Read the content of the reviews and see if they are real concerns or if they are just complaining.
3. Compare Prices
If you already trust the contractors based on reviews, then simply choose the cheapest from your selection. However, be wary of picking the less expensive option as it could result in shoddy work or a negative experience with the said contractor. Mid-range prices are generally safe–higher numbers might indicate price gouging. You should also make sure that the roofing company you’re considering offers a warranty on their work. This will ensure that if anything goes wrong, they are liable and will have to come back and fix the problem at no cost to you.
Red flags to watch out for when choosing a roofing contractor in Dublin
1. Not Asking For a Deposit
If a contractor asks you to pay the full amount upfront before they start work, that is a huge red flag. You should only ever pay a deposit (usually 10-20%) to secure their services. Once the job is completed, then you can pay the rest.
2. Offers a Warranty That’s Too Good To Be True
Another red flag is when a contractor offers an unrealistic warranty, such as a lifetime warranty. This is usually a ploy to get you to sign on the dotted line without reading the small print. Most warranties will only cover materials and labor for a certain period, so be sure to read the fine print before agreeing to anything.
3. Pressuring you to make a Decision
A third red flag is when a contractor pressures you to decide on the spot or tries to upsell you services you don’t need. They might say that the offer is only good for today or that they have another job lined up and can’t start work on your roof until next week. Don’t be fooled–a reputable contractor will be more than happy to give you a few days to think about it and won’t try to pressure you into signing anything.
4. Won’t Provide a Written Estimate
When a contractor refuses to provide you with a written estimate, they might say that it’s too difficult to give an estimate without seeing the job first or that they don’t want to be held to a certain price. Either way, this is not acceptable. A reputable contractor will be more than happy to provide you with a written estimate so that you know exactly what you’re getting and how much.
5. Uses Sub-par Materials
A fifth and final red flag is when a contractor uses sub-par materials. They might say they can get the job done cheaper if they use lower quality materials or they are better than the ones used by the more expensive contractors. You should never sacrifice quality for the price. Ask about the materials they use and make sure they are using high-quality products.
Choosing a roofing contractor in Dublin doesn’t have to be difficult. Just be sure to research, read reviews, compare prices, and watch out for red flags. If you do all these things, you should have no problem finding a reputable contractor who can get the job done right. Ensure that your roof is in good hands by following these simple tips, and you won’t go wrong. After all, your roof is one of the most important parts of your house, so it’s worth taking the time to choose the right contractor. A good rule of thumb is to never sign anything or pay any money until you are 100% sure that you want to proceed with the contractor.
