When you live in a major metropolitan area like the Twin Cities, you’re likely to hear horror stories about homeowners’ experiences with less-than-reputable roofing “professionals.”
So how can you weed out bad roofers and find a trustworthy contractor who does quality work and stands behind it? Carefully vet the roofers you’re considering hiring using the following criteria as a guide:
Business History and Practices
You can tell a lot about roofing contractors by how long they’ve been in business and their local presence. Dependable roofers are well-established and have a physical address or showroom you can visit. A trustworthy roofer also engages in good business practices, so they have:
- A posted bond and up-to-date building contractor or roofer license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). As part of the vetting process, it’s wise to verify a contractor’s license.
- Liability and workers’ compensation insurance policies to protect you in case of property damage or accidental job-site injuries. When asked, responsible roofers won’t hesitate to provide copies of their insurance certificates.
Local and Online Reputation
You should ask each roofer for references from previous customers, then contact each one to ask if they were pleased with the work performed, if the job was completed on time and budget, and whether they’d hire the roofer again. Other ways to gauge a roofer’s reputation are an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and great reviews and awards from well-regarded service-related sites like Angie’s List.
Certifications from leading material manufacturers, like Owens Corning, are one of the best metrics for judging a roofer because of the stringent qualification process. Owens Corning awards Platinum Preferred certification on an invitation-only basis to local roofers who meet strict requirements including proper licensing, ample insurance coverage, and financial solvency. Certified contractors must also have an A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and demonstrate a commitment to continuing training, superior workmanship, and dedicated customer service.
Only 1% of roofers nationwide achieve Platinum Preferred certification — at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows, we’re one of just five in the whole state of Minnesota. Owens Corning certification not only assures you that we’re thoroughly vetted, but we’re also the only contractors who can offer the manufacturer’s best-extended warranties that provide up to a lifetime of roof system coverage.
If you’re searching for a trustworthy roofer with a decades-long history serving the Twin Cities, contact us at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows.
