Choosing the Right Contractor

When you’re renovating, there are a lot of decisions to make. One of the most important decisions involves selecting a contractor. Sometimes, it’s hard to know exactly which questions to ask. We’ve listed a few helpful tips here to help you make your choice:

The Telephone Call

• Before you make any calls, ask relatives, friends, and co-workers if they have recently hired a roofing company. There’s often someone in your circle who has!
• After you’ve asked around, narrow down your options to 2 or 3 contractors. We also recommend calling the Better Business Bureau (519-579-3080, or toll free at 1-888-295-3609) to ask about each contractor’s reputation. If you’d prefer to search online, they also have a website: http://bbb.org.
• When you call a company to request an estimate, consider how your inquiry was handled. A contractor’s quality of service is important, even from the first phone call.

The Consultation

When you begin the consultation process, it’s wise to ask yourself the following questions:

• Did the contractor show you an updated WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) clearance certificate, and a certificate of Commercial General Liability Insurance?
• Did the contractor thoroughly inspect and accurately measure your roof?
• Did the contractor answer all your questions in a satisfactory manner?
• Did you have a clear understanding of how the project will commence?
• Were you left with a detailed written estimate?
• Did the estimate clearly indicate what roofing materials will be used, including all of the accessories?

Trust your instincts. When it comes to renovation projects, it’s wise not to base your decision on price alone.

The Contractor Comparison Sheet

Insurance Coverage
Is your contractor fully insured? Are they willing to give you copies of their certification and provide phone numbers as proof?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Does your contractor provide a liability insurance protection policy of up to
5 million dollars against damage to you or your neighbor’s property?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Does your contractor provide a worker’s compensation clearance
certificate to ensure all staff are covered while working on your property? (If
not, you can be sued and held personally responsible for all injuries, as
well as loss of income.)
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Reputation
Is your contractor certified with all major shingle manufacturers in North
America?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Does your contractor use 100% of their own employees? No subcontractors or sub-trades?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Will your contractor guarantee your satisfaction by conducting a
complete and final inspection?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Is your contractor in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?
(Call to check at 519-579-3080, or toll free at 1-888-295-3609, or go to their
website: http://bbb.org.)
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Warranty
Does your contractor have an office that you can visit or call anytime to
answer questions that you may have?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Can your contractor offer you extended shingle manufacture warranty
upgrades?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

Does your contractor provide you with a registered Warranty from the
shingle manufacture?
Baron – Yes
Others – ?

“Our References Speak for Themselves”