1. Are they local to you / do they have a locally based team of workers, or can they provide a quick, high quality level of service if they are not?
The likelihood is that a local company can act and respond quickly to requests, and can provide a higher level of service.
2. Can they provide a written quotes and contracts for the work?
This way it will be much easier for you to control the budget, and much easier for both parties to see and agree on what needs to be done, and when the promised work has actually been completed. Having everything clearly in writing can ensure that expectations are managed, and can make basic disagreements less likely to arise.
3. Are quotes free, or do they charge for quotes?
For flat roofing repair and replacement jobs, it is relatively common practice for customers to obtain at least 3 quotes from different flat roofing companies before making a choice. Be aware however that some companies will charge for quotes – always check beforehand.
4. How long have they been in business?
Although being in business for several years is not in itself a guarantee of good workmanship and good practice, it does provide some degree of re-assurance to customers, and it may be easier for customers to get more word-of-mouth, references, testimonials and opinions about the company, their work, and their working practices. New companies by their nature could be unknown territory for customers.
5. Can they provide references, testimonials, and what is the ‘word-of-mouth’ opinion?
These can provide valuable insights into what you can realistically expect from many aspects of the company, its products, services, procedures and staff.
6. Are they registered with the appropriate bodies / organisations, and do they display the right logos / marks to indicate this?
Registration with recognised associations and schemes can provide indication that the company are competent, are likely to produce good results and behave well and professionally. Registration with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), and the government backed ‘Trustmark’ schemes are good signs. Further re-assurance can also be gained from the company meeting recognised quality assurance standards e.g. ISO 9001.
7. What is the insurance situation with them?
The roofing contractor’s Insurance should cover things like Employer’s Liability, Public and Products Liability and the contract works. If necessary they should be able to provide copies of the appropriate insurance certificates.
8. Are there any warrantees and guarantees?
Do they offer further re-assurance to customers that the work and materials will stand the test of time, and the testing weather conditions?
9. What are the payment terms?
What do you need to budget for to make sure all stages of the job are completed to everybody’s satisfaction, and do the terms sound fair, proper and workable?
10. What exactly will happen while they are on site, and what will happen when the job is completed?
This is something that prospective customers don’t often consider until it is too late and the job is under way. What kind of equipment will the company be using? How disruptive is the work likely to be to the day-to-day running of your household? To what extent are the company likely to clear up and remove waste materials when the job is finished? Will they leave the surrounding area as close as possible to how they found it?
If you need help and information, or if you think you may require the services of a reputable Flat Roofing Company based in the South West of England, call Kevin of County Flat Roofing on 0800 298 6960 today
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