Choose Your Roof Repair Contractor Wisely
Guidelines for selecting a Roofing Contractor.
- Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, VAT number, Company registration number, website address etc.
- Make sure they have sufficient liability insurance, and an up to date Workman’s Compensation certificate.
- Look for an established company with a proven track record. (Beware of ‘bakkie ’ type builders and fly by night companies.)
- Insist on a written quotation, terms and conditions and examine it for a complete description of the work being carried out, and ensure that the work is being carried out according to the Manufacturers specifications.
- Check to see if the company is a member of any industry organisations, that may be of assistance to the client if problems arise. Associations include: (Master Builders Association, Damp and Waterproofing Association South Africa, South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, Roof and Waterproofing Institute, Waterproofing Association of Gauteng)
- Remember that price is only one criterion for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship should weigh heavily on your decision.
- Carry out regular maintenance with one roofing contractor. Roofing Insurance claims are rejected due to lack of maintenance with a reputable roofing contractor.
- Check out the guarantee period. A typical guarantee is one year or longer. The length of the guarantee doesn’t matter so much, as to whether the contractor plans to stand behind the guarantee. Professional Roofing companies often work beyond their written guarantee if the problem was due to poor workmanship. Also, make sure what the exact maintenance requirement of the proposed waterproofing system is.
- Watch out for DIY waterproofing systems. One size does not fit all in this industry and some roofs require highly specialised materials to waterproof.
