Roof Installation Services: Top Five Qualities to Look For

Roof installation is a necessary move during any construction project—whether you’re working on a new build or are planning a renovation as part of responsible property maintenance. When it comes to looking for the right roof installation company to trust with your business, however, not all roofing services are created equally. In this article, we will address the top qualities you’ll want to look for in a roofing contractor as well as answer any questions you may have about the cost of roof repair and the benefits and drawbacks of replacing an old roof versus patching it.

Of course, the cost of your roof installation will vary depending on the type of materials you opt for, the rates of your chosen contractor, and the size of the roof. However, in the United States, it is average for roofing costs to vary between $10,000 and $20,000—with an average cost right around $15,000. Depending on the aforementioned factors, roofing can cost anywhere from $5-$20 per square foot, with the pricier end due to the types of materials used.

While it is true that completely replacing a roof (or paying upfront for a new roof installation, for that matter) will always cost more than patch repairs as needed, there are certain benefits to replacing a roof versus mending it. First and foremost, you will ensure that the roof maintains its structural integrity with a total replacement. This guarantees that if you go digging around in one area of the roof, no other areas will be compromised. This goes for visuals as well—a total roof replacement will always look homogeneous, and you will not see signs of prior repairs.

Additionally, replacing a roof versus mending it significantly increases the value of your home. According to Zillow, the approximate Return On Investment (ROI) for a roof replacement is about 68%–that is to say, if you spend $15,000 on a new roof, you’ll see $10,200 of that come back to you when it comes time to sell. The biggest downside here is obviously the initial cost—though depending on the circumstances, a roof replacement may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance.

Now that you know the benefits that can come with a roof replacement, you’ll want to make sure you have the right contractor for the job. Getting quality work done the first time can not only save you headaches down the road, but can also help you hold your home’s value versus losing money over shoddy craftsmanship. But there’s more to roof installation than simply understanding construction—it takes intentionality, customer consideration, and an array of other qualities as well. Here are the top five qualities to look for in a roof installation contractor!

1.     Timeliness: It may seem like it could go without saying, but a contractor’s punctuality (or lack thereof) can really add up over time. For example, if your contractor is habitually 15 minutes late over a 6-day work week, that’s three hours of missed time total. Or, if they perpetually keep you waiting by staying longer than their predetermined hours, this can also impact your life in a challenging way. Look for a contractor with prompt communication and who will respond to queries quickly and accurately, show up on time, and leave when it is time for them to go.

2.     Cleanliness: Don’t settle for a contractor who leaves a mess! Make sure your contractor respects your space enough to clean up after themselves. Especially after days of work, plenty of mess can accumulate as a byproduct of construction—so ask your contractor well in advance what their cleanup plan is!

3.     Experience: While it can be tempting to look for a contractor exclusively by price, you’ll want to consider their experience levels as well. However, more experience doesn’t always mean they will be better—as sometimes the less experienced contractors will have fresher ideas with a greater capacity for creative problem-solving.

4.     Flexibility: Find a contractor who is willing to work with your budget, without pushing you too far outside of your comfort zone. A contractor with their salt will be able to work effectively within your budget, manage your expectations, and deliver quality work within your originally stated parameters. It is also helpful to look for a roof installation expert that is willing to work with your schedule—even if it means meeting outside of their usual hours of operation. Ask your contractor what their comfort levels are with meeting you “outside the box” for extra tricky projects.

5.     Proof of good work: Look back on your contenders’ portfolios for examples of past work well done. While pictures speak a thousand words, you may also want to check out any previous client testimonies and reviews—though these are best taken with a grain of salt. It is worth your time to seek an outstanding contractor rather than settle for one who will waste your time and resources with second-rate work.

When it comes to adding or maintaining value to your property, roof installation plays a key role in returning income for the cost of purchase when it comes time to sell. Now that you know some of the benefits of installing a new roof versus repairing an old, damaged one, how much it costs per square foot, and what to look for in a roof installation specialist, we hope that this article will point you in the right direction when it comes time for you to pick the right contractor for your home or business!

Looking for the best roof installation company in Wisconsin? Contact Absolute Roofing today to start a conversation or browse our portfolio of completed work here!