The Biggest Lie About Roofing Warranties
The Roof Medics Offers Program to Protect Homeowners
“Warranties are cheap! - It cost the contractor nothing to add on another 3, 5, or even 10 more warranty years to his proposal. The Registrar of Contractors only requires 2 years, anything after that is up to the contractor. If they go out of business so does your warranty.” In this down economy mixed with months of no rain, contractors are offering extra long warranties to entice property owners to purchase new roofs.
The Roof Medics, LLC a Cert-A-Roof® authorized contractor has developed a Double Warranty Protection Program for homeowners, through a Cert-A-Roof® Alliance. This coalition of roofing contractors in the Phoenix market work together on projects offering the property owner double protection. Each authorized contractor must carry all required insurances, which protects the property owner during the project. Each contractor inspects the workmanship of the other limiting the chances of poor quality. Both contractors carry the responsibility of the warranty. If one does go out of business the other is there to honor the warranty.
Property owners should at least get a full roof inspection report prior to hiring any roofing contractor to make sure contractors are bidding apples to apples. Cert-A-Roof authorized contractors offer Visual ROOF® inspection reports. This written inspection report along with color photographs, provides the actual condition of the roof, whether the roof can be repaired or if it actually does need to be replaced. This added step could protect a property owner from being taken advantage of by an unscrupulous contractor. It also can help when collecting bids (making sure all contractors are bidding on the same scope of work), and choosing the best contractor for their particular roofing project.
This Is the Most Dangerous Time To Hire A Roofing Contractor
Contractors across the state are trying to keep their crews busy and stay in business. This is a great opportunity to hire a contractor at huge savings. BUT, there are some pit falls. With lower prices, quality may be compromised. If a contractor is providing a low price to “get the job” he will have to cut somewhere to make up the difference, talent, material or quality. We have all heard the nightmare stories of contractors accepting up front deposits and never showing up again.
Nicholas Bryditzki, The Roof Medic suggests the following 3 steps:
1. Check their license with the Registrar of Contractors, and ask for current proof of liability and workmen’s compensation insurance. Ask about their standing with suppliers, you don’t want the supplier to lien your property because a contractor did not pay their bill.
2. Do not provide any large amount of up front money – let your contractor know you will provide a deposit when the materials are delivered and they start the project.
3. Ask about their warranty. Bryditzki states, “Warranties are cheap, contractors are offering extra long warranties to get your business. The ROC only requires 2 years, anything after that is up to the contractor. If they go out of business so does your warranty.”
Bryditzki suggests that property owners get a full roof inspection and report prior to hiring a contractor to make sure contractors are bidding apples to apples. The Roof Medics LLC Consumer Roof Consultants offers a Double Warranty Protection Option, where several contractors work together on projects offering the property owner double protection. Both contractors warranty each other’s work; if one goes out of business the other will still be there to warranty the work. For more info on choosing a contractor visit www.theroofmedics.com
