Taking on a roofing project is no small matter. Aside from the fact that it requires a good amount of technical skill, safety, the right equipment and more than one person in most cases to do the job, there’s not a lot of room for mistakes either. After all, the fundamental purpose of a roof is to protect the structure from the elements. If the roof is constructed poorly, water gets in and damages the internal components of the home or building, creating a tremendous mess and costly repair. Therefore a roofing job may not be the best place to try out a new skill for the first time.

Reasons to Hire a Roofing Contractor

Hiring a professional roofing contractor avoids a lot of headaches that you would end up creating. That’s because aside from the skill involved, roofing contractors perform the work frequently, which makes a big difference in avoiding simple mistakes, solving common challenges, and choosing the right materials for the specific job.

Professional Knowledge and Skill

There’s a big difference between an amateur approach, even one that is skilled from multiple build projects, versus a professional whose daily job involves being a roofing contractor. Do it yourself (DIY) perspectives simply do not have the experiential depth to anticipate every nuance that is likely to come up with a roofing job that a roofing contractor knows like the back of his or her hand. That knowledge comes from experience and can’t be replaced with online guidance videos or books. That same wisdom is essential in knowing how to solve problems as they come up in the middle of the job unexpectedly.

Better Access to Materials and Cost

Because contractors are professionally licensed as a business, they are able to access materials and supplies at better wholesale cost than what is typically provided through retail, including big box stores. Further, most contractors tap into build quality and industrial materials that aren’t always available to consumers because suppliers want to sell them in bulk, not smaller consumer portions. That in turn translates into better material used on a roof project for a client.

Increased Safety

Roofing contractors by the very nature of their licensing are required to engage in specific safety procedures for themselves and their crews. These safety procedures are not discretionary; many are already spelled out by local and regional laws affecting the construction trade and to prevent avoidable serious injuries. The average DIY builder is a “Regular Joe” who won’t always think about all these aspects and may engage in a roofing project without any minimum safety procedures at all.

Cost Differences Will be Apparent

Many folks think that they might be able to cut corners and perform a roofing project cheaper on their own. However, this perspective tends to forget that professional contractors have access to pricing and experience that already saves money on the natural. Further, contractors have to be competitive or they lose work to their peers who offer lower bids for the same work. When one actually does the accounting and adds up all the expenses, most cases show the roofing contractor is able to perform the job at far less cost than a DIY approach running back and forth between the site and retail hardware store.

Time Matters

Roofing contractors have a very good understanding of how long a roofing project should take based on the specifications provided by a client. That includes scheduling of various phases of work, supply delivery, and buffers for contingencies. DIY perspectives, especially with a low level of prior experience, often engage in projects without a clear schedule and plan. The results end up being build tasks that seem to last forever and never quite seem to close. With a professional contractor, the project is started, implemented, built and finished. Contractors are self-motivated to be on time as they don’t see full payment until the job is complete, and that can make a big difference in keeping a roofing project on track for a set deadline.

How Do I Find a Good Roofing Contractor?

Working by referral is one of the most trusted methods for finding a qualified contractor. This is based on real-world people who have experienced the build from start to finish. Using trade agency listings such as construction associations as well as the local chamber of commerce is another great source. If you have any further questions or are looking to replace your roof in the Kingston area, visit our Contact Us page and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.