Posted by Craig Foster (Proprietor) - A1 Roofing Services (Sheffield)
So how should you go about avoiding unqualified (cowboy) roofing firms or individuals and instead choose a competent company for your roofing in Sheffield?
It's a fact that selecting someone to undertake roof repairs or re roofing on your property can be a daunting task. Especially if it’s the first time you've been faced with the need to hire a
roofing professional for this type of a job.
Sadly over the past few years
during the current economic depression there have been a lot of so called
roofers appearing all over Sheffield. Many being semi or even unskilled people desperate to
earn money no matter what. A van, ladders, a few hand tools plus business cards and off they go wreaking havoc at every turn.Granted some companies or individual roofers are legitimate,
skilled and professional but others are definitely not. The roofing contractor
you end up choosing should be trustworthy, reliable and capable of getting your
roof back into good order and leak free the first time of asking. Not
making it worse!
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Gale damaged roof in Sheffield |
After more than thirty five years personal experience of the
roofing industry I believe the most important part of a successful roofing
experience is the contractor you employ to carry out your roofing project.
Therefore I’d recommend that you take your time, do your research and only hire
someone you feel comfortable with that you can talk to. Someone who has
specific knowledge of your type of roofing problem and most importantly can
back that up with references from previous clients who had similar work done
that they were happy with. Investing in a new roof or a roof repair in Sheffield
is something that you can play a major role in by doing your homework and
finding the right contractor for the job. The saying ‘Pay cheap, Pay twice’ is
something worth remembering too.
Is the Roofing Company Insured?
Next you should make certain that the roofing contractor you
plan using has the correct insurance. You should ask to see a copy of this.
Also ask to see his tax reference number. Any legitimate contractor will be
happy to provide you with these documents. It may seem easiest to hire your
next door neighbour’s cousin twice removed or an inexpensive ‘handyman’ but again
going cheap may cost you dear in the long run. Don’t come home from work one
day and find that one of the roofers working on your property has been injured from
a fall as a result of not using scaffolding where Health and Safety clearly
states it is required. Worse still they’re planning suing you or your
home-owners insurance to cover their costs. The company you choose should be
able to provide you with the name and phone number of their insurance agent in
order for you to verify that they have their own insurance cover in case a
problem arises. You should immediately and automatically reject any roofing
contractor without the proper insurance i.e. Public Liability Insurance cover
at the very least.
Make sure there’s a Long Local History
Has your chosen roofing contractor worked in the local Sheffield
area for a lengthy amount of time? Do they have roofing testimonials, written
references and on line reviews from happy customers they can show you? A long
local history with satisfied clients and a great resume full of experience with
a variety of roofing applications is a bare minimum requirement. Don’t skimp on
experience and make sure the contractor you end up with is familiar with the
ins and outs of the roofing trade generally as well as your specific job.
Always insist on a Quotation not an Estimate and get it
in writing.
While you should get at least three quotes from different
roofing companies, make sure you also get them in writing with everything
itemized and spelled out in black and white including materials to be used and
warranties, etc.. Compare your three quotes closely and don’t make your choice
based on price alone. There’s generally always a reason why cheap roofing
companies are cheap.
Make Sure Your Roofer Knows Your Roof!
Your roofer should be an expert with installation or repair
of the specific roofing material you are interested in using or that is
currently in use on your property. Roofing companies often specialise in
specific materials like tile, slate, felt and liquid roofing etc. It’s no good
employing a felt roofer for instance to undertake a re roofing project using
natural slate. It’s bound to end in complaints.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions
There are no silly questions in roofing. If something isn't
clear, ask.
I believe that my company A1 Roofing Services is one of the
leading local roofing business’s in the Sheffield area. We offer a large
variety of roofing and associated services including domestic and commercial re-roofing
and repair. We provide a full gutter repair and installation service and are
experts in lead work and felt flat roofing etc. For further details on our full
range of services why not visit us at
www.a1roofingservices.co.uk or
call me direct on 07939 203982. Finally we are based at
148
Heavygate Road, Crookes,
Sheffield
S10 1PF
Craig Foster (Proprietor – A1 Roofing Services)