How to Choose a Reputable Roofer :10 Factors to Consider

Having trouble finding the right roofer? Whether you’re installing a new roof or having your roof redone, it’s important to choose a roofing contractor carefully. You may think you’re meeting with a contractor who knows what they are doing, but there are things you should be aware of to be sure you’re on the right track.

Wondering which factors are important in choosing a reputable roofing contractor? Here are ten tips to help you discover and choose the right (and maybe even the best) Montreal roofers!

Factors to consider for choosing a good roofer

In the search for a good roofer, there are several specific factors you need to keep in mind. Here are ten tips for finding right roofer for your project:

Tip #1: Ask friends and family for recommendations

When looking for a certified roofer, it’s a good idea to start by asking around for recommendations. Talk to friends, neighbors, co-workers or family who have recently had roofing work done. They’ll be able to give you valuable information about the roofers they’ve worked with, including their reliability, professionalism and the quality of their work.

Personal recommendations can be an excellent way to find a trustworthy roofer, since you’ll be getting information from people you trust.

Tip #2: Use the Internet to find roofers in your area

The Internet is a valuable resource for finding roofers in your area. Search online using terms like “roofer in my area” or “qualified roofer near me” to get a list of local professional roofers to check out.

Browse their company websites to learn more about their skills, services and experience. Be sure to check whether these roofers have the right skills and materials for your specific roofing project.

Tip #3: Read online reviews and ratings

Once you’ve identified a few potential roofers, it’s essential to check their online reputation. Take a look at reviews and ratings left by previous customers on Google, the Yellow Pages and industry-specific sites. These comments will give you an insight into customers’ experience with each roofing service.

Look for positive comments related to work quality, on-time delivery and transparent communication. Be wary of professionals with recurring negative reviews or unresolved complaints.

Tip #4: Licenses and certifications

When choosing a roofer, it’s essential to check whether they hold a valid license, as this is an important indicator of the company’s legitimacy and compliance. Check with the appropriate authorities, such as the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) in Quebec, to confirm that the roofer is registered and has an up-to-date license.

You should also check the roofer’s certifications. Specific roofing certifications, like those awarded by roofing materials manufacturers, are a sign that the roofer is a competent expert, professionally trained and recognized by the industry.

Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit holds numerous certifications demonstrating the quality of our work and customer satisfaction, including the Consumer’s Choice Award, which we have been given for the 4th year in a row.

Tip #5: Experience and knowledge

Experience is a key factor in finding a good roofer, as an experienced roofer has an in-depth knowledge of installation techniques, materials and safety standards. With experience, a roofer will be able to effectively manage potential challenges and guarantee quality work.

Ask any roofer you are interested in hiring how long they have been in the business and find out what types of roofing projects they have worked on. It’s always better to hire a professional who has completed a variety of projects and is familiar with different types of roofing.

Tip #6: Ask your roofer for references

In addition to being qualified, your roofer should also be able to show specific achievements that are similar to your current project. Different roofing contractors specialise in different types of jobs. For example, a roofer may be highly skilled in providing pitched roof services, but that doesn’t mean they have the experience to offer quality flat roof services.

Tip #7: Insurance and guarantees

Before signing a contract with a roofer, verify that they have professional liability insurance. This insurance ensures that the roofer will cover the cost of any damage to property or injuries sustained on site.

In addition, make sure the roofer offers a warranty to guarantee that the roofer will remain responsible for any problems related to the quality of their work for a specified period. Check the terms and duration of the warranty and make sure you understand the conditions.

Please note: A roofer’s warranty could be affected by the number of years they have been in business! Roofers normally provide a 5 to 10-year warranty, but if the company is relatively new, you may not be certain that it will remain in operation for the full length of their warranty.

Tip #8: Get Quotes from several roofing contractors

It’s very important to approach several roofing contractors and request quotes from all of them. In fact, it’s the first thing you should do when thinking about having your roof installed, repaired or renovated.

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) recommends that you compare a minimum of 3 estimates to make an informed choice. You will be happy to know that many roofers are willing to offer free quotes.

Confirm that the following elements are included in each roofing quote:

• Worksite security measures
• Waste management
• Warranty on the work
• RBQ license number
• Liability insurance
• Certifications (certified installer)
• Workforce certification
• Associations (CAA, etc.)

Once you have several quotes in hand, examine them carefully, taking your time to verify important points:

1. Price: Make sure you understand what’s included in the estimate, and check whether any additional charges may apply to the total cost. Keep in mind that choosing the cheapest roofer does not necessarily guarantee the highest quality of work.
2. Timetable: Check the timetables provided with each estimate. If you have specific time constraints, make sure the roofer can meet your requirements.
3. Materials: Verify that the materials the roofer intends to use are good quality and appropriate for your project. Check whether the roofer can use any specific brands or types of materials (asphalt shingles, elastomeric membrane) that you have already chosen for your project.
4. Services: Some roofers may include services beyond the basic roofing job, such as clean-up or waste removal after the work is done. Make sure you understand what’s included in the estimate and what isn’t.

Be wary of low quotes

When comparing estimates, be cautious of offers that seem abnormally low. Very low prices may be a sign of inferior workmanship, poor quality materials or a company seeking to attract customers by lowering their standards.

A professional, experienced roofer will offer a competitive but realistic quote. If an offer seems too good to be true, ask the roofer for an explanation. Consider the factors mentioned above and make a decision based on the quality of the work and the roofer’s reputation, not just price.

Tip #9: Check with the Office de la protection du consommateur

Think you’ve found the perfect professional roofer for all your roofing installation and renovation projects? You should still pause before signing the contract.

Now is the time to verify if there have been any complaints about this contractor. First, check with the Office de la protection du consommateur. Also, verify their RBQ license number online one more time, as some unreliable companies may use a false number.

You can also check to see if the roofer you are considering hiring is recommended by CAA Approved Residential Suppliers. This certification confirms that a roofer is top quality by evaluating customer satisfaction, the quality of their work, their communication with customers and their ability to stick to deadlines. A certified roofer will generally work hard to maintain their CAA status.

Tip #10: Make sure you hire a specialist and not a general roofer

Most of the best roofers are specialists, not generalists. While there are many different types of contractors who may seem capable of doing a roofing job, we recommend professionals who focus specifically on roofing (installation and repair), roof insulation, roof framing, tinsmithing and other aspects of roofing.

You know you’ve found the right roofer if they are a professional who is up to date on the latest developments in the field (best materials, roof ventilation, roof sealing systems, best installation practices, etc.). Make sure your roofer has roofing systems certifications from several manufacturers and organizations. This can make a major difference in getting the job done right.

Les Couvreurs Duro-Toit: the best in Montreal?

Make sure you hire a contractor that will give you a good return on your investment!

Better references, better quality/price ratio, better record with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) – there are many things that can influence your decision when choosing the right roofing contractor. Be careful and don’t compromise! A poorly installed or badly renovated roof can cause you many problems and significant additional expenses later on.

Contact our technical consultants now for a quote and you’ll find out why Duro-Toit is the leading roofing company in the greater Montreal area!