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Vetting your contractor is an important step of a home improvement project. A poor choice can lead to shoddy installation or overall bad workmanship practices. Here are some important ways to quickly vet a contractor.
Positive Online Reviews
Any legitimate contractor should have an online presence. If they don’t, that’s a red flag in itself. Quickly read through the reviews on their website, Facebook, Google or Yelp, or ask for referrals from your friends and family.
Just keep in mind a negative review isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. After all, even the most qualified contractors can make mistakes at times. If you do come across a negative review, look at the contractor’s response. The response can help you gauge a contractor’s level of professionalism and their communication skills as well as the level of customer service they provide.
Experience
If you come across a contractor rated four stars or more, make sure to check the number of years they’ve been working in the industry. Since they don’t have as many customers as older contractors, newer companies have a higher chance of getting a better rating. As such, these ratings aren’t a reliable way of assessing a contractor’s competence. Besides, in general, newer contractors are unlikely to possess the expertise needed to handle more technical home improvement projects.
Partnerships
See if a contractor has partnerships with manufacturers. They usually post them on their website. Transparency around the kind and quality of materials they use is always a good trait.
Certifications
Some manufacturers award certifications to a roofing contractor who has undergone professional training in addition to securing the minimum requirements for operating as a contractor. Some manufacturers offer exclusive warranties for roofing systems that were installed by factory-certified contractors. GAF, for example, offers extended warranties to roofs installed by Master Elite® contractors.
Looking for certified contractors in your area?
Crown Roofing LTD , a GAF Master Elite contractor, offers a wide range of roofing services. To get a free estimate, call us at (604) 210-6655, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Vancouver, BC.
