How to Choose the Right Roofer
Entrusting work at your property to a contractor often involves some stress. Will there be any unpleasant surprises? Will the work be done well? Will the results last? Regardless of whether the project involves repairs, renovations or new construction, it's essential to choose your roofer well to ensure everything goes smoothly.
But how do you find a reliable company? In this article, we'll help you make an informed decision. Discover the key criteria that will allow you to choose your roofer wisely.
Important Certifications
The first step to take to know whether a contractor is in good standing is to search for their licence. In fact, it's mandatory for roofers in Québec to hold a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). This licence must be valid when you ask for a quote, but make sure it remains valid until the end of the project. This licence confirms that the roofer has passed the required exams and that it complies with provincial construction standards.
Moreover, the company must be registered as an employer with the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail (CNESST). This insurance service protects his business from the risk of a significant financial burden that may result from a professional error.
Additional certifications, like manufacturer certifications, often constitute a sign of high-quality work, ensuring roofing professionals respect product requirements. For example, look for certifications by the following companies: IKO, BP, Firestone and Soprema.
Insurance and Warranties
In the same vein, professional liability insurance must be valid during the full length of the project, to protect your property and the workers in case of an accident. A good roofer will also offer you warranties on the labour and on the materials used. Not only is it a sign of quality, but it also constitutes financial protection in case of material defects or errors during installation.
RBQ licence deposit
A roofing contractor applying for a licence must post a bond of $20,000 with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec. In fact, bail was recently increased from $10,000 to $20,000. This sum is used to guarantee the execution of its contractual obligations and to compensate any customer who has suffered damage for work not carried out, not completed or carried out in an inadequate manner.
In addition to having more than 15 years of experience in the field, Couvreur Couv-Toit holds a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, is a member in good standing of the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l'habitation du Québec and is recommended by CAA-Québec. Get peace of mind by entrusting your roof to experienced and certified roofers.
Reputation: It's Worth Doing Some Research
Checking the reviews on Google is something we often do automatically. You can definitely find some instructive reviews there, if you want to know what previous clients think of a company. However, there are other ways to check the reputation of your roofer.
First, you can check if there have been any complaints about this contractor with the RBQ, who makes their register available online.
Suggestions and reviews coming from trustworthy sources are also another reliable way to ensure a contractor is credible. For example, the CAA offers an Approved Suppliers program, which includes roofers. Some approved suppliers offer benefits, such as discounts, to CAA members.
The online platform BP Certified Roofer lets you verify the reliability and work quality of a particular company. In addition, the platform ranks companies based on their experience (bronze, gold or platinum).
Don't Hesitate to Ask for References!
Aside from online reviews, references remain a great way to check a roofer's achievements, and particularly when these achievements are similar to the project that you want to accomplish. For example, if you have to repair a residential flat roof, obtaining references for a project of the same type allows you to check the work quality you would get.
Moreover, by contacting these clients you can know more about the customer service experience the company offers, the roofer's ability to stick to deadlines, and other information. If the roofer is reluctant to give you references, then you'll know there's something fishy...
Experience and Expertise
This leads us to the next point: experience is the key factor when choosing a contractor. Experienced roofers have already encountered various challenges in the course of their work and they will be able to find efficient and durable solutions. For quality work, we suggest that you opt for a company that's been established for many years.
Remember to ask about the specializations of the roofers at the company. Some may have expertise in a certain type of roof (flat roofs, for example) or membrane, but won't be qualified to meet other requests.
Detailed Quotes and Transparency
Once the results have been filtered through the previous criteria, you'll certainly be left with some options. This is where the final test comes in. Now is the time to ask detailed quotes from the companies that interest you. This quote should include:
- Details about the work that will be carried out
- Materials that will be used
- Costs for labour and materials
- Completion times
- Payment terms
By asking for a quote, you can compare the prices from the different companies. But it's not just a matter of budget: this step also allows you to make initial contact with a contractor, which will give you a clearer idea of the customer service they offer.
Consequently, pay attention to the details included in the quote and the explanations provided. The roofer could suggest additional and necessary work or intervention. If you notice a quote that's much lower than the others, be cautious and ask questions. At this stage, you can already assess the company's transparency and professionalism.
Services and Availability
The company's availability is another factor you need to consider. In addition to their availability to provide the initial service that you requested, they should ideally be able to act quickly in case of trouble or an emergency.
At Couv-Toit, we commit to offering high-quality after-sales service, particularly when it comes to maintenance and snow removal. Moreover, we offer 24/7 emergency service. This makes us a trusted and long-term partner for our clients.
Whether for repairs, construction or preventive maintenance, Couv-Toit ensures your peace of mind. Our team has 20 seasons of experience and has carried out more than 10,000 projects for clients on the North Shore, South Shore and in Laval and Montreal. Request a quote online!
Couvreur Couv-Toit is the roofing expert you need for your roofing work!
Couvreur Couv-Toit is above all a family story. Our profession is a passion passed down from father to son. It is undoubtedly thanks to our dedication to our customers and our love of hard work that, since 2005, our company has built an enviable reputation and experienced a strong expansion.