Roof repair and replacement can be a significant investment. Ensuring that you're getting the best value from roofing services is essential. Doing your due diligence and researching local roofing companies before signing the contract is a necessary step every homeowner should take. Here are several reasons you shouldn't skip the research phase when choosing a local roofing company.

1. Don't Rely on One Estimate or You Could Lose Money

You should always get at least three roof repair or replacement estimates. By getting several estimates, you can learn whether all the roofing services agree on the scope of the work. You can also compare prices to get a better feel of the average price for the project.

If you accept the first estimate, you may miss out on savings. You may also miss out on a better understanding of the scope of the work your project requires. For example, if one contractor says you need to replace your roof, and the other contractors say you can make repairs, you can be confident that getting repairs is a valid option. The majority wins when there is conflicting information about the work.

Get several price estimates to understand the process, the cost, and where you can find the best value. Some roofing services offer generous warranty periods, while others don't. Comparing your options is the best way to ferret out the best deal.

2. Meet With the Contractor and Do Some Background Checking

Before you sign a roofing contract, meet with the contractor to clarify who will be working on your property. Ask the contractor if they vet their employees or use a subcontractor. This is also a good time to ask the contractor for references.

Checking references can help you learn more about a company's business. It can also reveal more about the company's reputation. You should check online reviews as well. Learning what other customers' experiences have been with the business is important.

A highly rated business by third-party online reviews is a good bet. A simple online search can tell you if there are any outstanding Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaints. It can also tell you whether most customers were satisfied with the service. Finding a business like ours with an A+ BBB rating is always a good plan. Getting third-party information is a crucial step in the research process.

3. Get Everything in Writing and Don't Accept Verbal Promises

Some roofing companies are large enough to have a sales office. Salespeople may make promises that the roofing team can't keep. You must read the contract fully before you sign it. Everything you have been promised should be outlined in the contract. If a promise you're counting on isn't in the contract, you shouldn't sign it until it is.

Ensuring that you get everything in writing will protect you. If something is not in the contract and was made as a verbal promise, you have no recourse if the work is not done. The contract should outline in detail:

• The complete scope of work
• The total expected project cost
• Anything that will keep the work from being done

Every part of the work that the roofing services are responsible for should be outlined in the contract. The contract should also outline every cost, including the potential for additional costs. If there is anything that will keep the work from being done, like weather events, that also should be a part of the contract.

Research the contract well before you sign. Once you sign, getting out of the contract can be very difficult. Read the fine print. If you have any questions after reading the contract, call the roofing services company for clarity. If you are uncomfortable signing the document, ask the company to change the parts you are uncomfortable with.

Doing the research will give you more confidence and allow you to make an informed decision. Roofing repairs and replacements are big projects. Taking the time to find a roofer you can trust can save you money and time in the long run.

According to IBISWorld, there are about 109,331 roofing companies in the United States. Unfortunately, not every roofing company delivers the best in service. You must do your research to ensure that you choose a company that can best match your needs. At M-N-M Roofing Professionals, we're proud to be licensed, bonded, and insured, and we stand behind our roofing services with a 10-year labor warranty. Call today to get a free quote from our local contractors!