Hiring a FORTIFIED Professional Contractor
Hiring a FORTIFIED Professional Contractor and a quality installation is a core part of the roofing equation. IBHS and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommend the right roofing professional and these are some of the steps for choosing the right FORTIFIED Professional Contractor.
- Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D. number and, where required, a business license.
- Request verification of professional liability insurance.
- Look for a company with a proven track record; ask for and check client references and request a list of completed projects.
- Verify whether the contractor is properly licensed or bonded.
- Insist on a written proposal. The proposal should include complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate start and completion dates and payment procedures.
- Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry associations, such as NRCA.
- Call your local Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints that have been filed.
- Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures.
- Carefully read and make sure you understand any roofing warranty offered; watch for provisions that would void the warranty.
- Remember, price is only one criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily on your decision.
Available Funding
The US Small Business Association (SBA) offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, and business owners in regions affected by declared disasters. Loans are given to cover repairs and replacement of physical assets damaged in a declared disaster.
To protect homes and businesses from future storm damage, SBA will loan an additional 20% to property owners choosing to upgrade to the FORTIFIED standard. For more information about the SBA disaster loan program, visit sba.gov/disaster.
Download this checklist and take it to your roofer to get started.
