How To Choose A Roofing Contractor

How To Protect Yourself When Choosing
A Colorado Roofing Contractor

As a Colorado native, I know there are a lot of Denver roofing contractors to select from and even I have been hesitant when hiring someone to perform a certain trade I am unfamiliar with. We’ve all experienced or heard those horror stories and want to make the best most informed decision when it comes to hiring an experienced, licensed, and insured professional.

1. BBB Accreditation

So what things should you look for? Look for a high rating and ensure the contractor is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB was established in 1912 and acts as a mutual party for businesses and consumers. They assist with resolving disputes, facilitating communication and supplying information on ethical business practices.

So, what does this mean for our Colorado property owners when it comes to roofing? Accredited members of the BBB are held to a very high standard and as a neutral party their issued rating is a reliable reference that can’t be bought or misconstrued.

2. Proper Licensing

Check that the contractor possesses the necessary licenses for the area. In Colorado, the required licenses can vary depending on location, but typically a roofing contractor must hold a county and/or city license in order to perform work in the area. Cities and counties also require the contractor to pull a building permit when performing roofing work.

Some contractors may claim and even charge you or the insurance company for a building permit that was never pulled. An unethical contractor looks at that as more money in their pocket and typically the property owner is subject to the repercussions. The city or county could fine the property owner, can require tearing off the roof to ensure it met code, or your insurance company could refuse to insure the new roof.

3. Proper Insurance

Make sure the contractor you hire is insured, but how much insurance is enough? There is no minimum requirement, but in my research it appears as though the recommended industry standard is $1M in general liability insurance. Roof Worx possess the following insurance:

• $1M General Liability and $1M Automobile Liability
• $500,000 Workers Compensation and Employers’ Liability

4. Reputation

Research the contracting company you’re considering for the job. How long have they been in business? Can you drive by or see photographs of their completed work? Why not contact theirprevious customers? It’s not a guarantee, but a company that has been around for a while and is more than happy to show off their quality work tends to be a company that can be trusted and stand behind their work.

5. Membership

Select a contractor that is accredited and involved in numerous memberships. Organizations typically have a high standard that roofing contractors must uphold in order to become a member.

Roof Worx is certified installer for CertainTeed, Owens Corning, GAF, Tamko, and Mule-Hide. For a company to be ShingleMaster Certified with CertainTeed, they must meet the following requirements:

ShingleMaster™ (SM) – Contractors who are focused on superior workmanship and customer satisfaction earn the SM credential by employing a Master Shingle Applicator Qualified Workforce or by participating in an SM Credential Course. An SM can offer you SureStart PLUS extended warranty coverage when an Integrity Roof System is installed on your home.

Owens Corning Preferred Contractors are by invitation only and Roof Worx was invited to participate and met the necessary requirements which include:

1. Minimum of two years operating under the same business name
2. In good standing with the Better Business Bureau
3. Holds at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance
4. Carries all required state and local licensing and insurance
5. Knowledge of the latest industry standards and technology
6. Dedication to customer service and professional craftsmanship

Contractors should be a member of Team Dave Logan. Team Dave Logan has an extensive interview and qualification process which Roof Worx underwent. Team Dave Logan has the following pre-screening checklist:

1. Better Business Bureau o Department of Registration Search for companies licensed per division
2. Colorado Bureau of Investigations Criminal Arrest records for Colorado o Co Courts.com Court Records
3. Department of Regulatory Agencies Verify licenses o Colorado Secretary of State o Personal Background Check
4. Denver County Contractor Licensing Contractor License Search o Denver County Court Records-Liens and Judgments
5. National Sex Offender Website o Nationwide Criminal Database Search (Includes sex offenders)
6. Patriots Act/OFAC/BXA/Terrorist List Search
7. Federal Bankruptcy Search
8. Business Credit/Commercial Credit Report
9. Consumer Credit
10. Statewide Criminal Records
11. EPA Lead-Safe Certification
12. County Civil Lawsuit Search

Another organization Contractors should be a member of is Tom Martino’s Referral List. It also has a strict Code of Ethics that roofing contractors must adhere to.

1. Excellent Customer Service
2. All work performed to meet or exceed standards of the industry.
3. Full disclosure of all risks and costs associated with the transaction at hand, to the best of active member’s knowledge.
4. All terms and conditions fully specified in writing and adhered to, unless beyond active member’s control.
5. All changes, deviations and amendments to original written agreement must be in writing and accepted by customer.
6. If advance payments are required from customers, active member agrees to charge them only under the following conditions:
   • Reasonable fees for estimates if estimates require considerable time and/or materials o Retainers required by attorneys.
   • Deposits for health care and medical procedures.
   • An escrow account set up for payment.
   • A major credit card used for payment (credit cards can be reversed if problems arise).
   • Materials are ordered for customer and payment is applied to customer’s order.
   • Materials are delivered.
   • Work has started.
   • Any other agreement acceptable to customer.
   • All active members must conduct themselves in all transactions in an honest and ethical manner.
   • Active member shall report any unsettled disputes with customers to Tom Martino and/or his staff in a timely fashion.
   • In the event of an unsettled dispute, active member agrees to abide by Tom Martino’s decision to settle the dispute.
   • Active members shall report any suspected unethical activity by other active members.

6. Roofing Knowledge

Be certain that your salesman is knowledgeable about Denver roofing products. There are a multitude of shingle manufactures, types of shingles and colors available. Make sure you are working with a salesman that knows his products and the benefits of various shingles. Without a knowledgeable salesman a property owner may miss out on insurance discounts and better products.

For example, some insurance companies are providing property owners with a substantial discount on their insurance if they have an Impact Resistant Shingle installed. Always check with your insurance company for the current specials or discounts being offered. Give Roof Worx, a Colorado roofer you can trust, a call at (855) 979-7663.

Contact your Denver roofing contractor, Roof Worx at (303) 353-1825 for assistance with all your roofing, gutter, and siding needs. Roof Worx is your trusted Denver Roofer, providing Denver roofing, siding, gutters, and free Denver roofing inspections. Give us a call today and let us show you the Roof Worx – Denver Roofing difference. Roofing Denver one property at a time.