Selecting a Contractor

1. Assure that you obtain at least three written proposals from three different contractors. Carefully read each of them and assure that the prices are not largely different for the same product types. Be weary of an exceedingly low price, as it could be a tactic to increase your price once the project has started.
2. Always obtain a list of at least five recently completed projects from your final list of contractors and follow-up with those five references. Plan to visit at least three of the projects to view the type and quality of work the contractors perform. Petersen-Dean will gladly give you a list of references in your area.
3. Select a contractor that has both Workers' Compensation insurance and general liability insurance. Make certain to request a copy of your contractor’s insurance and prior to signing a contract, ask to be named as "additional insured, form B."
4. Choose a contractor that has been independently rated through an outside rating source.
5. Assure that your contractor has a current state contractor's license and that their license is in good standing. Furthermore, always contact your state licensing board to verify the contractor’s work history.
6. See that your contractor is certified and highly skilled in the products and services they are contracting with you. Petersen-Dean is certified by all major roofing material manufacturers.
7. Make certain that your contractor has obtained a building permit from your area building department prior to the start of any work being performed.
8. Always ask the prospective contractor for a list of where they purchased their materials. Contact those suppliers to assure that the contractor pays his bills on time.
9. If you are concerned, insist on a joint check to the contractor and the material supplier. This protects you from future liens on your property by the material supplier.
10. Never pay a contractor more that 10% or $1,000 of the contract price up front.