While the roofing industry is filled with many talented professionals, not all Kitchener roofing companies will provide the service and craftsmanship your home deserves — but how do you know if a roofing contractor is not right for you?
In this article, we’ll go through some of the warning signs of a bad roofing contractor in Kitchener. By looking out for these roofing contractor red flags, Kitchener homeowners can ensure they’re working with top-quality industry roofing professionals who will get the job done right.
Warning Signs of a Bad Roofing Contractor in Kitchener
No License, Insurance, or Certifications
Let’s start with the biggest indicator, or perhaps what we would call the reddest flag. Kitchener homeowners should avoid working with a roofing contractor that has no license, insurance, or certification.
If this information is not easily accessible from the roofing company’s address or website, you should ask them directly for the applicable paperwork to show they are licensed, insured, and certified in Ontario. Any qualified roofing contractor will be happy to show proof. If you’re working with a roofing contractor who is unwilling to provide this paperwork, that’s a telltale sign that they don’t have a license, insurance, or certifications of any kind.
Trying to Lock You Into a Contract
Most roofing contractors will not ask you to sign anything until you’ve received a full inspection and estimate and express interest in opting into their services. Be cautious of contractors who pressure you to sign a contract right away or use high-pressure sales tactics. A reputable contractor will respect your decision-making process and allow you to think it over.
At Quality Care Roofing, we offer a no-obligation roof inspection and estimate completely free of charge. We will not ask you to sign a contract unless you’re interested in moving forward with us.
Bad Reviews
Another significant warning sign is a lack of positive feedback from previous customers. Check online reviews on platforms such as Google and Yelp; multiple bad reviews or unresolved complaints might indicate questionable workmanship and a poor track record. We recommend seeking a Kitchener roofing contractor with at least a 4-star review average.
Since 2023, Quality Care Roofing has boasted a 5-star rating on Google reviews.
Their Estimate is Vague
Pricing transparency is paramount in the residential repair industry, especially when it comes to roofing. A professional contractor should provide you with a detailed estimate that outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, labor costs, and any additional charges.
If the estimate you receive is vague or lacks detail, not breaking down your charges into line items, then that’s a bad sign. This could either mean the contractor is inexperienced, or that they’re trying to hide cost details from you. If you receive a vague estimate, don’t be afraid to ask for a full cost breakdown — even if you consider the quote affordable. Better safe than sorry.
They Won’t Answer Questions
Communication is essential in any contractor-client relationship. If the contractor is evasive or dismissive of your questions about the project, they are not the right fit. For example, if you ask the contractor to break down the project costs in detail, and they refuse to do so, that’s not just deceptive, but poor customer service. A good contractor would want you to fully understand the costs of the project and why certain expenses are included in your estimate.
They Don’t Offer Warranties
If the roofing contractor you’re working with doesn’t offer any warranty, that might be a sign that they don’t trust the quality and durability of their work. A reputable roofing contractor stands by their work and will often provide warranties on materials and/or labour.
What to Look for in Kitchener Roofing Contractors
A Qualified Roofing Contractor in Kitchener Should:
- Be licensed and insured.
- Quality Care Roofing is licensed and insured by GAF roofing.
- Be transparent about pricing.
- We offer a free, detailed estimate to all Kitchener-Waterloo residents interested in our services. We’re transparent about how your price could change once we start the job.
- Have a good local reputation.
- Since our inception, Quality Care Roofing has maintained a 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Additionally, we are in good standing with Kitchener’s Better Business Bureau.
- Be GAF-certified.
- GAF-certified roofing contractors are the only ones able to offer industry-leading GAF warranties. Quality Care Roofing is among 7% of North American roofing contractors certified by GAF.
Ready to work with a qualified, licensed, certified, and experienced roofing contractor in Kitchener? Get started with Quality Care!