Selecting A Roofing Contractor
Protect Yourself and Your Property

Where to start? Referrals are the best source of names for credible contractors. SPARTAN SUPPLY will gladly provide referrals of roofing contractors who have a proven track record of performance and reliability.

Ask the contractor for their state license number (C-39) Verify license status by calling the Contractors State License Board at (in California) 800-321-2752 Also make sure the contractor provides you with certificates of insurance for Worker's Compensation and general liability. (Photocopies should not be accepted) Beware of low bids which are a result of incomplete insurance coverage and Workman's Compensation.

How long has the contractor been in business? Established companies have the staying power to be around should any problems arise in the future. REMEMBER . . nobody's perfect and problems CAN arise.

Has the contractor worked with the PRODUCT or MATERIAL you specified? No roofing job is routine, so be sure that the roofing contractor is experienced in the type of work specified.

Don't accept verbal promises. Ask the roofing contractor to provide a clear, written contract. Don't accept an incomplete or casual representation of the work to be done. Make sure all procedures are spelled out in writing and that the materials are specified by brand name, grades and color. You'll want at least a two-year written warranty on workmanship and a product warranty giving you long term pro-rated coverage.

Ask the roofing contractor to provide you with references. Call those references and ask about the contractor's quality of workmanship, timing, crew, cleanliness, etc. If there were any problems during the job (which can happen) and question the attitude and timeliness in resolving the problem(s).

Can the contractor give you a schedule for starting and finishing the job? A good contractor will be busy . . . but should be able to complete your job in a reasonable time. The lowest bid may not always be in your best interest. Be wary of lack off documentation and proof of insurance. Paying less now may mean paying more later. Make sure you're comparing APPLES to APPLES.

Do not issue full payment for the job until all work has been completed. If the job is lengthy, progress payment can be issued, but be certain that the progress payments do not exceed the amount of material supplied or work actually performed. Inform the contractor that you will not make any payments until he provides material and/or labor lein releases. This is necessary to protect you and your property against liens should the contractor not pay his bills.