Roofs are one of the most essential parts of a home's durability, and aren't something you want to mess around with in Michigan where the seasons bring intense weather. But there are so many companies out there claiming to be "the best" that it can become frustrating to separate those selling actual quality products from those just trying to take your money and run.
Kearns Brothers, Inc. provides a variety of remodeling services to its customers, including roof replacements, installations, and repairs. Founded in 1986, Kearns Brothers' strong work history and experience speak have made us a community name in the Dearborn, MI area, and have proved over and over through the years that we deliver a beautiful product that is built to last.
Below, we have outlined several things for you to look for to differentiate a good roofing contractor from a bad one.
Consistent Bad Customer Reviews
We know anyone can leave a review saying whatever they want, and they should therefore be read with a bit of caution. But, if there are numerous reviews citing things that seem like red flags, it's probably worth noting. Some things to look for include:
- The final cost was significantly higher than the estimate.
- Signs of roof damage popped up not long after the company replaced or repaired a roof.
- The company didn't stick to deadlines or communicate when they didn't show up for work.
The Price is Too Good to be True
Another thing to look out for when hiring a roofing contractor is suspicious offers—did they give an estimate that was drastically lower than other local contractors? If so, it's important to ask yourself where they might be cutting corners in order to offer you this price. Do they use cheap materials? Do they hire inexperienced workers on their team? Make sure the company breaks down their estimate for you so you can see where these cuts are being made.
Surprisingly Quick Project Timeline
Another common thing to look out for is an overly-optimistic timeline. Did a roofing company claim that they'll do the job in half the time of other companies? While this might sound great to customers, it's important to be realistic with roof replacements and repairs. Did the company leave margin in their timeline for weather delays or supply shortages?
While Kearns Brothers are proud of our fast and efficient roof installation team, we're also realistic about possible delays when putting together a timeline, so that the customer is given the most accurate possible timeframe for the project.
Read the Fine Print
First off, a good roofing company won't make you read the fine print—they'll give you their credentials up front, such as insurance and licensure. If these things aren't presented to you, it is imperative to ask for proof of these things before contracting with a company. Any company should always be ready to present their insurance policy and license number upon request.
Additionally, never sign a contract before a company has inspected your roof. A quote cannot be given without seeing the damage beforehand. If a company prompts you to sign any document before an in-person inspection has been done, steer clear of their services.
Out-of-State Roof Replacement Contractors
After a severe storm has passed through an area, it is not uncommon for an out-of-state roofing company to start door-knocking. While some of these companies may offer a quality product, the vast majority are looking to come in, underbid all local roofing companies, repair or replace your roof as fast as possible, and then move on to the next storm-damaged city.
Because companies like this have no ties to your community, they aren't as motivated to provide durable, long-lasting, quality craftsmanship—they've already move along to the next town by the time they've gained a poor reputation in yours!
Kearns Brothers maintains close community ties in Dearborn, so customer satisfaction is of utmost importance. We are proud of our A+ BBB rating and consistent 5-star reviews left by our customers, which both speak to the quality of our work. Call us today to schedule a free inspection of your roof and get an in-depth quote that outlines each associated cost and a realistic timeline. Make us your roofing and exterior remodeling contractor, and you'll never have to worry—our priority is our customers.
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