With hurricane season upon us – which means severe weather even if a named storm does not afflict the Sarasota area – regional homeowners will find it increasingly difficult to schedule a roof inspection or roof repair. This is due to the fact that as the weather get rainier, more and more residents will become aware of roof leaks, and will be calling for assistance.
(If you still have not done so, contact Avery Roof Services today!)
Insist on a Licensed Roofing Contractor
Although it may seem tempting in an emergency, it is important that you do not trust a fly-by-night contractor or unlicensed roofer to work on your home. While we understand the urgency, you may find yourself with more trouble than you counted on. Here’s why:
- No Accountability: If a contractor has not been licensed, there is no guarantee that they have had the proper education, nor that they meet minimum licensing requirements. Further, if a roofing company has not bothered to follow Florida law and obtain a license, they are also likely to not acquired proper insurance coverage. Insurance is a critical piece to a quality, professional roofing service. Their insurance coverage protects you if there is an accident or injury while working on your roof. Licensed roofers are required to carry insurance that provides coverage for damage to your home, and protection for their workers. If a worker is hurt on your premises and the employer does not hold insurance, you are likely to be sued for damages. Check to see if your roofing contractor is licensed at the Department of Professional and Business Regulation.
- No Guarantees: Years after major hurricanes, homeowners are still telling horror stories of their homes, still tarped because they paid a roofing company in advance, and never saw them again. Others found themselves the victims of companies who didn’t have the manpower or resources to handle the workload. Yes, in a regional situation, you may have to wait alongside thousands of other homeowners. But there are also too many instances of people who take advantage of desperate homeowners and perform shoddy work – or leave before the job is finished. The best way to protect yourself is to securely tarp your roof, and begin the search for an available licensed roofer.
- It Could Be More Costly Than You Think: If it is not a disaster situation, many people look to fly-by-night, unlicensed roofers because they think it will save them money. In the short term, this may be true – unlicensed roofing companies have less overhead if they are not providing insurance to their workers. However, if the work is not done properly you have very little recourse; you may need
to call another company to fix the work that was done, or may even lose the warranty on your roof if they voided it. Short term budget gains can be lost quickly if the work is not done properly, permitted properly, or finished in its entirety. If you have a budget concern, call a local, established Sarasota roofing contractor. They are generally happy to work with you on budget and payment to make sure you receive a quality installation or repair, which will be covered by your insurance company and not void the warranties. (if applicable.)
The phrase “you get what you pay for” holds true in roof installation and repair – and your roof is simply too important to leave to chance. Call Avery Roof Services today, and let us show you how a local, reputable, licensed and insured roofing company can make all the difference for your home.
Your Local, Trusted, Sarasota Roofer
