Do you have the right roofing contractor to complete the work your roof requires? This can be difficult to know, especially if it is your first time hiring a roofing contractor. HFS Financial is here to help guide you through some tips to ensure you have what you need AND to help you finance your new roof! In just 60 seconds, you can be on your way to discovering financing options for your brand-new roof.
Decide the Scope of Your Project BEFORE Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Before you even begin to search for a roofing contractor you like, you should take time to evaluate what needs to be done. You can fly a drone over your roof if you have one and want to take some photos to show potential contractors. If you don’t want to go that far, a quick glance around from the ground will also tell you if you just need some shingles replaced or if you need to rip the whole thing off and start over.
You can also include things like gutter work, siding, or wood replacement if you have rot in some places. Make a list of things you would like to see completed. This will help you communicate your needs to the roofing contractor and let them know if they are a good fit for your project or not. Will they subcontract the work if they don’t or can’t do the extras? If not, then you likely need a different roofing contractor. Doing everything simultaneously will save you time and money in the long run.
Make Sure Your Roofing Contractor Protects Both You, Your Property, and His Employees
Once you have found someone who can do the work for your project, you need to know if they are licensed, insured, and bonded. All three of these are vital for your protection and theirs.
A licensed contractor will know all of the latest codes and regulations for your area. They have had to study and pass a state exam to have a license. They also typically have to have a few years of experience before taking the exam. Having this license ensures contractors will do the job right the first time and prevents you from needing to pay someone else to come back and redo something.
An insured roofing contractor will have insurance to cover any accidents that may happen on the job site. Insurance like this keeps the bills from the accident from becoming your responsibility. So, if, heaven forbid, a worker falls off of your roof, the medical bills from that accident won’t be your responsibility. The contractor’s insurance would cover it.
Finally, a bonded contractor has paid to ensure that you are covered if a job goes unfinished or isn’t done to your specifications. They can’t just run away and disappear after you have paid them in full for the job. Under these horrible circumstances, you could get your money back from the bond, and they would pursue the contractor for any more damages.
Get Essential Documents from Your Roofing Contractor
You can expect to get a few things from your roofing contractor, most notably the contract itself. There should always be a contract outlining everything that will be done, when it will be done, and for how much. If your contractor cannot provide this information, you should continue your search elsewhere. This contract protects you and them.
They should also provide proof of insurance, bonding, licensure, and warranty information. All of this will let you know that you are protected should anything unexpectedly go wrong. It is not enough for them to say they are licensed, insured, and bonded. They should be able to show proof. They should also be able to provide you with specifics of any warranty they offer.
Seek Out & Follow Up on References
Any roofing contractor that is legitimate will be able to provide you with names of customers who were happy with their work. You should call these references to follow up. Have questions prepared that leave room for the customer to respond. They could give you more information than you think. Read our blog on exactly how to take on this task.
You should check review sites even if you don’t call the references. While every company will have a disgruntled customer or two, the majority of their reviews should be positive. If the majority are not, you know to keep searching.
Find Financing with HFS Financial
Credit cards have crazy high interest rates and taking out a home equity loan or second mortgage can leave you with a variable interest rate that fluctuates with the market. (In 2022, that has been genuinely chaotic, rising at an unbelievable pace.) You can also risk your investment by putting your home on the line A loan through HFS Financial will never have these issues and will keep your interest rate set right where you need it.
Some roofing contractors will offer to finance, but others won’t. That is where HFS Financial comes in. We work to find you the best terms and rates available to you. In just 60 seconds, our rate checker will let you know the options you have. Looking into your options doesn’t have any impact on your credit score either.
In addition to being quick and efficient, upfront loan payments are available to you. There won’t be any staged funding to wait on or hold up your project. You will have all the money you need to get the job done right. Pay your contractors on time and keep things rolling with a personal loan through HFS Financial.
Reach out to our team today. After completing our rate checker, one of our exceptional customer care team members will be in contact soon to discuss your options and details. We can’t wait to help finance your new roof. There is no better time to get started making your home a safer, more beautiful place to live. With loans available for roofs, pools, bathrooms, kitchens, spas, roofs, and more, all you have to do is dream it. With HFS Financial on your side, “You Dream It, We Finance It!”