5 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a San Mateo Roofer

Did you know that roofing is among the top five complaints the Better Business Bureau receives? How about the fact that a majority of roofing companies go out of business within 2 ½ years after opening?

We’d be willing to bet that if you interviewed homeowners filing BBB complaints or scrambling for a new roofer to repair the old roofer’s mistakes, you’d find a common thread. When they chose their roofer, they made one or more of the following mistakes.

1.  They took the roofer’s word for it instead of a written roofing estimate and roofing work contract

It’d be great if you could take people at their word. But unfortunately you can’t. Even if the roofing contractor is as warm and kind as a grandmother, always insist on getting what was promised in writing. With the roofing estimate and contract in hand, verify that it includes a physical business address, a detailed scope of the roofing materials and work, a start and completion date and a firm price quote.

A roofing estimate and contract gives you some legal recourse should you need to take legal action against your roofer. It also serves as a document to refer back to should there be any questions or issues that pop up during your roofing project.

Never pay a roofing contractor cash up front in exchange for a discount. A deposit is common and the amount varies from roofing company to company. Paying in full up front puts you at the roofer’s mercy. You’ve already paid. A disreputable roofer can take his sweet time. Or worse, take off with your cash to sip margaritas on the beach never to be seen again.

2.  They chose their roofer based on price alone and hired the cheapest roofing company

Your roof protects your home, your family and your belongings. It’s not the place to cut corners with substandard roofing products and even more inferior roofers. With the lifetime warranties that come with asphalt roofing shingles, there’s no reason they can’t last that long if installed properly by conscientious roofers who know what they’re doing.

3.  They failed to screen the San Mateo roofing company

No, you’re not going to have an ongoing relationship with your San Mateo roofer like you may a plumber or handyman. In fact, a sign of a good roof is that you never have to see your roofer again. However, for the one or two days your roofer will be working on your home, you need to make sure you can trust him. More importantly, if you do ever need him, the San Mateo roofer will still be in business. Nothing will guarantee a roofer will be around in 10 years, but properly screening the roofing company helps improve the odds.

4.  They didn’t insist on seeing or verifying contractor’s licensing and insurance

No contractor’s license (or a revoked license) and no (or inadequate) insurance are deal breakers. Without a license, the roofing may not even be qualified to be on your roof, much less replace it. Without liability and workman’s comp insurance, you could be held financially responsible for any accidents that occur on your property.

5.  They settled for a lame workmanship warranty

Workmanship warranties cover the roofer’s work, not the materials. The shingle manufacturer provides the materials warranty. Here’s the kicker: improper installation can void the manufacturer warranty. So if your roof leaks or fails because the San Mateo roofer didn’t install the roofing shingles correctly, the repair costs falls on you. San Mateo roofers who stand behind their work back it with a comprehensive workmanship warranty.

Choose a licensed and bonded San Mateo roofing company.  Choose Signature Roofing, Inc. for a roof you can trust!