When we engage a service provider, we have a certain set of expectations. Whether they fulfill them or not is another matter. Engaging a roofing company in Florida is not much different. The homeowner anticipates perfect service, and conflict arises when these anticipations go unsatisfied. The safest way is to know where reality differs from expectations and do what is needed to avoid such clashes. Here are some of the expectations, possible divergence from them, and solutions.
1. The quality of the roofer is not of much relevance.
There is a common belief that all the roofing companies can do roofing work just the same because they are used to the work and usually have a working team. This belief may not be accurate as expertise and experience play a significant role in the quality of the roofing work. You have to verify the experience of the roofing company and the level of training their workers have undergone.
2. All roofers will use the materials that they have promised.
When discussing the work, the roofers may promise the world to you, but if you bother to check them during the work, you may be in for a shock. To avoid it, it is better to put everything in black and white, and periodic checking will ensure the quality of the materials.
3. Once you hire a roofer he will do all the restorations perfectly.
The roofer will repair the malfunctions you have pointed out but may not look at the rest of your roof. The best way is to have a detailed roof inspection to get the weak points of your roof. It is best to hand over the list of problems to the roofer before starting the project.
4. The roofing process is the same, and if a roofer hands over a low quote, it is better to choose him.
Some homeowners think that the roof work requires the same set of skills, and if a roofer gives a lower quote, it is profitable to hire him. The roofing process is the same, but people go about it differently. A reputable roofer will use quality materials and pay attention to the minutest details. His workforce will be well-trained. Such roofers will naturally charge you more. It is always good for the homeowner to go through the details of the work and know the quality of the materials used beforehand.
5. Once you discuss the work with the roofer, you can leave it to him.
Many homeowners think that once they conduct a detailed discussion of their roof and the required work, it is enough. They leave the work to the roofer and engage themselves in other daily activities. Later, if they happen to check out, they will find that many unsatisfactory changes have occurred. It usually affects the relationship between the two parties. The best policy is to get a contract drawn with all the stipulations clearly mentioned.
6. All roofers can deal with your drainage.
Drainage is a specialized job. Choosing the gutters and downspouts and installing the clean flow off requires experience and familiarity with slopes, water flow, etc. All the roofers may not be good at this. Unless a roofing company owns a special section of gutter workers, you cannot expect first-class drainage work from them.
7. Roofers will compensate for collateral damages.
If you assume that the roofers will compensate for the damages done to your landscape or garden, you may be disappointed. Unless it is specially mentioned in the contract, the roofer may slither out of the responsibility. It is always advisable to add a clause to the contract.
8. All roofers have ample client and workers' insurance.
Only reputable roofing companies will have ample insurance for the clients’ property and workers’ compensation in case of accidents. It is the duty of the homeowner to check out the details of their insurance. If the company does not have adequate insurance, you stand to lose dollars in case of an accident.
9. All roofers provide a warranty for the work and materials.
The reputed roofing companies will provide a warranty for their work and the materials used for a specific number of years. However, it is not a sure feature of all roofing companies. The homeowner should inspect them and get the required clauses added before the beginning of the project.
10. All roofers will provide follow-up work.
Many of us think that all the roofers in Tampa will provide free inspections and maintenance for at least a year after the completion of the work. It may not be so. All such obligations should be discussed and added to the contract.
If the homeowners act intelligently, many unpleasant situations can be avoided when they hire a roofing company.