subject: Choosing The Best Buckinghamshire Roofing Contractor [print this page] This article sets out the five stages you need to go through to find yourself a roofing contractor in Buckinghamshire who does the job to your satisfaction. If you live in Buckinghamshire there are plenty of contractors around. The trick is to find one who does a good job for a good price.
Building and other home improvement companies tend to generate more complaints than any other industry, with roofing companies leading the industry in total complaints received. If you follow these five stages you will
greatly increase your chance of avoiding getting ripped off.
Stage 1 Find a roofing contractor. Try and get referrals from your friends, neighbours and work colleagues to see if they can recommend a contractor, or who know somebody who can make a recommendation. Ask at building supply stores. Once you get some names check out any contractors who have websites so as to get some background information on them, such as how long they have been in business, whether they are a family firm or a part of a national company.
Stage 2 Selecting a roofing contractor. On your first contact be specific about what you are seeking and how quickly you will make a decision. Many contractors encounter casual or even dishonest homeowners and so they don't want to waste their time. So say you are interviewing 3 contractors and not 10. If you have to leave a telephone message don't be vague, or you may not get a response. Spell out the nature of the job you want.
Having said that you can expect a good contractor to be courteous and precise in answering your legitimate questions. In particular you need to clarify:
- the experience of the contractor and his team. How long has his company been operating and has the company plenty of experience of the type of work which you require
- what references the contractor can provide. You need at least three references which must be of a similar type of work. Then check these references out and especially ask the referees whether they consider the contractor did a good job and whether the referee would use the contractor again.
- what insurance the contractor has to cover employee compensation and other insurance requirements
- what warranty the contractor will provide, covering both parts and labour for the work done. Normally expect a warranty of at least 10 years.
- detailed estimates spelling out the timespan of the project, the materials to be used, and their prices, the labour costs and any circumstances which might mean that the estimate has to be revised. The last thing you want
is to be stung by an unexpected demand for cash followed by the threat of walking out if the payment is not made.
A wording of warning. Do not select a contractor solely because he provides the lowest estimate. There are many tales of jobs being inadequately done or even left unfinished, requiring the expenditure of thousands more in cash
to get the job sorted. And then when you pursue the original contractor you may find that he is no longer in business and he has disappeared off the scene. Select a contractor on the basis of their reputation
Stage 3 Discuss the options on roofing materials to be used. Ideally you will have done some research on the internet about different types of roofing materials. The contractor should have up-to-date knowledge on quality
products for your project. He is the best source of information, but you should play an active role in the product selection process. Ask questions about different materials such as brand names, life span, thickness, design,
available colours and warranties.
Stage 4 Get a written contract. This is really important. The contract should cover:
- the intended starting and finishing dates of the project
- the details of the payment schedule. How much upfront and how much later on and when
- the details of the materials to be used, spelling out brand names and the colours to be used
- On-site procedures - work hours, clean-up procedures on and around your home, safety precautions, etc.
- warranties covering both labour and materials.
Stage 5 Let the contractor get on with the job. By all means monitor progress but don't be hanging over the contractor and his team.
