subject: Roofers In Austin: The Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring Roof Contractors [print this page] The home improvement industry can be very competitive. With the number of roofers in Austin that you can choose from, it can be a challenge to make sure that youre getting the right one. However, choosing the right roofers for your Austin home doesnt just stop at checking their credentials. Here are the top five mistakes that homeowners make when getting roof repairs done and how you can avoid them.
1. Changing your mind about the project. All of the roofers in Austin that you will consider should offer you an initial assessment of your roof. However, the price that they quote for this wont include any last minute changes or additions. If youre just planning to get your roof retiled and they mention something like your flashing needs to be realigned, that will cost more. Always make sure to get any additions or changes that you want done to the project written in the contract and ask for an updated price quote. Even if it sounds like a simple addition, it will still come with a price tag.
2. Hiring the first person that gives you a price quote. Although you may be pressured upon hearing a very affordable price quote, you have to remember that there are a lot of roofers in Austin to choose from and not all of them are licensed or experienced. Avoid choosing the first roofer that talks to you about pricing, especially if they insist that they will get the work done for half the usual price and will throw in an added discount if you act now. Theres a chance that they wont make good on their promises.
3. Not asking for their credentials. You might be surprised but, a lot of homeowners forget to ask roofers in Austin about their license, portfolio and references, especially when theyre presented with a very low bid. Even if the roofers in Austin that youre interested in hiring seem like theyre trust-worthy, really nice guys, always ask to see a license. If they show you a general contractors license or make excuses about not having theirs on hand, you might want to look somewhere else.
4. Not paying attention to the paperwork. Permits, insurance policies, contract details and payment schedules may all seem like boring topics that just fill up pages, but they will help you out in the long run. Most people dont focus on the fine print in contracts, such as if the materials to be used in the project are listed down. This can either lead to higher costs or the use of low quality material. Insurance policies for both you and the workers are also important in case anyone gets into an accident during the job. As for permits, dont let any of the roofers in Austin tell you otherwise. In every home improvement projects there are national, regional and local building codes that have to be followed.
5. Expecting that you wont have any problems. Even if you receive a detailed contract from one of the many roofers in Austin, its still just a piece of paper. Weather delays and accidents can happen. Its also very easy to ignore a contract if youre dealing with an unprofessional or inexperienced roofer. Always take the time to make sure that youre choosing someone that you can trust with your home. Good roofers in Austin are able to follow to deadlines, deal with delays, and stick to an agreement.
