HOA Board members must take their time when hiring a contractor for roofing projects. Potential contractors need to be researched to make sure that the association is not put to risk. The roof is an important element to any building and poor quality roofing workmanship can cost you in damages and possible lawsuits. Roofing must be done by trustworthy, reputable, and experienced licensed contractors to protect the HOA’s interests. The following tips will guide you through your roofing contractor selection process.

Roofing Contractor Hiring Tips for HOAs

Keep multiple contractors on your list: Sending out RFPs (Request for Proposal) to several roofing contractors is highly recommended so you can compare pricing and qualifications. Do not automatically accept the lowest bid. All proposals need to be reviewed and compared, taking time to interview the contractors as well. Make sure that your assigned Project Manager is knowledgeable, and able to answer all technical questions.

Don’t rush anything: When looking for roofing contractors, don’t hire the one offering the lowest price or most promises. Ask for references and confirm their experience so that you get the best contractor for your HOA’s needs. Hire slowly, but when it comes to firing, move faster. You want to remove an unqualified company providing poor quality work before any significant damages.

Check out references and reviews: Before you make a decision, we recommend that you check references thoroughly. You want to verify the roofing contractor’s reputation and quality of previous jobs. Reviews and comments on the contractor’s website as well as those left on blogs and social media outlets are also important (note, read Yelp reviews with a grain of salt as some contractors solicit for good reviews).

Licensing: Contractor licensing will vary by state, so it’s important to make sure that the roofing contractor has valid licensing and is in compliance with California state laws. A licensed contractor minimizes the risk of being taken advantage of.

Check worker’s comp and liability insurances: California law requires that contractors carry worker’s compensation insurance. There is also industry required insurance mandates that ensure all contractors are fully licensed to perform jobs. Always get a copy of the license when you request a proposal and don’t forget to inquire about commercial liability insurance.

Get everything in writing: A written contract is important so put all the details in writing to avoid any miscommunication. This needs to be completed before any work is to start. The scope of work, materials, costs and timelines need to be determined before doing any work. Anything that is not clear needs to be clarified before signing and it’s best to have a legal counsel review the contract.

Final Thoughts

Not every project will need to go through the same process. For minor repairs, a contractor you have used before that has proven quality work can be used. Having a reputable roofing contractor around is important because over time they will take extra care of your property to maintain an on-going relationship. Despite of the size of your roofing project, you want a reputable and experienced roofer doing the work.