When it’s time to repair or replace your roof, you must hire a skilled roofing contractor to get the job done right. Roofs are essential for any Christchurch home, and a problematic roof could lead to leaking, moisture damage and other issues.
Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Your Roofer
How do you find the right roofing specialist for you? Avoid these common mistakes:
Not Getting A Clear, Itemised Quote. You must get a proper quote from your potential roofing contractor before you hire them. Roofing projects are investments in your home’s future and your family’s safety, and you must understand how much you’ll be paying before you agree to anything.
Ask your roofer about how much their work will cost. Discuss your plans with your roofer for an accurate quote. Remember to be fully honest about your roof’s current state and your goals so your roofer can give you an accurate estimate. Get a detailed quote outlining materials, labour and anything else.
Avoid roofers, or any tradies, who are dodgy about their prices. Those unwilling to discuss quotes may end up charging you more than anticipated, or they could spring hidden fees on you.
Choosing Solely Based On Price. Price is an important factor, but it should never be your only factor. Too-cheap quotes may mean that the roofing contractor is cutting corners to save money, which could compromise your roof. Quality work may cost more, but it will also look better, last longer and be worth more in the long run.
Conversely, subpar work may cost more down the track in repair and replacement costs.
Ignoring Warranties. You must think about the big picture, rather than just the here and now. Warranties protect your investment, and you should always ask your roofing contractors about the warranties they offer before you choose them. There are generally two kinds of warranties – warranties from the manufacturer of the roofing materials and warranties on the roofer’s work.
Find out what’s covered, what will void the warranty and how you can file a claim if you need to. At Huston Cross, we offer these warranties:
- A 20-year warranty on materials from New Zealand Steel.
- A 10-year warranty on screws, nails and fittings.
- A 5-year warranty on our work.
Not Discussing Long-Term Details. Just like how you should look into warranties, you should also think about the long-term details of caring for your roof. How can you maintain your roof? When should you call your roofers for professional inspections or roof repairs? How long will your roof last?
Our new roofs have expected lifespans of about 50 years, although external factors like weather damage and the environment around your home may impact this number. You may also need a roof report for your insurance company, which our team can provide for you.
Ignoring What Roofing Products Your Roofing Contractors Use. Roofs made from strong, well-designed products are likelier to last longer, look nicer and perform better. Always ask your roofing specialist about what products they use and where the products come from.
For instance, at Huston Cross, we exclusively use materials and products from trusted manufacturers. We use Colorsteel and ColorCote products that are meant for NZ homes.
Failing To Check Reviews. When hiring any kind of tradesperson, you should never only look at what they say about themselves. Look at reviews online to see what the community has to say about them. Client feedback offers insights into how roofing contractors work, highlighting their reliability. Look for reviews left by people who needed the services you need. For instance, if you need a total roof replacement, look for reviews mentioning roof replacements.
If you choose your roofers and like their work, why not leave a positive review yourself?
Not Getting A Written Contract. Always get a written contract. A solid, written agreement properly highlights everything that your roofing contractors will be responsible for, detailing timelines, payments, warranties and more. This helps avoid mistakes and misunderstandings that a simple verbal agreement might lead to.
Ignoring The Importance Of Local Expertise. New Zealand has a humid climate that’s prone to sunny days and frequent rainfall. So, you need a roof that’s resistant to UV damage, moisture damage and the other challenges of Christchurch’s climate. Make sure your roofers have local experience, not just general roofing experience.
Rushing Your Decision. It’s natural to want your roof repaired or replaced as soon as possible. But roofing projects are major investments, strongly impacting the safety of your home. Think through your options carefully, ask questions, get quotes and make the right pick for your situation.
Making The Best Choice For Your Roof In Christchurch
Get in touch with us at Huston Cross if you’re searching for reliable, experienced roofers in Christchurch. We’ll be happy to answer questions you have so you can make an informed decision. Call us on 03-331-6578 or reach out online today.
Huston Cross: Let’s make your home stronger, more visually appealing and valuable with a durable roof.
