GET THE FACTS

LOCAL COMPANIES

All areas of service will likely be handled more efficiently by a company whose office is reasonably close to your home. Where is the contractor's office and how long have they been at that location? Are they a "storm chasing" roofing company? Will they be around for warranty service next year when there is a hail storm in another town? Do they have a Roofing License in several jurisdictions? Look for a reputable, local roofer.

YEARS IN BUSINESS

Select a company that has been in business under the same name for at least 10 years. Non-legitimate contractors can easily attract a lot of business by offering low prices, kickback money, rebates, etc.. However,this same contractor may well have a new company name when the next hail storm hits this area! Since these mobile companies typically get in and out of business quickly, a number of homeowners always get burned by choosing this type of contractor. In fact, you will see some of them on TV! Choose a reliable roofer with a proven track record.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Check with their banker. How long have they had an account at this bank? Call several roofing material suppliers. Do they have satisfactory credit by paying their bills on time? The contractor who operates on thin margins may also be standing on thin ice. You want your roofer to stay in business long after the job has been completed.

WARRANTY SERVICE

How long is the company willing to warranty their workmanship? Has the contractor been in business for as long as the warranty they are offering? Is the company office computerized for easy access to your specific job information? Are their service trucks equipped with two-way radios, mobile phones, and digital pagers for quick exchange of messages? Good communication is essential to getting the job completed properly.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

Are they a participant? For how long? Do they respond to customer complaints? Moreover, are they a participant in the BBB "Customer Care Program"? (In this program, the contractor allows BBB to act as arbitrator should an unresolved dispute arise, and agrees to stand by their decision for solution of settlement.). A conscientious company will be there for your satisfaction from beginning to end.

INDUSTRY TRADE ASSOCIATION

Are they a member? National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Home Builders Association (HBA), Colorado Roofers Association (CRA), Apartment Association of Metro Denver (AAMD), or Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau? Most reputable contractors belong to at least one of these respected organizations. Work with a professional company.

CALL YOUR INSURANCE AGENT IMMEDIATELY

When you request an inspection by your insurance company for damage, be sure to report if the roof is now leaking. Your agent can authorize you to make emergency repairs to prevent further damage, but wait for an inspection by the adjuster before making permanent repairs. Remember to keep your receipts for all repairs, since the insurance company will usually require proof for compensation of any expenses. For further substantiation, taking photos of the damaged area(s) and making a list of all damaged items is recommended.

Also, when notifying your agent, indicate if you would like your roofing company's estimator to be present during the inspection. It is often more expedient for the homeowner if the roofing expert and insurance appraiser walk the roof together, since an agreement can usually be reached on the spot. Give your agent the name and phone number of the contractor you have chosen to work with, and the insurance adjuster will call to coordinate an inspection time.

AN ADJUSTER WILL BE ASSIGNED TO HANDLE YOUR CLAIM

Typically, an adjuster will call to tell you he/she has been assigned to handle your claim and explain the procedure for settlement. On inspection, if the adjuster agrees there is enough damage to "total" you roof, your claim will be paid according to the coverage you have on your home. For instance, if you have replacement cost coverage, you will receive full replacement cost plus any other damages you have incurred, less your deductible. You will probably receive the settlement amount in two checks, the first being given immediately.

The second check, called the depreciation amount or "hold back money" (usually 50%), is withheld until the work has been completed and an invoice submitted for final payment. Insurance drafts are often made payable to both the homeowner and the mortgage company. Therefore, do not endorse the check/draft until after the mortgage company has signed the check and returned it to you. Since it is common for mortgage companies to request proof of completion, you may be required to provide an affidavit signed by the homeowner and contractor stating the work has been finished and all labor/materials paid in full. Verification of some type, including an inspection, is usually necessary before your mortgage company will endorse the depreciation check.

SELECT THE ROOFING COMPANY BEST FOR YOU

You have the privilege of choosing the roofing company you wish to perform the work on your home. Your selection does not need to be made from a list of "approved" contractors supplied by your insurance company. Even if you get recommendations from various sources, it is your responsibility to check out the companies and make a final decision that is in your best interest. Your insurance company will not pay to redo a "botched" job, even if your agent or adjuster gave you the contractor's name.

You do not have to go with the lowest bid. If there is a monetary difference between the contractor's estimate and the insurance company's allowance, it will be worked out quickly and professionally between the two parties. Since your contractor is the roofing expert, he/she will assume the task of settling any discrepancies in the claim, which are often due to the method of roof measurement or formula used for price calculation. A cheap roof is no bargain if you have problems, especially if there is no one to fix them. Select the roofing company in whom you have the most confidence.

JOBS SIGNS

Until you have selected a contractor to do the work, you can expect to be blitzed by hundreds of roofers soliciting your business through phone calls, door hangers, direct mailing, door knocking, etc.. This aggressiveness quickly becomes a nuisance that can be eliminated, or at least slowed down, by displaying your contractor's sign. As soon as you decide on your roofer, possibly even before the insurance adjuster has been out, you may want to ask them to place their company sign in your yard.