A roof is a big investment and a very important one, especially in Florida's coastal cities. You must take great care when choosing the best roofing company for your home. A bad roofing contractor can do a bad roofing installation or worse, take off with your deposit and never be seen again!
A bad roofing contractor may cover his tracks. He could have a history of poor workmanship, and may not be licensed or insured in your city. He may not be up to speed on building codes and regulations. It's always important to do your research and check references before hiring a roofing contractor! And these days, it's easy to do on review sites or by asking neighbors.
Qualities of a Good Roofing Contractor
A good roofing company has so much to offer. Look for the following:
Experience and expertise: a proven track record of successful projects using different types of roofing materials and installation techniques.
Licensing and insurance: a good roofing company will make it a priority to protect customers in case of accidents or damages. They adhere to industry safety standards and regulations. Double-check with your Florida county licensing office and local building department.
Positive customer reviews: they should have great customer reviews. Are they responsive to bad reviews in a positive way, or do they argue with the customer? They should have a reputation in the local community they serve.
Clear and detailed contracts: they should outline the scope of the work, the materials to be used, the cost of the project, and how long it will take to get the new roof done.
Has a valid business address (in your county) and secure website. If you need a roof in DeLand, Daytona Beach, or Ormond Beach - your roofing contractor should have experience in those areas.
Responsive customer service: answers questions, and will communicate professionally and on time. If there is a delay in the roofing project or even the start date, he should let you know as soon as possible.
Offer a Warranty: A good roofer will offer a warranty for their work to stand behind their workmanship.
How to Deal with a Bad Roofing Company
If you have paid a deposit to a roofing contractor and he doesn't show up to do the project, it can be a stressful situation. Not only are you out of a deposit, but your home may be left unprotected against Florida weather.
The first thing to try is contacting the contractor and asking for an explanation. Miscommunication does happen but if you are reaching out on the day he is supposed to start, then he may not answer your call. Sadly, this could be more than an unexpected delay in your roofing project. He could be gone.
If the contractor is not responsive, you may want to consider taking action. You can contact the local building code compliance department for home contractors to proceed with the complaint. For example, here are some building code departments near you:
City of Ormond Beach - https://ormondbeach.org/FAQ.aspx?QID=219
City of New Smyrna Beach - https://www.cityofnsb.com/69/Building-Inspections
City of DeLand - https://permits.deland.org/
Flagler County for Palm Coast, Bunnell, Flagler Beach - https://www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/growth-management/online-permitting-and-inspections
St. Johns County for St. Augustine - http://www.sjcfl.us/BuildingServices/FAQ.aspx
If the contractor involved is state-licensed, you can also file a complaint with the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You could also contact an attorney who specializes in construction law and seek advice. This is why it is highly recommended to have a contract in place.
If you want to avoid a bad roofing company situation, then choose a seasoned, professional company like Triangle Roofing Inc. Contact us for your free estimate and start planning your Florida roofing project the right way.