Professionalism

Why a professional roofing contractor? A Professional is generally recognized as:

• a person who has a specialized body of knowledge
  
• has received intensive training in a particular field
  
• has hands-on experience.

So how can you tell a qualified contractor from an unqualified one? There are no foolproof methods, but there are some important things that you can do to help make the best possible decision.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that you pre-qualify your contractor(s). It may require some extra work, but experience shows that it goes a long way toward making sure you get the kind of results that you expect - a roof that works!

You can pre-qualify on a project-to-project basis, or on an annual basis if you regularly deal with the same group of contractors. Your criteria may vary according to the job requirements, but all professional roofing contractors should be able to provide you with the following (click on blue text to see how Interstater Roofing fulfills each of these requirements):

• A PERMANENT PLACE OF BUSINESS Confirm that you contractor is well established with a permanent address, telephone number, tax identification number and, where appropriate, a business license. A professional has these readily available.
  
• KNOWLEDGE OF ROOFING SYSTEMS The introduction of new roofing systems, techniques, and materials has sparked a tremendous change in the roofing industry over the past 10 years. A professional roofing contractor should be familiar with the different types of roof systems to help you make the best decision for you building and your budget. Be sure you are comfortable with the roof system(s) your contractor suggests.
  
• AFFILIATED WITH AN INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION Ask the contractor if he/she is a member of a local, state, regional, or national association. Involvement in a professional organization tends to keep a contractor better informed about the latest developments and issues related to the industry.
  
• COMMITTED TO EDUCATION Choose a company that is committed to the safety and education of its workers. Ask the contractor what types of safety training he/she provides for his/her workers and what industry programs they have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers' who actually install the roof. Insist on having trained experienced roofing mechanics.
  
• INSURED AND COMMITTED TO SAFETY Don't hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing a copy of an insurance certificate that verifies workers' compensation coverage and general liability coverage. Make sure the coverage's run through the duration of you job. If a contractor is not properly insured, you, the owner may be liable for accidents that occur on the property. Many building owners and homeowners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors.
  
• LICENSED AND BONDED Many states require that roofing contractors be licensed; some states have very specific licensing requirements. Some contractors are able to obtain bonding from surety companies, while others are not. You state's Department of Professional Regulation or Licensing Board will have this information. Check to see if a prospective roofing contractor is properly licensed and/or bonded.
  
• FINANCIAL STABILITY The professional contractor will be able to supply you with current financial information. This should include current assets, net fixed assets, current liabilities, other liabilities, and references from a financial institution or auditing firm.
  
• APPLICATION EXPERTISE Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his/her firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Some materials require special application expertise in order to achieve a quality roof system that will last.
  
• INSIST ON A WRITTEN PROPOSAL Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications. Be sure the proposal includes the approximate starting and completion dates, payment procedures, and any additional issues such as landscape damage prevention and debris cleanup.
  
• WARRANTIES There are two basic categories of roofing warranties: the contractor's warranty that covers workmanship and the manufacturer's warranty that covers materials. Be sure that your contractor offers a warranty that covers workmanship. A manufacturer's warranty alone will not protect you if the roof is improperly installed. Carefully read and understand any roof warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it.
  
• COMPLETED PROJECTS Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects.
  
• REFERENCES When making the final selection, ask the roofing contractor for a list of recent clients. Check with these customers to see if they were completely satisfied with the quality of materials used and workmanship provided. You may also contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have received any customer complaints about the contractor. (Available upon request)
  
• PROVISIONS FOR ON SITE SUPERVISION Have the contractor explain his/her project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required, and the estimated time of completion.
  
• A PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAM Professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year. These inspections will help insure that you project complies with the standards specified in the warranty. A maintenance program usually consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof, flashing, insulation, and related components to identify any potential trouble areas.

CALL 1-800-USA-ROOF: NRCA offers a toll-free number, 1-800-USA-ROOF, to help building owners, maintenance supervisors, architects, and other industry members locate a roofing contractor in a specific geographic area. Callers are sent, free of charge:

• a computerized list of NRCA-member contractors sorted by zip code
  
• a list of local and regional NRCA affiliate organizations
  
• a booklet that describes common roofing systems and general roofing terminology.

All inquiries are kept confidential.

It pays to pre-qualify the roofing contractor. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night contractors seem attractive with their below-cost bids, but are often uninsured and perform substandard work. Remember that price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship should also weigh heavily on your decision. For more information on how to choose a professional contact the National Roofing Contractors Association.

Safety

During each project, surprise safety inspections are conducted. Any employee found to be in complete compliance with all safety regulations receives safety tickets that are redeemable for personal tools or clothing. Through out the season, additional seminars are held with Interstate staff and outside consultants. One of the major duties of the Craftsman Committee is safety. They meet quarterly to review accidents and to implement procedures to prevent those accidents from happening again. Another way that they keep all employees clear on regulations is at breaks. Once a week the foreman must conduct a lunch box safety update and then have the employees sign off that it was held. This sheet is then handed in weekly with the foreman's paperwork.

Interstate Roofing is also an affiliate with ABC's Safety Training and Evaluation Process program. The STEP program is a benchmark standard in the construction industry which was developed by everyday contractors. This program assisted Interstate Roofing with the further development of its own safety program, as well as discovering ways to improve upon new safety issues and help with business growth.