Protecting yourself as a consumer is vital in any setting, and the roofing world is a great example. There are several ways you should be ensuring you’re protected when working with any kind of roofing contractor or professional, and many of these involve simple checks or confirmations that take very little time.
At Whitaker Roofing, we’re proud to provide our full qualifications and licensure for any Salt Lake City roofing project, with services ranging from roof inspections and maintenance to full roof installations and more. We care about seeing all of our customers protected, and we’ve taken all the necessary steps to ensure you’re in great shape when you work with us. Here are some of the key areas to ensure you’re covering for consumer protection in the roofing world.
Contractor’s License
First and foremost, you should absolutely never work with any roofing contractor who is not licensed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. This body regulates the roofing industry and ensures that all contractors are meeting certain standards to provide services, with code requirements and monetary penalties in place.
Better Business Bureau
Another great way to ensure that you’re working with a reputable, qualified contractor is to check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB has an online database of roofing contractors in Utah and reviews their status, including any complaints or other issues that have been reported by previous customers.
This can be a great indicator of whether a company is worth hiring or not. At Whitaker Roofing, we’re proud to have maintained BBB accreditation since 2003, with a sterling A+ rating.
Lien Waiver When the Job is Finished
When your contractor orders materials from any source, it’s important that they sign a lien release that clears you, the client, from any future liability. This ensures that the supplier or manufacturer will not come back to you for payment, even if your roofer does not pay the bill in full. At Whitaker Roofing, we take this important step every day with all of our SLC roofing installations and repairs.
Certified Installer Certification and Warranties
Another set of important standards to look for in your roofing contractor is installation certification, as well as warranties or guarantees that protect you from defects and issues. Not only should your roofer be properly licensed, but they should also have the proper training and experience to do their job effectively.
Paying Material Bills
You should be working with a contractor who pays their material bills at all times. To check on this for Whitaker Roofing, contact Roofers Supply (801-266-1311) or ABC Supply (801-281-3232) — these are two of our primary providers, and they’ll be happy to inform you of our consistent timeliness in payments.
Worker’s Compensation and Liability Insurance
Another vital aspect of consumer protection in any industry is to check that the contractors have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Your roofing contractor should always carry this coverage, as it can protect you, the client, in case an employee gets hurt while on your property or if they damage your home or other belongings. At Whitaker Roofing, we’re proud to carry this full coverage, and can present it at any time.
Attic Inspection and Education
It’s important to educate yourself on your home’s attic and roof, as well as the installation process. For example, you should always be present for an inspection of your roofing system, including any open vents or skylights that may lead inside. This can help you better understand the work being done and what could happen in case of inclement weather or related issues.
Multiple Shingle Options
When you’re working with a roofing contractor, it’s also important to explore many different options in shingle and material materials. For example, you may want metal or wood shake on your home, while our contractors can install traditional asphalt shingles as well. We always encourage each of our customers to choose the best material for their home’s needs at Whitaker Roofing, and will assist you with these selections as well if needed.
References for Past Jobs
Finally, it’s wise to check with the roofing contractor for past references and other customers. You can ask them about their previous experience with a particular company, how quickly and effectively the project or repair was completed, and whether they’d recommend that contractor moving forward.
At Whitaker Roofing, we’re proud of our reputation in SLC – which is why we’re happy to provide references and reviews from our past clients at any time. For more on how to protect yourself as a roofing consumer, or to learn about any of our roofing services, speak to our team today.