If you are a homeowner in the 48167 zip code, then you are likely all too familiar with Michigan’s unforgiving winter weather and the damage it can cause to your home’s exterior. And if you have managed to escape damage to your roof, then you are among the select few residents who have never had to ask the question, “How do I find great roofing near me?” Whether you are seeking roofing services for the first time or you have lost track of how many times you have worked with roofers, you deserve the highest quality roof in Michigan. Below is a look at some simple steps to follow to ensure that you find the best roofing contractors in Michigan.
Why is it so important to find trustworthy roofing contractors in Southeast Michigan?
“The biggest obstacle homeowners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and perform the necessary roofing repairs. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door.”
– Liza Barth, GAF Materials Corporation
For some Michigan homeowners, the challenge of finding a dependable local roofing company may prove to be far greater than the actual task of replacing or repairing a roof. Here are three reasons why finding a trusted roofing company in Michigan can prove to be difficult:
1) A desperate need for roofing repairs can lead to poor decision-making
Desperation can cause homeowners to choose a roofer too hastily, which prevents from taking the time to carefully evaluate area roofing companies. In fact, some roofers seem to know exactly when to swoop in and take advantage of a struggling homeowner whose roof has been ravaged by an ice storm.
2) Many companies have attractive websites but lack real roofing experience
Virtually anyone can create – or pay someone else to create – an attractive website that promises five-star roofing services. And these websites sometimes succeed in luring unsuspecting customers to pay for a roof that is installed by an unskilled novice. It is up to you as a homeowner to ensure that the roofing company you choose possesses plenty of industry experience.
3) Fly by night unlicensed “Storm Chasers” may collect a deposit and then run
“There’s another class of contractor that is unlicensed, uninsured and under the radar. They often walk door to door, collecting deposits or taking control of insurance claims and then disappearing. And it’s those operators that lawmakers and fellow contractors are trying to stop.”
– Katy Tomasulo, Construction Dive
Like every industry, the roofing industry is home to predators who target consumers. In this case, the predators monitor the Michigan weather and target vulnerable homeowners who have sustained roofing damage. Reid Ribble, CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association, describes this phenomenon as “a feeding frenzy after a storm when contractors come in and consumers don’t always know who they’re buying from.”
Surprisingly, some of these predators are not roofers at all; they are merely scammers who use aggressive, “too good to be true” pricing tactics to coax unsuspecting homeowners into giving them an advance deposit. They then take the deposit and run while the homeowner waits for roofing services that will never be provided.
How can you avoid these pitfalls when seeking Michigan roofing services near you?
The three pitfalls outlined above can cause even the most savvy homeowners to ask themselves, “So exactly HOW am I going to find dependable roofing near me?” Fortunately, you can quickly narrow down the field of prospective roofers by following some simple steps. Here is a six-step process that will help you find the best roofers in the 48167 area.
Step One: Determine Your Needs
The path to finding the perfect roofing company begins with a clear idea of your needs. In general, most homeowners will either need a full roof replacement or roof repair services. If you are unsure which of these two options would be the best for you and your family, then the best thing to do is to request a free estimate by a professional roofing company that serves customers in the 48167 area. A trained roofing professional can carefully evaluate the condition of your roof and recommend the best course of action.
Step Two: Avoid Making Rash Decisions
Michigan’s Department of Attorney General offers the following piece of simple advice: “Don’t let an emergency repair become a financial disaster!” They also provide some simple tips to help Michigan homeowners avoid falling victim to “con artists who travel to disaster sites” in an effort to sell roofing services or other home improvement services. These four tips are summarized below as they relate to roofing services:
- Take some time to breathe and absorb what happened. Whatever you do, refrain from making any decisions right away.
- Talk to your insurance provider to see what roofing costs might be covered under your deductible.
- Do your homework before you hire a contractor. Make sure the roofing contractor you are considering is licensed and insured.
- Never pay in full with cash for roofing services before any work has been completed. Make sure you have a written contract.
Step Three: Reach Out to Friends, Neighbors, and Family
Once you have assessed what type of roofing service you need and talked to your insurance provider, it is time to officially launch your search. One of the surest ways to find reliable roofing contractors in Michigan is to ask your colleagues, neighbors, and friends if they have any good recommendations. For example, if you were impressed with the recent roofing job that was completed at the corner of your street, make a point to stop by and ask your neighbor which roofing company he or she used.
Step Four: Conduct Online Research
The overwhelming majority of today’s searches for products and services begin online. And the roofing industry is no different. If you come up short when you ask your friends and family for recommendations, your next resource will likely be the internet. And even if your in-laws swear that the roofing company they used is outstanding, you should still do your homework on prospective roofers. Here are a few ways to ensure that your online research yields a skilled roofer in Southeast Michigan:
- Read the online reviews posted by the roofing company. Look for companies that have an average rating of four to five stars.
- Check the company’s website to confirm the roofer exists. Make sure the company has a physical location that is close to your home.
- Seek contractors that are preferred by leading manufacturers of shingles and other roofing products.
- Check the warranty offered. Most top roofing companies in Michigan will post this information on their websites.
Step Five: Request a Complimentary Inspection of Your Roof
By this time, you have likely narrowed the field of roofers serving Southeast Michigan. You may have three or four top contenders that all appear to possess the experience and skill necessary to complete your roofing project. At this point, it is time to begin comparing the pricing and professionalism offered by your top choices.
By requesting a complimentary inspection, you will have the opportunity to compare costs and professional behavior. Just be sure to request any pricing estimates in writing so you can make sure you are comparing apples to apples when reviewing multiple estimates.
Step Six: Inquire About Payment and Financing Options
“Finding the cash to pay for roof repair upfront can be impossible. The good news is that there are several financing options available that you can use to pay for the cost of roof repair over time. For a couple hundred dollars, you may want to consider charging the costs to a credit card. Otherwise, you could also consider a personal loan.”
– Gary Wilkinson, bezinga
Some homeowners delay searching for roofing companies because they fear that they will not be able to afford a new roof. Fortunately, many of Michigan’s leading roofing companies offer homeowners multiple modes of payment and a variety of attractive financing options. Some companies even offer $0 down payment plans and poor credit options for qualifying homeowners.
Financing options may not always be outlined in detail on a roofer’s website, so be sure to inquire about all available options. Finally, you may be among select homeowners who are eligible for a government grant for roof replacement or repair. Some grants may even cover the entire cost of your roofing work while others will cover a sizable portion of your roofing costs.
Wrapping Up Your Decision
Following the six steps above will help ensure that you are pleased with the roofing company that you choose. Whether you are in the market for a brand new roof or a few minor repairs, we invite you to contact us at Twelve Oakes Roofing to request a complimentary roof inspection. Our team of roofing specialists has the experience needed to evaluate your roof and provide professional recommendations regarding the best path to take with your roof. We look forward to serving as your single source for all of your roofing needs!