When it comes to protecting your home—one of your most valuable assets—your roof plays a critical role. In Ontario, where weather extremes can quickly wear down roofing materials, hiring a trustworthy, high-quality roofer is essential. Unfortunately, the roofing industry in Ontario isn’t without its share of scams and subpar contractors. This article will guide you through the process of hiring good roofers in Ontario while steering clear of scammers.
1. Do Your Homework: Research and Referrals
- Start Locally: Begin by asking friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Personal experiences can offer insight into a contractor’s reliability and workmanship. Local home improvement stores and community bulletin boards may also have leads on reputable roofers in your area.
- Online Research: A simple internet search can yield several local roofing companies. Pay close attention to company websites, read customer reviews, and check their social media presence. Websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Google can provide valuable feedback on service quality and customer satisfaction.
2. Verify Credentials and Licensing
- Licensing: In Ontario, roofing contractors are not required to hold a license. However, they are required to have a business number and working-at-heights training for all of their staff.
- Insurance and Bonding: A reputable roofer will carry liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage. This protects you from potential legal and financial responsibility should an accident occur during the project. Request copies of the insurance certificates and verify their validity with the issuing companies.
Visit WSIB.ca to verify coverage for workers compensation.
3. Get Multiple Quotes and Detailed Contracts
- Compare Estimates: Obtain written estimates from at least two different contractors. Be upfront that you are getting multiple quotes. Roofing sales expect this and it will keep them honest. These quotes should be detailed, breaking down labor, materials, permits, and any other potential costs. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as they often indicate lower quality work, hidden fees or scams.
- Written Contracts. Before work begins, insist on a comprehensive written contract. The document should outline
• Scope of work
• Detailed cost breakdown
• Timeline for project completion
• Payment schedule (avoid large upfront deposits)
• Warranty information on both labor and materials
A thorough contract not only sets clear expectations but also offers legal protection should disputes arise later.
Remember! A verbal agreement is not enough. Always get everything in writing. Every reputable company has these contracts ready to go and will be happy to provide them.
4. Check Reviews, References, and Professional Affiliations
- Customer References: Ask prospective contractors for references from recent jobs. Contact these clients to inquire about their satisfaction, the quality of the work, and whether the project was completed on time and within budget.
- Online Reviews: Dive into reviews on multiple platforms. Look for consistent patterns in feedback—both positive and negative. Pay attention to how a company responds to criticism, as this often reflects their commitment to customer service.
- Professional Affiliations: Membership in industry associations can indicate a commitment to industry best practices and ongoing professional development. Affiliations may also require adherence to a code of ethics, providing an extra layer of assurance.
5. Evaluate Payment Terms and Red Flags
Payment PracticesBe cautious of contractors who demand large deposits or require full payment upfront. A reasonable deposit (often around 10–30% of the total cost) is customary, with subsequent payments tied to project milestones. Never pay solely in cash without a proper receipt.
- Unusually Low Bids: Extremely low estimates compared to competitors might signal substandard work or the potential for unexpected costs later on.
- Pressure Tactics: Contractors who rush you into a decision or discourage getting multiple quotes may be trying to hide something.
- Vague Contracts: Avoid any contractor unwilling or unable to provide a detailed written contract.
- Lack of Local References: A contractor unfamiliar with Ontario’s specific weather challenges or local building codes might not be the best choice.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Before hiring, have a thorough conversation with the contractor. Ask about:
Their experience with roofing projects similar to yours
Different contractors use different materials. Ask about the types and brands of materials they recommend and why
How they handle unforeseen issues or additional costs
Their cleanup process after the job is completed
A reputable contractor will be transparent, answer your questions confidently, and take the time to ensure you’re comfortable with all aspects of the project.
A roof is the most under-appreciated but important sections of a home. A bad roof will absolute devastate the interior within a matter of months. Hiring a good roofer in Ontario involves a blend of diligent research, careful vetting of credentials, and clear, written agreements. By following these steps—seeking recommendations, verifying licenses and insurance, comparing multiple quotes, checking reviews and references, and being alert to red flags—you can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to scams. Remember, investing time upfront to choose the right contractor will pay dividends in the quality and longevity of your roof, ensuring your home remains safe and secure for years to come.
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