The roof is one of the key elements of a home. It shields not only the family members inside, it also protects the internal structural components of a house, as well as the personal contents of the homeowners.

It’s for all these reasons that homeowners feel they want to “get it right” when it comes to selecting the company they’ll be entrusting with the installation of a new roof. Not only do they want their home to still look beautiful when the job is complete, they want to know their new roof is made of quality materials that will provide superior protection for decades to come, for their home’s critical internal structures, their personal belongings, and of course, their family.

How Communication is Key   

It’s normal to have questions about a large home project, and homeowners want to know the details associated with such a large investment as a new roof. They may be thinking about considerations such as

• How long will it take to complete such a project?
• What type of warranty comes with the roofing materials?
• Are there going to be any contingencies to the project? 

Start at the Beginning

If possible, homeowners should join the roofing contractor as they walk around the home to gather information for their roofing estimate. It’s a good time to discuss homeowner concerns such as leaking roof sections, areas on the roof that look like they need additional repair, etc. This is also the ideal time to review what the contractor offers in terms of different types of roofing materials, the pros and cons of each, available colors, etc.

Selecting the Right One 

Before committing to one contractor, it’s a good idea to get all the details in writing, with regard to the scope of the project. Key points in the estimate should include

• Desired roofing material and color.
• Warranty information.
• Price of material and labor.
• Any repairs needed.
• Time estimate of project (duration). 
• Project start date. 

A good contractor will communicate all these key points in writing so that the homeowners will be able to select the right contractor for their needs. They will also make themselves available for any questions the homeowner may have, as they go through the selection process of narrowing their choice down to one contractor. Lastly, once the homeowner does select their contractor, it’s a good idea to reconfirm the project start date, the need for any partial payments before work begins, etc. so that both parties have a clear understanding of how to prepare for the project.

During the Project

To streamline the communication process, it’s best for homeowners to let the roofing project manager know their preferred form of communication. Some homeowners like to receive text messages, whereas others prefer face-to-face communication, phone, or email. A good contractor will be flexible enough to communicate in whatever mode the homeowners prefer.

It’s always a good idea for the homeowners to keep track of any questions or concerns they have, as well as the employees they may have spoken to about their concerns such as the crew, the project supervisor, etc., and relay this information to the contractor as well. This way, everyone will be on the same page and everyone stays on track with regard to questions that need to be answered, unexpected contingencies, etc.   

After the Project 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even after the roofing project is complete! A good roofing contractor will be willing to answer questions about the roofing materials the homeowner selected, questions about the warranty, etc. The contractor understands their client(s) just made a significant investment, and they are happy to answer any questions that will reassure the customer of their commitment to their products and services.   

If you are looking for a roofing company in Rapid City and the surrounding Black Hills area, we can help! Please contact us today for your free roofing estimate.