Homeowners work hard for the roof over their head, and when the literal roof starts to fail, there's a lot more at risk than a few drips from the ceiling. The longer it's ignored, the more serious issues become, including mold, energy inefficiency and potential loss of irreplaceable property inside the home, not to mention decreased property value and curb appeal. However, as they approach the considerable investment of a new roof, homeowners need to do their due diligence in choosing the best company for the job.

Hubert Wierzbowicz, owner/president, and Matt Samer, director and estimator, are part of Advantage Remodeling 2, a company originally founded by Wierzbowicz in 2006, specializing in residential exterior remodeling, from roofing and siding to windows and gutters. In that time, AR2 has achieved some of the most coveted certifications in the industry, namely that of GAF Master Elite installer and CertainTeed Five-Star installer.

House & Home spoke with Wierzbowicz and Samer about the most essential factors a homeowner must know before employing a roofing contractor.

Qualifications: A company's qualifications and reputation with manufacturers should be easily identified and verified, says Samer. "You want someone who knows what they are doing and both GAF and CertainTeed have online portals allowing homeowners to search for a local company that has met their rigorous training and installation requirements," he says.

Insurance: If the price for a project seems too good to be true, it probably is, and the company may very well be cutting corners on its insurance policies. Wierzbowicz says roofing contractors need liability and workers' compensation insurance. "If the company does not carry the right amount, the homeowner could bear the brunt if something is damaged or if someone gets injured on their property," he says. An up-to-date certificate should always be asked for up front.

Warranty: Along with the esteemed designations from the most reputable manufacturers in the industry comes the ability to offer unbeatable warranties, says Samer. "Certified contractors can offer you a warranty for the lifetime of the product, and we offer 10 years' workmanship warranty. GAF will also provide a labor warranty even if the contractor goes out of business."

References: No homeowner wants to risk their investment by using a contractor who can't provide references from solid and satisfied customers. Any company of merit will gladly provide a list of contacts from completed jobs, Samer says. "Word of mouth is our biggest source of new projects thanks to our happy customers."

Ultimately, the onus is on the homeowner to do their homework, Samer concludes. "A roof is something you'll have for the next 40-plus years, and you want it done right the first time."

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 22, Issue 5 (March 2022). 
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