HIRING A CONTRACTOR
Recommendations from trustworthy friends or relatives provide one of the most reliable ways to select a roofing contractor. But if you’re unable to find a contractor through personal contacts, try contacting a professional roofing association for referrals. Professional associations have guidelines for their members to follow. The roofers’ association in your area will provide you with a list of available contractors.
Custom-Bilt Metals may also be able to provide a list of contractors in your area who have purchased material from Custom-Bilt Metals. While this will let you know who has used our products, it is not necessarily an endorsement of a contractor’s work.
Some states require contractors to obtain a contractor’s license. If so, make sure the license is current. You may also verify the contractor’s bond information, workers-compensation information, and the status of a contractor’s insurance. It may also be possible to see if there has been any legal action filed against the contractor. These conditions vary from state to state.
When hiring a contractor:
- 1. Hire only experienced contractors.
- 2. Get three references and review past work.
- 3. Get three bids.
- 4. Get a written contract and don’t sign anything until you completely understand the terms.
- 5. Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.
- 6. Don’t pay cash.
- 7. Don’t make final payment until you’re satisfied with the job.
The Contract:
Get all agreements in writing and spell out exactly what the contractor will and will not do. The contract is one of the best ways to prevent problems before the work begins. By including everything you and the contractor have agreed upon in writing, both parties will be protected if there are questions later on.Permits:
Depending on where you live, a building permit will likely be required. The contractor should obtain all necessary building permits. If this responsibility is not spelled out in the contract, you could be held legally responsible for failure to obtain required permits.Your contract should call for all work to be performed in accordance with all local applicable building codes. These codes set minimum standards for construction.