Choose the right roofing contractor in Indianapolis, Property roof repair contractor, Building home maintenance

How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor in Indianapolis

11 September 2023

When you need a roof, the first step to take is getting a roofing contractor to take on the project. This step is one of the most important factors when having your roof replaced or when building a new home.

You’re likely to find many roofing contractors, but to find the right roofing contractor in Indianapolis, you’ll need to follow a few steps. In this way, you’ll have complete confidence that the job will be done properly the first time.

Start Your Roofing Contractor Search

Perhaps you have a friend, family member, or coworker who has recently needed a new roof. You can start by asking them who they used for the job. Without direct references from people you know, you can Google and use other tools to find reviews along with licensing information. This will help you compile a list of roofing contractors to contact about your project.

However, there is another step to take here as you make a list of potential roofing contractors. You should only choose those that are local to the area. Look for a physical office and a local phone number. Only a local roofing contractor will know the local building codes. Additionally, hiring someone that isn’t local may mean you’re falling for a scam, something you’ll want to avoid at all costs.

Call Your List of Roofing Contractors

With your list curated and in-hand, you can now start making calls to each one. You’ll be able to find out more from them and see what kind of pricing they offer. A roofing contractor that is happy to answer all your questions and is responsive is a good choice, though don’t decide anything until you get estimates. Many of them will provide them for free at no obligation, allowing you to make the best choice for your needs.

Always Consider Quality Over Price

You most likely have a budget in mind for your roof, however, going with the lowest price may not be the best option. Quality materials and labor will cost more, but you can still find fair pricing. If one contractor offers a much lower price than the others you speak to, be forewarned that this may be due to cutting costs.

While a lower upfront cost may be appealing, if your roof isn’t properly installed, the work is shoddy, or the materials are inferior, you’ll be spending much more to fix the problem.

Compare Estimates from Each Roofing Contractor

Comparing the quotes from each contractor will help you decide which one to choose. Again, don’t focus solely on the price or else you’ll miss the other details. Your estimates should be broken down into individual line items. These will include things like the roofing components, labor, clean up fees, and warranty, to name a few. Your estimates should be very detailed and you should be able to look at each one and compare every item. Brands can vary, but they should all include the same types of materials and components.

Make sure you read everything, even the fine print. The right roofing contractor will happily sit down with you and go over every item on this estimate to make sure you understand everything. Asking questions at this point will be very revealing since the right contractor will treat you with respect and patience, and will make sure everything is detailed before you sign.

Ask to See Their Previous Work

Once you’ve reviewed the estimates, you’ll have likely narrowed down your choices for a roofing contractor. Before you sign your name on a roofing contract, you should be sure to ask to see their previous work and references from roofing jobs they’ve completed in the last 6 months.

With this information, you can reach out to homeowners that have worked with this roofing contractor and ask about their experience. You’ll also be able to visually see the results of that work. If possible, you should view a roof project in process to see how the job site operates.

Remember, legitimate roofing contractors are always happy to provide you with references and a portfolio. They’ll be proud to show you they’re the right choice by being fully transparent during your vetting process.

Comments on this guide to How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor in Indianapolis article are welcome.