They’re out there. Roofing contractors who are in it solely to take your money. They promise to deliver and they don’t. And you’re left with shoddy work or an unfinished job.

You’ve probably heard some contractor horror stories and you don’t want the same to happen to you. So here are 10 ways to avoid hiring a bad roofing contractor in the Bismarck Mandan area. This simple homework could save you dozens of hours and thousands of dollars from hiring the wrong contractor.

  1. Hire locally: After a storm hits, storm-chasing salesmen descend like vultures onto vulnerable neighborhoods. Not all out-of-town contractors are bad, but many are in it to make a quick buck and care nothing for good service. So beware of those without a history of quality work in the area.
  2. Ask to see their license: Any contractor you vet should be in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office. You can run a business search here to see if they’re in good standing.
  3. Ask to see proof of insurance: Contractors should be able to easily provide proof of an active Certificate of Liability Insurance.
  4. Check if they’re part of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association: It offers some credence if the contractor is an active member of the BMHBA. You can search the roofers directory here on the BMHBA’s website.
  5. See if they’re accredited by the Better Business Bureau: Visit the BBB’s website and run a quick search to find accredited contractors in your area.
  6. Ask friends, family, or neighbors: Those you love and trust may have had good success with roofing contractors before.
  7. Check their online reputation: What reviews have they received on Google, Facebook, or Angie’s List? Do they have a functioning website featuring a legitimate business? Also, don’t forget to run a quick Google search with the company’s name and “scam” or “complaint” in the search query.
  8. Don’t automatically go with the lowest bid: Oftentimes contractors sacrifice quality for a lower bid. It’s important to note that if you have a roof covered by insurance, you won’t “make” any money by choosing a lower bid. That’s because the insurance company will only pay for what the roof costs, up to a certain amount.
  9. Read the contract carefully: While you shouldn’t need a lawyer to review the contract, do take your time and read it through. The contract should include the roofer’s name, address, phone number, license number and any promises made during conversations.
  10. Don’t pay the full amount up front: North Dakota law prohibits contractors from asking for full payment up front. Never make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied with it.

RiverBend Roofing & Exteriors is a Bismarck-Mandan-based roofing and siding contractor licensed by the North Dakota Secretary of State. We are an active member of the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. We provide a certificate of liability insurance to every client to give them peace of mind.

Check out our assortment of 5-star reviews on Facebook, Google, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau.

We would love if you would consider us when vetting contractors. Contact us today.