Your home's roof takes a daily beating from storms, sun, pests, falling debris and more. Eventually even a durable roofing system requires replacement or repairs. But a faulty installation or subpar workmanship from amateur contractors creates more problems. Find and call a Los Angeles roofing contractor to have peace of mind. Use these tips to choose the right roofer for any job, big or small.
Establish Project Scope
First decide if the issues warrant spot repairs or full replacement based on:
- Type of existing roof materials, estimated age/lifespan versus actual condition
- Extent of damage - few curled shingles or pervasive leaks?
- Versus investing in a new layer over the old roof
- Budget constraints - cheaper to prolong lifespan or start fresh?
- Aesthetic considerations - better curb appeal from new architectural style?
A reputable contractor determines best options once evaluating the roof in person. They guide you on ideal materials, projected costs, permitting needs and timelines from start to finish.
Research Local Roofers
Search online or ask neighbors for quality Los Angeles roofing companies near you. But weed out inexperienced outfits by:
- Verifying address, license and years in business - Avoid fly-by-night operations with only P.O. boxes and short track records
- Checking complaint bureauslike BBB for red flags
- Seeking online reviewsfrom current customers on responsiveness, work caliber and post-job support
- Getting multiple quotesto compare fairness
Don't risk substandard work from corner cutting amateurs or storm-chasing scammers. Call established Los Angeles roofing contractor Deangelo Roofing for straight answers instead of hard sells.
Interview Final Candidates
Meeting face-to-face builds trust beyond sales pitches. Ask about:
- Types of roofing solutions offered - do they specialize in your needs or take any job?
- Materials sourcing - use quality products from reputable national brands?
- Work crew credentials - are installers fully trained company staff or hired temp workers? Safety track record?
- References from past clients with similar roofing projects to check satisfaction
- Warranties & guarantees on workmanship defects - who handles callbacks/fixes?
- Insurance proof for worker’s compensation and liability - protects you from lawsuit claims
Choose someone invested in stellar service even post-project. A few more dollars upfront brings peace of mind for years to come.
Sign an Itemized Contract
Never enter big commitments on just a handshake or basic invoice. Demand a clearly written roof replacement contract detailing:
- Homeowner & contractor contact info
- Start/end dates contingent on weather delays
- Explicit scope of work with separate material and labor costs
- Brand, quality, quantity of roofing products to install
- Type of new flashing, vents and underlayment
- Layering method if overlaying old roof
- Dump fees for tear-off waste removal
- Payment installment schedule & methods
- Manufacturer & contractor warranties
- Temporary weatherproofing plans if job goes unfinished
A transparent agreement sets expectations so misunderstandings don't later arise. Get all additions and change orders in writing too.
Patience During the Project
Be reasonable regarding:
- Scheduling changes due to legit weather delays
- Some construction noise during business hours
- Temporary driveway access for equipment/dumpsters
- Work crew bathroom needs if project goes for days
Stay in touch about progress without micromanaging. Express any concerns calmly to avoid adversarial relations.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Many homeowners regret not:
- Researching an experienced roofer from the start
- Investigating lower bids that seemed “too good to be true”
- Getting promised debris cleanup/landscaping restoration in writing
- Reading all contract fine print to understand warranties
- Confirming builder permits were filed and final inspections done
Of course cheapest offers tempt anyone trying to save money. But reckless contractors often conceal major flaws behind lowest estimates that later demand expensive fixes. Heed the red flags upfront unless you enjoy the headaches down the road!
Making a well informed decision on a roofing contractor safeguards satisfactory results for years to come. For expertise on any Los Angeles roofing project, contact dependable local companies like Deangelo Roofing right from the start. Invest wisely by choosing true professionals instead of cut-rate impersonators!
