subject: Choosing The Best Oxford Roofing Contractor [print this page] This article gives advice on how to find the best Oxford roofing contractor ..... and avoid getting ripped off.
So you live in or near Oxford and you want to get your roof fixed. And unless you have a lot of personal experience and an experienced team to help you, then you probably won't be able to do it yourself. So you will need to hire a roofing contractor who knows exactly what they are doing. Professional roofing contractors will also know about the latest techniques and materials and will be aware of any changes in building regulations which may be relevant to your circumstances. All that expertise is needed so that you do not find yourself, two years down the line, contemplating leaks into your home.
A majority of roof leaks happen where the roof is attached to something that is not a roof, such as skylights, dormer windows, plumbing-vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, walls that extend higher than roofs, etc. You need to have expertly installed flashings at these locations. Flashings are transitional roofing materials that connect roofs to these non-roof features.
Getting a new roof is a substantial investment and is also one of the most significant things you can do to protect the fabric of your home. It needs to be watertight to keep out the worst of the weather, strong enough to cope with rain, snow, hail and high winds, as well as flexible enough to cope with changes in temperature without cracking or compromising its reliability.
Roofing shingles and tiles come in many styles and are made of many different materials. They vary in their layer materials and design, but the majority of roofs consist of wood framing, flashing wood, roofing felt, and the surface roofing material, including the flashings.
How do you find a roofing contractor? Just going to Yellow Pages and picking the contractor with the biggest advert could expose you to getting ripped off. You would not choose a car by going to the first dealer you find on Yellow pages.
So start of by asking your friends, your neighbours, your work colleagues if they can personally recommend a roofing contractor, or whether they know someone reliable who can. You could also ask local builders merchants or any surveyors you may know or who are recommended to you. Check out the websites of any that are recommendeed, if they have one to find out such information as how big they are - family firm, national company etc., and how long they have been in existence. Once you have done your research draw up a shortlist and then contact each contractor on your shortlist.
First impressions count. Was the contractor courteous and did he answer your questions clearly? Did he arrange to meet you within a reasonable time?
When you meet the contractor ask him to provide at least three references regarding work he has done for others, for work similar to what you require. Ask how soon the job could be done. Some roofing contractors are very busy and they may try to put you off if they feel that your job is not worth enough to them.
Ask for a written quotation for the job and specifically ask whether there are any factors which may mean that the estimate has to be revised. Get them to be specific so that they don't fob you off with generalisations. Some companies may provide a quote but then bounce onto to you hidden or extra, unexpected invoices. You should not get caught out by either of these happening as it can be a nasty surprise to find that if you do not pay the extra you do not get the work done. Most roofers are very fair with regards to the quotes they give and will set everything out in a legible and understandable manner.
Ask what insurance they have to cover employee compensation and other insurance liability. Ask also what warranties they provide covering both labour and materials.
IMPORTANT. In getting quotations from different contractors make sure that you are giving each contractor the same information about your requirements, so that you can compare like with like.
Next, check your references. If possible go and see those who are willing to provide references for your possible contractor. Some questions you could ask are:
- Was the company professional?
- Did they perform the job safely and on time?
- Did they leave the job as they found it -- clean
- Were there any damages?
- Did the company clearly explain and answer any and all questions?
- Would you use the company again?
Once you have made your choice of contractor get a written contract. Beware of verbal promises. The contract should specify:
- the start and completion dates;
- the project materials to be used - including the colours;
- procedures for carrying out the work - hours of work, safety precautions, disposal of rubbish material;
- the schedule of payments due;
- warranties;
- details of the suppliers of the contractor and a commitment to provide proof of payment to the suppliers for all materials, so that there are no subsequent disputes with suppliers about unpaid bills.
Once the work begins give the contractor and the roofing team the space to get on with the job. If you have done your homework in choosing a roofing contractor you are likely to have hired a real team of professionals. Let them get on with it unless things start to go seriously wrong.
