Almost all local roofing contractors in Phoenix, AZ, can do the right job for the right price. But which one does the right job at the right price for you? To answer this question, many people over-rely on online reviews. Almost half of customers believe an online review is just as good as, or better than, a positive or negative review from a friend.[1] However, in most cases, anyone can write anything in an online review, even if they didn’t use the product or service they reviewed. More on that below.
We’re very proud of the positive online reviews on our website. But you don’t need to take their word for it. At Four Peaks Roofing, empowering homeowners is part of our mission. Our customers are our partners. They help us, and we help them. Roof inspections, a big part of our business, are a good example. We encourage homeowners to inspect their roofs and look for potential problems visually. Then, we step and correct those problems before they become significant issues.
Limit Your Search to Local Roofing Contractors in Phoenix, AZ
National companies often treat homeowners like numbers. That’s not bad when you order a cheeseburger, but it is bad when you need expensive roof work. Additionally, when a homeowner is a number, the company treats the homeowner impersonally. Often, a roofing contractor’s advice is almost as important as a roofing contractor’s services.
Moreover, the managers at these offices often have little or no experience in the area. Frequently, they served as assistant managers in another city, an opening popped up, and they transferred into town. Non-local managers aren’t familiar with Phoenix’s unique environmental conditions, and they are also not familiar with local subcontractors and workers.
Examine Google Reviews and Other Such Online Resources
This information is easy to access and generally reliable. However, as mentioned above, potential customers shouldn’t overrely on it.
Many people focus exclusively on the number of stars. The content of the review is much more important. That’s especially true if you need expensive services, like a roof replacement or upgrade. Frequently, customers have a one-time bad experience (the workers were late, the workers were messy, etc.). Anything, or almost anything, can happen at once.
In these cases, examine the company’s response. A generic “we do our best to provide excellent customer experiences” is a bad sign, and a lack of response is an even worse sign. The company should acknowledge the issue and take steps to correct it.
On a related note, don’t put much stock into one-time bade experience reviews. As mentioned, almost anything can happen at once. Instead, look for patterns. If one homeowner complains about late workers, that’s not too bad. If several homeowners complain about late workers, an underlying and unaddressed issue is usually to blame.
Speak with Multiple Roofing Contractors in Phoenix, AZ
This rule seems obvious, but many homeowners overlook it. If one contractor seems appropriate, they stop looking. No matter how good a roofing contractor appears, even if it’s us, always obtain multiple quotes from two or three contractors.
Professional opinions vary. One doctor might say a patient with constant tiredness has chronic fatigue syndrome. Another doctor might say the patient probably has cancer.
Roofing contractors are the same way. One contractor might recommend a roof replacement instead of a patch job, perhaps because the contractor wants to make money or isn’t able to properly patch the roof. However, a roof replacement might be the best option.
Medical patients need second opinions, and so do homeowners with defective roofs. Furthermore, such a comparison allows you to compare prices and, most importantly, determine which roofing contractor best suits you.
Place Quality Above Pricing
Cost is an important consideration, but it’s not the only or the most important one. Typically, you get what you pay for.
In fact, it’s crucial not to look for the lowest price and the cheapest roofing contractor you can find, particularly if you need a full roof replacement. By looking for the cheapest price available, you’re making yourself a prime target to be taken advantage of by a bad roofer.
Frequently, contractors use cheap materials to underbid other contractors. They may also cut corners in different ways, perhaps even by excluding necessary components.
Compare the Estimates from the Different Roofing Contractors
Following up on that point, when you compare estimates, don’t just compare the cost. Compare line items as well, such as the cost of the materials, the amount of labor required, and the components used.
Also, beware of estimates with lots of fine print or estimates that don’t include warranties. Every roofing contractor providing an estimate should offer to review every line item so you fully understand what you’re getting.
Ask for References
Before signing on the dotted line, obtain live references, not online ones. These live references should be no more than six months old. A reputable contractor will eagerly provide such information. A contractor who is reluctant to furnish references probably has something to hide.
Contact us to learn more about our professional services.
Sources:
[1] https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey/
