Roofing: It’s not an estimate, it’s an interview
“You’re not inviting contractors to give an estimate, you’re inviting them to distinguish themselves by excelling at an interview,” So says Dale Shoemaker of Real Good Roofing of Savannah GA.
When you shop for a roofing contractor you’re more than just a potential customer, you’re acting in the capacity of “Domestic Human Resources Manager.” You’re hiring, and if you know how to conduct the interviews, you’ll make the best choice.
In a typical search, too much time is spent discussing the job and too little time is spent discussing the people who’s going to do the job. A trustworthy maxim in the roofing industry is, “Choose your roofer first, choose your roofing last.”
In other words, don’t allow yourself to get so excited about colors and styles that you miss the roofing contractor’s character. In all other areas of your life you’re constantly reading people. Put that experience to work for you now as you “read” prospective contractors. Does he look you in the eye? Does he listen? Does he take notes when you speak? A no could mean you need to dig a bit deeper. Two no’s could mean he’s more concerned about selling something — anything — than he is about doing a great roofing job for you. Three no’s could mean you should send him packing without your autograph in his briefcase.
If a contractor mentions more than once how honest he is, it’s a safe bet that he isn’t. I’m not sure why this rule works, but it does. Trust me, I’m honest. And I will not repeat it!
The best questions you can ask are open-ended. Ask questions that can’t be answered “yes” or “no.” For example, since most roofing contractors would like for you to believe that every job they’ve ever done has gone perfectly, you might ask, “What are some mistakes you’ve made on past jobs, and what did you do to correct them?” Open-ended questions should flush out some interesting stories. If no useful information is forthcoming, keep another inviolable rule in mind: The last roofer you should consider is the one who’s never had a leak!
Your roofing contractor may want to control the interview, and he may use his factory-supplied material literature to try to lead you through a long and laborious dog and pony show. The majority of roof complaints have to do with workmanship rather than material, so refuse to be led down his material-oriented road. As long as you’re courteous and attentive, it’s perfectly acceptable for you to steer the interview away from bells and whistles and back to the issues of his competence and his desire to serve you.
Ask for his ‘resume’. See if he has the qualifications for the position,
education (there are schools, classes and certifications),
experience, (Angie and the BBB have his record),
and who his people consist of, (employees, subbers, undocumented work force).
What if your contractor seems to resent your interrogation? Better to expose his thin skin now rather than discover — after he has the deposit — that he’s nearly impossible to work with.
Always remember that you’re not inviting contractors to come out and give you an estimate. You’re inviting them to into your home and offering them the opportunity to distinguish themselves from their competition, and so earn a job!
To interview Real Good Roofing of Savannah GA about potential roofing, insulation, or gutter work, simply call BRODY at 912-420-GOOD or visit them on Facebook or the web at www.realgoodroofing.com