Top Tips for Finding the Best Ann Arbor Roofers


Aside from protecting you and your belongings, roofs also prevent other parts of the house from damage, thus reducing repair costs. This is why Americans spend billions each year on roofing projects, and the roofing industry is poised to have a market value of $ 48.6 billion in 2021.

If you are thinking of having some work done on your roof, that’s a wise decision that can save you a lot of money down the line. However, this depends on the Ann Arbor roofers you choose. As the roofing industry grows, the number of companies offering such services has also been increasing. Unfortunately, not all of them can deliver quality finishes that will also make your house the envy in the neighborhood.

In this article, you will learn some of the key things to consider when searching for Ann Harbor, Michigan top roofers.

1. Go for Experience

Undoubtedly, the roof plays a crucial role in the security of your family and belongings. If the roof is not installed correctly, it exposes you to several risks and losses, and you will also have to incur the installation cost again.

Just as you would not trust a doctor fresh out of medical school to perform heart surgery on you, you should also not give the job to an inexperienced team. According to Home Advisor, the cost of replacing or installing a roof ranges between $5,421 and $11,123. At such costs, most homeowners try all means to save on expenses. This leaves them susceptible to less experienced contractors who charge less.

Whereas it may seem like a win at the time, that’s a decision that may end up proving costly. Rather than selecting Ann Harbor roofers based on price, focus on experience. You are better off squeezing yourself a little to pay for high-quality works that will serve you for a long time.

2. Double Check Licensing and Insurance

Before signing any contract for roofing ANN Harbor, ensure that the company has all the necessary licenses and insurance, and they’re up to date. There are many risks that come with roof installations. There may be damaged caused to other parts of the house, or someone may get injured.

When it comes to work-related deaths, roofing is the fifth most dangerous job in the US. Close to 50 roofers die on the job each year, with the primary causes being falls and electrocutions. This is why it is crucial to check for licenses and insurance. The licenses demonstrate that the contractor is qualified to offer such services and has the permissions to do so. They should also have insurance covers for work-related injuries and damage to property.

If you hire them without the necessary insurance covers, you will be liable for any injuries and damage that may occur.

3. Meet the Team

Depending on the Ann Harbor Roofers you select, they may have many teams. Therefore, it is likely that the person you will be dealing with during discussions will not handle your job. At times, some roofing contractors outsource jobs to third parties altogether, leaving you with an unfamiliar team.

Ask to meet the team that will handle your project and insist on dealing with the contractor. This is important for two key reasons. First, you need to be sure that the Ann Harbor roofers fully understand your needs. Also, depending on the project’s scope, it may take a few weeks, possibly more, before it’s completed. As such, it is important that you can trust the team that will spend that much time near your family and belongings.

4. Take a Look at Their Past Projects

It’s one thing being in the industry for several decades, and it’s a totally different one delivering quality work. At the end of the day, you want Ann Harbor Michigan top roofers who can deliver what is promised. The only way to ascertain this is by reviewing their past work. Ask them to provide you with catalogs of jobs they have done as well as references.

Follow up with references whose roofs resemble what you’d like and take a look at it for yourself.  Inquire about their experience with the roofing company. How would they rate them in terms of customer service and communication? These are crucial elements that determine how easy it is to work with the roofers.

If you are satisfied with the feedback, check for reviews online. You can find such reviews on their social media pages and website. If there are a few negative ones, don’t be alarmed. It happens even to Ann Harbor Michigan top roofers. However, if negative reviews are in plenty, you are better off looking for another Ann Harbor roofing company.

5. Choose a Local Roofing Company

If cost is not an issue, you may be tempted to expand the radius for your search in a bid to find the best roofing contractor. Such a move is ill-advised as it increases the chances of issues popping up during the projects. This is due to their unfamiliarity with local legislation and rules.

Since they do not have working relationships with local suppliers and costs, you may end up paying higher prices for materials. More importantly, a local roofing company will be keener on safeguarding its reputation as it will significantly affect its ability to secure contracts in the future.

6. Have It All in Writing

Other than the quality of the work done, there are a lot of things that determine the success of a roofing project. These include the costs and completion time. If there are deviations in the costs, the project may end up stalling as you raise more funds. Project completion timeline is also crucial as you do not want to spend too much time with the inconvenience of ongoing construction.

To protect yourself from contractors that may deviate from the agreement midway through the project, make sure you have it all on paper. The contract should cover all the crucial aspects of the project. These include:

  • Cost
  • Timeline for completion
  • Payment schedules
  • Roofing materials
  • Subcontractors

As the homeowner, the contract serves as an additional insurance cover.

7. Ask About Unplanned Repairs

If you watch home improvement programs, you must be well aware that there’s likely going to be a need for unplanned repairs and emergencies. This is usually because some things may not be evident until the commencement of the project.

Ask Ann Harbor roofers how they handle such issues. Is it factored in the budget, or will you have to foot such costs?

8. Find Out How They Deal with Dissatisfied Clients

Even with the best planning and craftsmanship, things do not always go as planned. The roofing company may make an error during the project. It is important to find out how they deal with such cases before they occur. Do they own up to their mistakes, or will it be a game of cat and mouse as you try to reach their representatives?

Ann Harbor Michigan top roofers value customer satisfaction more than anything. Before completing their project, they make sure that you are satisfied.

9. Find Out Whether They Will Tear Off Your Old Roof

Although it is possible to install new shingles over an old roof, it is not advisable. Doing so does not help address the underlying problems with your roof that the shingles may conceal. Just because a problem is not visible does not mean it does not exist.

Installing new shingles over old ones is a cheap and effective approach for the short term. However, rest assured that any issues with your roofing will become more apparent over time, and it may cost you more to fix them down the road.

10. Ask If They are an Authorized Installer

Shingle manufacturers offer warranties for their products to assure homeowners of their quality. One of the key factors that determine whether shingles will deliver on the manufacturer’s promise is the quality of installation. This is why manufacturers have a list of installers approved to install their shingles.

Find out if your Ann Arbor Roofers are authorized installers of the shingles you want. If they’re not, you will not be eligible for the warranty. As such, you will have to bear the costs if the job needs to be redone.

11. Do Not Do Cash Deals

During remodeling projects, many things come up along the way. If you need to purchase materials or pay for extra work, avoid doing cash deals. Though it is unlikely that your contractor will try to swindle you, there’s a chance either one of you may not keep accurate accounts. This may result in unnecessary disputes that may affect the project. To avoid this, always use methods that leave a paper trail to pay.

Don’t Settle for Less

When it comes to home remodeling projects, homeowners often feel like getting the best needs some compromise. That’s not necessarily true.

At A2 Roofing, we offer high-quality roofing services accompanied by exceptional customer services. Our joy is in delivering satisfaction to our customers through top-notch roofing services. Contact us today for reliable roofing Ann Arbor.