Tiley Roofing via the Denver Post
By Susan Clotfelter | The Denver Post
UPDATED: May 9, 2017 at 6:19 AM MDT
Hail. Snow. Wind. Fire. Tree limbs. You may love life in Colorado, but it can be hell on a roof.
“We’re getting weary of using the word ‘unprecedented,’ ” said Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.
A single, late-September hailstorm in 2014 created home and auto claims worth at least $213.3 million. That’s not a record-setter: The title of most damaging storm belongs to a July 20, 2009, hail storm, which cost $767.6 million in claims, according to the association’s figures. But for some companies, 2014 has been their biggest claim year because there were multiple storms, Walker said.
When a storm hits town, so can scammers, Walker notes, along with out-of-town roofers who may be perfectly legit, but also less experienced with the challenges roofs face here. They also won’t be in town when the roof is five years old.
But it’s also true that local, reputable roofers can get booked up. While Walker hasn’t seen a backlog in 2014, it has happened.
Whatever the reason for a new roof, the process of getting it replaced can seem overwhelming. Here’s a guide to getting it done, compiled from information produced by the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, the Better Business Bureau; the Colorado Attorney General’s office; the National Roofing Contractors’ Association and the Colorado Roofing Association.
1. Get the basics for your roof, avoid roofing scams
First: If an unsolicited salesperson shows up, don’t allow them into your home or on your roof. Request that they leave you printed information and make an appointment so that you can check them out first. (If you truly suspect they’re scammers, try to record their vehicle’s license-plate number.)
Second: If they offer a deal on your deductible or put any kind of pressure on you to decide or sign anything, say “no” and mean it. You can download and print a card that says “No Roofing Solicitors!” at the Colorado Roofing Association website, coloradoroofing.org.
While there is no statewide licensure or registration for roofers, as contractors, they must be licensed by, and pull a permit from, each city or county where they perform work.
Third: Prospective roofers should be willing to supply you with the following information. Eliminate any who can’t.
A permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number. If a contractor gives you a license number, check it with your city or county’s building department.
Liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates. Ask to see them; note the coverage-end dates to ensure policies will be in effect through the duration of your job.
Registration with the Colorado Secretary of State (you can check it at sos.state.co.us/biz/Business-EntityCriteriaExt.do). That’s required for Colorado companies.
Membership in the National Roofing Contractors Association (everybodyneedsaroof.com); the Colorado Roofing Association (coloradoroofing.org) or the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org/denver). While these aren’t required, but solid, competent roofers will often be a member of at least one of these organizations.
References — name and phone numbers of customers where the contractor performed work at least a year ago (a good roof should age well). You’ll call the references later, but at this stage, you can eliminate companies who don’t have them.
2. Get and compare roof replacement estimates
Find three companies who pass the above tests. Then let each do an inspection and give you a proposal and estimate in writing. You can limit the estimate to the work your insurance company’s adjuster has said is necessary, or ask that they make separate estimates for that work and any other repairs outside of your claim. This allows you to make more valid comparisons between estimates and makes sure that your roofer is coordinating with your insurer.
Always consider impact-resistant and flame-resistant roofing in your decision. Roofing materials have advanced significantly in recent years — and so have insurer incentives to use them, says the insurance association’s Carole Walker. A roof that isn’t impact- resistant could cost you more in premiums or deductibles.
The price of the job should never be the only factor in choosing a roofer. Ask yourself: How did each contractor treat you? Did they answer your materials questions completely and in language you understood? What’s their record of complaints with the BBB?
Call your three prospective roofers’ references. Try to call people in your neighborhood and whose project sizes are close to your own. Ask open-ended questions: Were there any problems? How were those problems handled?
Based on all of the above, pick your winner and ask them to create a contract.
3. Vet the roofing contract
A “stormchaser” law passed in 2012 requires that roofers create a contract to do work for you. It’s a binding document for you, as well, so take all the time you need to review it before signing. Make sure that it has the company’s name, address, tax ID and phone number printed on it and includes the following:
A detailed itemization of all the work to be done, including the timely removal and disposal of old materials; the scope of the work; any work on flashing or additional venting.
The materials to be used, including the type, manufacturer and color of the roof covering, the type of metal on the flashing, any underlayment, any protective membrane, plus the installation method.
The party responsible for repairing or replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the work.
Approximate start and completion dates.
How and when you or your insurer will pay for each stage of the process. The stormchaser law dictates that a roofer has to hold any payment in trust until materials are actually delivered to your house. It also bars contractors from paying, waiving, or rebating any insurance deductible or advertising or promising to do so. (If you feel a roofer has committed or encouraged you to commit insurance fraud, contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 800-835-6422 or online at nicb.org.)
Refund and cancellation policies.
The length of warranty and what is covered under it — workmanship, water leakage? The warranty should be in writing.
How disposal of project waste (packaging, unused materials) will be handled.
Notification that you have the right to rescind the contract within 72 hours and receive a refund of any deposit, minus the value of any work already done. You also can rescind within 72 hours of your claim being denied by your insurer, but the same stipulation applies: You’re on the hook for any work already done, assuming it was done correctly.
4. After work begins on your roof
Congratulations. You’ve hired a roofer. You’ll still want to:
Monitor how the work is being done and that it’s being done with the materials specified — or other materials you and/or your insurer approve.
Wait to sign a certificate of completion until the work is truly finished and all the construction waste is removed. You can ask your insurer’s adjuster to inspect the work before you sign.
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