New Jersey roofing standards aren’t what they used to be. It’s more important than ever that New Jersey homeowners choose their roofer with care.
The changes made in 2018 to New Jersey roofing rules were a double-edged sword for homeowners. On one hand, they streamlined the process for the customer and the roofer – fewer permits and less general paperwork mean faster jobs. The problem now in 2019 is telling the difference between saving time and cutting corners, and a “no inspection necessary” policy certainly opens the door for the latter.
A roof is a big investment in the present and future for homeowners. It’s crucial that the job is done to the highest standard for their comfort and the property’s future resale value. Achieving a first-class roof starts with knowing what to look for in a roofing company.
The number one thing to look for in a roofer
Proof of quality craftsmanship should be the first thing customers look for in a roofer. Any company can brag about many jobs well done or spend money on a slick website and marketing. Customer reviews are a hallmark of skill that money can’t buy.
Reviews are the litmus test for a roofer’s quality of service, and they’re much more important than the fact that a roofer may have been in business for many years. All those years don’t necessarily mean they were doing work to be proud of. A roofer who doesn’t prominently display customer reviews in their media is one that customers should be wary of.
If they don’t even have a website (or worse, don’t provide a verified contact number and business address), then that’s a huge red flag that should put them on a customer’s danger list.
The roofer’s insurance protects everyone
Is the roofer you’re considering a contractor, and are they insured? They should be, because in New Jersey it’s impossible for a contractor to go into legitimate business without it. Roofing services vary, with contractors being only part of the service spectrum. If customers decide to go that route, they should be sure the roofer is covered for damage and injury to their workers, the property and the customer.
The best roofing contractors will also be bonded, which means they’re in compliance with licensing laws at both the local and state levels. Bonding shows a greater degree of care, because New Jersey contractors are either licensed by their city or their county; having both local and state certification is an extra step that shows dedication.
Consider a roofer’s pricing and attitude carefully
Everyone wants a good deal when it comes to roofing expenses, but don’t let the lowest-priced roofer get the job too quickly. It’s a sad fact of the roofing business that many companies will hook customers with low initial estimates and then gradually hike their price as the job progresses.
The best roofers will perform an appraisal of your property and be upfront about project costs as much as possible. Sometimes jobs do run over budget. If there’s any degree of uncertainty, quality roofers will inform customers from the beginning. The better roofers may cost more, but you get what you pay for.
Good roofers won’t apply any pressure to go ahead with a project, either. The inspection and estimate will be all that’s provided, and the customer will be in charge to decide. Another tactic of low-quality roofers is pressure to pay in cash up front. Never do this. Any roofer worth their salt will provide quotes, contracts and receipts, which customers can use to prove quoted costs and completed work.
Sub-standard roofers want to get paid before they’ve earned it. A disturbing number of clients are then left in the lurch when such “tradesmen” do a haphazard job or suddenly disappear without warning.
More on New Jersey’s looser roofing rules
Let’s expand on how much of a risk New Jersey homeowners face under the 2018 changes. While those in higher office view the changes as a relaxing of procedure, several New Jersey mayors saw them as a recipe for disaster. Hoodwinked customers living under unsafe roofs is a strong possibility in 2019. A lack of post-roofing inspection means the only experts who will sign off on the job are the roofers themselves.
It’s more vital than ever for everyone in New Jersey to vet their roofer thoroughly. It’s also important to note that the 2018 rules extend to decking and guttering. This means that a sub-standard roofer could wreak even more havoc on a home when they should be taking the utmost care.
Every roof deserves to be a roofer’s “first” job
No matter how many years of experience and customer reviews a roofer can provide, the final stamp of quality is that they’re not just working on a roof when they work with you – they’re working on your roof. Every roofing job is a first because every client is new, with unique needs and a personal vision for their home.
Here at Blue Nail, we’re devoted to roofing as a profession and a passion, and our personal rule is always doing the highest-quality job. Our services also include guttering, which means we provide quality coverage for surfaces that the 2018 changes have left vulnerable.
We always stay informed on the state of roofing in New Jersey. Rules may change, but craftsmanship never goes out of fashion. You can reach us at the link below for help and advice on your next roofing choices.
Working with Blue Nail Roofing means coming home to craftsmanship. From first call to final inspection, we’re with you every step of the way to ensure you benefit from our experience. For more information or a free consultation, drop by our contact page or call 973-937-8876.
