In Illinois, where the climate is characterized by hot and humid summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall and ice storms, weather is a threat to the home that cannot be taken lightly. The first line of defense against the elements is your roof, whose integrity is crucial to protecting your home. Finding the right contractor can be a challenge, as the market is saturated with a huge number of professionals of varying experience. However, not all of them are qualified enough to provide quality protection for your home.
This article will give you eight signs that will show you that your roofing contractor may not be competent, to do his job properly. It will provide you with the knowledge to make more informed decisions and safeguard your investments.
1. Lack of Experience and Verifiable References
As in any other industry, in the roofing business there is competition between experienced companies that have occupied a place in the market for years and smaller companies that are just starting to gain customers and experience. When deciding to work with any of the smaller companies that do not have an extensive portfolio and years of experience, it is important to keep in mind that when doing a more complicated project, there is a greater chance of some difficulties occuring.
The installation of a simple gable roof covered with asphalt shingles is unlikely to pose a challenge, but for a more advanced project, such as a multi-slope structure covered with slate, it is definitely worth considering companies that have completed such projects before.
When choosing a roofing contractor, it is worthwhile to take the opportunity to ask for references or contact information of people who have previously used the services of a particular company. There is a good chance that your request will not be ignored, and this will allow you to make a much more informed and confident decision.
2. Numerous Negative Online Reviews and Complaints
If your chosen roofing company does not boast positive reviews on the Internet, you should exercise increased caution. Of course, a large number of good reviews does not guarantee the high quality of the services offered, but it certainly means the popularity of the company. Individual negative comments are as natural as possible, and the fact that you see them indicates the reliability of the roofing contractor. However, if the feedback section is dominated by those written by dissatisfied customers, it is worth considering their genesis.
As mentioned earlier, hundreds of positive reviews won’t guarantee us a perfectly executed project, but they mainly testify to the high popularity in the industry and extensive experience, which is clearly a good sign.
When analyzing reviews about a particular company, it is worth paying attention to the strengths and weaknesses of the offers described in them. There is a chance, for example, that a large number of negative reviews were published several years ago and concern a particular service that you may not be interested in. Also remember not to limit yourself to one platform. When studying reviews, it’s a good idea to use not only Google, but also Angi’s list, BBB, Yelp or Houzz. The more information you process, the more confident you will be about your choice.
Giving up on the choice of a roofing contractor caused solely by having read a few unfavorable reviews about him on the Internet is also not a wise decision. There is no company on the market that has never made any mistakes. For this reason, A.B. Edward does not remove negative comments, which make up a small part of all the reviews we receive. However, if the average of all reviews is very low, then you should consider looking for another contractor.
3. Absence of Proper Licensing and Insurance
In Illinois, roofing contractors are required by law to hold a specific license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Such regulations were enacted under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. It requires contractors to pass a special exam that demonstrates knowledge of roofing practices and regulations. Some roofing contractors do not have such a license, which means they are not qualified to do the job correctly. Working with such a company means not complying with state regulations.
In addition, the contractor should definitely have adequate insurance, which includes public liability and workers’ compensation. Without it, you, as the customer, could be held financially responsible for any accidents or damages that occur during the performance of the service. Always, before signing a contract, demand proof of a license and proper insurance.
4. Unrealistic Project Timelines and Overcommitment
A hallmark of an unqualified roofing contractor, is a propensity to promise incredibly fast project completion. Especially in Illinois, where weather conditions may be completely unpredictable, roof replacement takes about two to five days, depending on the size and complexity of the building. Contractors who guarantee shorter deadlines are likely to take shortcuts or overload their schedules. These solutions resulting in rushed work, expose our project to poor workmanship and consequently poor roof durability. A reputable roofing contractor will always provide a realistic plan of action, taking into account potential delays due to weather or other unforeseeable issues.
5. Frequent Missed Deadlines and Inconsistent Work Schedules
Reliability is a key attribute of any contractor. You may notice irregular work habits in unskilled roofers, such as not showing up on site during a scheduled work day without any explanation. Of course, weather conditions in Illinois can cause delays, but professional roofing contractors will always give early notice if such a situation arises. If workers are on site but it is clear that they are making negligible progress, this may indicate inefficiency or a lack of needed skills or equipment. Constant delays not only extend the project time, but also expose your home to the elements while the roof structure is incomplete.
6. Suspiciously Low Bids and Rates
It is completely natural to look for the most attractively priced offer possible. However, it is important to keep in mind that a quote offered by a given company that is significantly lower than the competition should raise concerns. In Illinois, the average cost of a complete roof replacement ranges from $15,000 to $35,000, depending on the materials used and the size of the roof. An unqualified roofing contractor offering a lower rate may make up for it by the poor quality of the materials used, not having adequate insurance, or expecting additional fees, which you will find out after the project is completed.
It will be a good idea to get at least three detailed bids so you can compare prices and understand market rates. Definitely be aware of bids that seem too good to be true.
7. Inconsistent or Increasing Project Estimates
For budgeting and trust, price transparency is crucial. Unqualified roofing contractors can give vague cost estimates or increase them without good reason. In Illinois, material costs fluctuate caused by changes in supply and demand, especially with the seasonal impact of weather. A professional contractor will always take into account which variables in the initial contract and will promptly communicate any necessary adjustments. Unexpected increases without justification from the contractor may suggest unfair practices or poor project management.
8. Providing Vague or Incomplete Contracts
A detailed and transparent contract protects both the client and the contractor by specifying the project scope, costs, schedules and terms. Unqualified roofers may present you with a contract devoid of details or key clauses. In Illinois, a properly written roofing contract should include:
- Roofing contractor’s full name, address, and Illinois license number;
- Detailed description of the work to be performed;
- List of materials with brand names and specifications;
- Total cost and payment schedule;
- Project start and completion dates;
- Warranty information for both materials and workmanship;
- Cancellation policy and procedures.
Without these details, you risk misunderstandings and have little legal recourse if issues arise. Always review the contract thoroughly and consider having a legal professional examine it before signing.
Additional Considerations Specific to Illinois
Illinois has some specific requirements and considerations that homeowners should be aware of when hiring a roofing contractor.
Compliance with State and Local Building Codes
The state’s building codes ensure safety and structural integrity, given the climatic challenges typical of Illinois. Unqualified contractors may not be familiar with them or deliberately choose to ignore them. This can result in non-compliant work, leading to fines or additional corrections. For example, the regulations require the use of ice and water shields in some roofing applications to prevent damage from ice dams, which are a common problem in the colder months.
Understanding of Weather Impacts
A qualified roofing contractor in Illinois will understand how weather patterns affect the materials and installation techniques used. He or she will be able to recommend appropriate materials to withstand the extreme temperatures, high humidity and severe storms that occur in the area. For example, during a project in the Midwest, where severe storms occur, he may suggest asphalt shingles that will withstand gusty winds.
Knowledge of Permit Requirements
Some municipalities require permits for roofing projects, especially for significant repairs or replacements. An unskilled roofer may skip this step, which would result in legal complications and delays. A professional roofing contractor will take care of getting all the permits himself on your behalf.
Why are Roofing Manufacturer Certifications Important?
Many reputable material manufacturers offer certification to contractors who demonstrate experience in installing their products. GAF Master Elite® Roofing Contractor, for example, has undergone rigorous training and therefore offers better guarantees. Working with a certified contractor will ensure that the installation meets the manufacturer’s specifications, which is critical to the validity of the warranty and the quality of the construction.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roofing contractor is a crucial decision that affects safety, the quality of the roof and the appearance of the building. The ability to rule out unqualified roofing contractors will protect you from a project that does not meet the required standards and potential financial losses. Choosing a contractor with local experience and a solid reputation is especially important in Illinois, where the climate is unique.
We recommend that you take the time to thoroughly research the options available to you. Verify their credentials and read reviews from homeowners who have used their services. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience with the challenges posed by local weather conditions and their knowledge of building regulations in the area. This way, you’ll be able to find the right professional to provide quality workmanship on your project and ensure that your roof will stand up to the elements for many years to come.
