Introduction
Roof protection is one of the most important and significant measures any property owner should take to enhance his property. The roof of any home also has to do with safety from water damage, the building, and from an outbreak of fire. However, the selection of the proper waterproofing contractor can either make or mar this process. As any homeowner knows, making the wrong choice on contractors can cost you a fortune – literally and figuratively – with shoddy workmanship, wasted money and countless sleepless nights.
In the following article, we will outline some of the worst mistakes when choosing a roof waterproofing contractor. Knowing these risks will allow you a proper choice and, in general, save your home from additional harm.
1. Not doing proper research
The first common regret that people with roofs to waterproof have when hiring roofing contractors for the job is that they did not take enough time to research. Ever since there are too many contractors available in the market, selecting one which is cheap in its quotations can sometimes be very misleading. But this attitude can lead to a disaster.
When searching for a contractor to perform roof waterproofing, it is very important to evaluate roof water proofing contractors and how efficient they are. A snapshot search on any search engine can present customers feedback, rating, and other completed projects. Such resources may assist in determining competencies and reliability of a contractor.
2. Focusing solely on price
A frequent problem is when the roof waterproofing contractor is being selected based solely on the cost of services. Every business aims at minimizing its costs, but this should not be the reason behind having a particular type of network. A contractor with a price that makes everyone jump in joy might be giving a poor service or using substandard materials that will always pull down your building within a short time.
Time should also be taken to secure more than one quotation so that price does not lower quality and any expertise offered. Take adequate time before signing for a contract to study the materials and methods to be used and whether they are standard to the market.
3. Not having insurance and licenses
Certain property owners may not bother to find out whether their contractor has valid insurance and license. Who is an uninsured contractor? An uninsured contractor is a contractor you hire to work for you in your premises, and in the process of undertaking the assigned tasks; he causes an accident, then you are left to bear the consequences of his actions. In addition to that, the contractor might lack the ability and information to do the waterproofing work the right way due to his/her lack of license.
Starting with the general contractors always ensure that they confirm the insurance and licensing of the contractor they hire. Request for insurance certificates and ensure that they have a permit to run the business in that areas. This step can really save you from some trouble in the future.
4. Not asking for references
Any drainage contractor that is experienced in roof waterproofing should be able to offer you contact details of clients who can testify to the kind of job they offer. One should make a follow up with the abovementioned references and inquire about their ordeals with the contractor. It can help you have an idea on the quality of work that you will receive, the contractor’s level of professionalism, and if the contractor is reliable enough.
5. Skipping the contract
The other frequently made mistake is lack of a suitable contract in place when hiring roof waterproofing contractor. With no contractual relationship in place, you stand a risk of having misunderstandings or law suits in the future.
A comprehensive contract should include the following information:
- Specific elaboration of responsibilities and material to be utilized
- Disparate schedule and likely completion date
- Payment schedule and terms
- Warranties and warranty terms
- Dispute resolution provisions
It is imperative that anyone engaged in the drafting and negotiation process make sure all work stays uncomplicated and comprehensible and arms-length agreements should not be entered into without express consent from each party.
6. Not seeking advice
Here are some questions that you should ask roof waterproofing contractors to know more about them and the way they work: Some essential questions to ask include:
- How many years do you have in roof waterproofing?
- Are you able to give detailed explanation how was the waterproofing process done?
- Concrete is protected from water in a variety of ways, but what materials will you be using to waterproof the concrete structures for the job?
- How soon do you expect to deliver the assigned project?
- When is there a hiccup or issues come up, how will you address them?
7. Lack of competitive bids
One should not hire a roof waterproofing contractor immediately without having received price quotations from other contractors. Hiring several contractors can enable you to develop a feel of the market prizes as you enlist the services of the most affordable contractor.
It is requested that all bids submitted by the service providers should cover the same aspects of work. This shall ensure that contractors can be compared keenly and thus the intended purpose of the tool is achieved partly. Moreover, do not fail to request for the cost estimates to see where the money is being spent.
8. Ignoring your intuition
Last but not the least; it is always wise to go by your gut feeling while selecting your roof waterproofing contractor. If one has the dreaded gut feeling about a certain contractor regardless of offer that may be placed on the table it would be best to look the other way. Your home is precious and choosing the right person to work on your home is a big investment which should be done carefully.
Conclusion
Roof waterproofing contractor is an essential part of making sure that your house is safe from water damage and its value intact. If you are to steer clear from the faux pas highlighted in this piece, you will be in a good position to make a sound decision and work with competent, experienced, and professional contractor. Just remember to always read your information, know what questions to ask, and follow your intuition. Accordingly, you can follow these tips to complete a good waterproofing project and have a safer home.