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A reliable roofer knows their materials, knows how to use them, and knows how to protect your home and your greatest investment. Learn how to choose a reliable roofer.
Central Massachusetts and the greater Boston area have many roofing contractors to choose from. As a homeowner, you get to choose the roofing company that’s right for you. Here’s what we recommend:
Certifications in the roofing industry show you that the roofing company has trained every single company in the proper installation of the roofing materials. Golden Group has the following certifications:
Educate yourself on the roofing warranty offered by each roofing contractor and what’s included and excluded in the guarantee. Labor warranties and product warranties are two separate things that are often sold as one. Ensure you understand the difference. All our warranties:
Read every proposal and ensure that every step of the project is specified correctly. Product names must have the legal manufacturer names used throughout. If there are add-ons to your project, like extra plywood when removing an old roof, ensure that those add-ons are spelled out in your roofing contract. Add-ons may include:
Always ask for references, always check for local referrals, but we recommend you go a step further: Check out every contractor you’re considering on the top social media platforms. This will give you insight into their work, their style, their team and their professionalism.
Also ask in your local and neighborhood Facebook groups for experience with a specific contractor from neighbors close to you.
Roofing safety is one of the most common subjects you’ll find on the OSHA website. One reason is that the construction industry accounts for the overwhelming majority of workplace-related injuries and illnesses. The other reason is that roofers are exposed to particularly high hazards which are specific to roofing.
Homeowners often don’t give enough time for the research and proper evaluation of roofing contractors. This can make them fall victim to poor quality roofing services and negative outcomes. We want you to avoid being another unhappy client in the roofing industry. Take the time and go through each of these steps so you don’t have to revisit your roof.
Avoid gimmicks, extensive discounting, and sign-now promotions. At Golden Group, all our estimates are good for one year. We have perfect pricing and we don’t require any deposits until the day the project begins.
First, the contractor must have their appropriate licenses up to date.
Make sure that their CSL license is active, this is a certification granted by the state certifying the contractor has completed the required training, and has accomplished all the educational requirements from the Massachusetts State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. All contractors, including roofing contractors, must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor which allows them to apply for a building permit prior to the start of work.
Always read all contracts and inclusions.
When identifying a reliable roofer, it is of great importance to pay attention to what they are asking you to sign. Do not just sign the estimate you were given. You should be signing a legal contract that includes all the pertaining licenses, worker’s compensation, and general liability. Reliable roofers will also include in their contract a detailed outline of all the work to be completed, a list of the product names and manufacturers, any additional add ons, schedule of payments.
Watch out for add-on charges
Add-ons are a special place to pay detailed attention to. Oftentimes, unreliable contractors will charge for labor hours, which essentially means that they can take as long as they’d like to complete the job resulting in unforeseen costs. Make sure that all potential add on prices are clearly stated under the contract terms. A reliable roofer will always ask for your approval prior to any add ons throughout the project. Always approve any add ons, do not authorize and add ons without your approval. A reliable roofer will also include the company warranties, as well the manufacturer warranty. Make sure to assess what the contractor is asking you to sign, a reliable roofer always states any and all proper information in the contract that satisfies the building department and state guidelines.
Expect to pay a 33% deposit – no more than half the estimated project cost
In the state of Massachusetts it is illegal to ask for more than ⅓ payment prior to the work being finished. You should be asked to make a deposit greater than 30%. Upon completion of the job, the remainder of the contract price is due. However, before releasing full payment make sure that the contractor closes the building permit and registers your warranty with the manufacturer. Permits that stay open with the town hall can create issues in the sale and purchase of the home, in the event the house was to be sold. All manufacturer warranties must be registered with the manufacturer directly.
Ask about manufacturer certifications held by the roofing contractor
Reliable contractors and especially reliably roofers will always make sure that the installation of the products follow the manufacturer guidelines. Golden Group Roofing, for example, is a Master Elite contractor for GAF Roofing, the highest certification offered by the roofing manufacturer. Manufacture-enhanced warranties can be voided if products were not installed by the guidelines and specifications stated by the manufacturer. Reliable roofers always make sure to follow installation guidelines, install all the products from the same manufacturer, and inform the homeowner of such clauses. A very important aspect of a reliable contractor is to actually register the warranty with the manufacturer. Too often, homeowners are purchasing a warranty but such protection is not registered with the manufacturer. Before releasing any final payments, make sure that your warranty has been registered properly with the manufacturer.
Make sure to always make your choice of contractor as an informed consumer. Reliable roofers carry proper licenses, are properly trained, and follow the manufacturer specifications on every roof installation.
Our roofing expert team is here to answer your roof replacement, siding, roofing services, and roofing repairs questions. No question is too big or too small!
In 2012, Golden Group Roofing made the commitment to bring craftsmanship, customer service, and the latest technology to the residential and commercial roofing industry. We didn’t want to settle for “the way things have always been done.”
That’s the GOLDEN GROUP DIFFERENCE
Our roofing expert team is here to answer your roof replacement, siding, roofing services, and roofing repairs questions. No question is too big or too small!
43 Broad St.
Suite C404
Hudson, MA 01749
76 Bedford St.
Suite 11
Lexington, MA 02420
1492 Highland Ave.
Suite 6
Needham, MA 02492
276 Turnpike Rd.
Suite 223
Westborough, MA 01581
DISCLAIMER: “Golden Group Construction Corp.” is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Golden Group Construction Corp., under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. Golden Group Construction Corp., does not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing Golden Group Construction Corp. customers.
