Choosing the right contractor will solve, rather than create problems. Make sure that the roof inspector asks you a lot of questions.

A qualified roof inspector must do an attic inspection to get a full understanding of the necessary scope of the project. An attic inspection can protect the homeowner against additional costs during the project.

The right contractor should know how to calculate and install proper ventilation. The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) mandates a minimum standard, in ventilation. All of the asphalt composition shingle manufacturers require these standards be met in order for their products to be warranted.

Roof replacement involves working up high on unstable surfaces and most always some sort of angled plane. What are the risks of using an uninsured or underinsured contractor? Who will pay if someone is injured?

If the contractor is licensed as a general contractor, as well as a roofing contractor, the project may go smoother. Unforeseen additional work, such as structural or electrical, may require skills or licensing that a roofing contractor alone may not be able to do. Finding a suitable subcontractor will add cost and additional time to the project.

A knowledgeable roofing contractor will help to lead you into quality products. He will help you to avoid the pitfalls which create risk on your investment

He should be well versed in; proper specifications for your project, preparation requirements for long term performance, and all the necessary requirements for a complete full term warranty.

Styles, options and grades of roofing products are the homeowner’s responsibility. A well trusted contractor can provide valuable information which may ease this process. Getting the right style for your home will add curb appeal and increase the over all value of your home.

There is a list of things you should know about any contractor you are thinking about hiring. It would be wise to investigate on all of the answers to see, that they are the same as the contractor states.

•  How long has the contractor been in business?
•  Do they have a permanent place of business?
•  Are they licensed?
•  What type of license(s) do they have?
•  Do they have Workers Compensation and General Liability insurance?
•  Are they members of their trade association, i.e. CCN, NRCA, WSRCA?
•  Are they approved or certified by the manufacturers?
•  Do they have references?

Are they doing any current jobs that you could drive by to see how they work?

The money spent on roof replacement can be an expense or an investment. If care in choosing a contractor is used then the odds of it being an investment are very high.

Only foolish and very wealthy people take the cheapest bid. Homeowners concerned with their pocketbook can avoid the potential cost of repeating a roofing project prematurely based on a little planning.

Make sure that the contractor's proposal is clear and understandable. Determine in advance if there is potential for unforeseen or unknown extra charges and address how those charges will be handled, if necessary.

Aikele said, “People who address these four P's in regard to their construction project and selecting the contractor have a greater level of overall satisfaction whether they are doing a roof replacement or any construction project. Conversely, their level of satisfaction is not as high without the four P's.”

Information Sheet

Certified Contractors Network states construction work is not an exact science. The contractor, and the project are exposed to numerous uncontrollable conditions, such as, unforeseen weather delays, material delays, work project expanding in scope and impacting the schedules of pending projects… Independent studies of contractor/ consumer disputes indicates that most disputes are caused by:

•  Communication Problems
•  Unrealized expectations
•  Unforeseen additional costs
•  Product failure