One of the biggest, costliest, yet most important parts to your entire Toronto area home is its roof. This is the one major component that protects you from the elements, keeps your home being its most energy efficient, and it helps to define to look and feel of your home. When damage occurs, whether it is the result of a tree falling, extreme weather, or old age, it can be a serious threat to the rest of your home and family. Having prompt action against any issue that may arise is critical to saving yourself heartache, hardship, and money from further loss and damages. It is extremely important that you not only address any concern that you might have with a professional, but keep close watch over it to ensure that there are no sudden surprises. In 2003, water related damage made up as much as 21% of all filed insurance claims, and on average 14% of residential home suffers from damage caused by water leaks.
Next to the damage itself, one of the biggest problems that many Toronto and surrounding area homes face is the question as to who they should go to for help. Although there are highly rated certified professionals such as Walker Contracting who have special teams specializing in roof repair and replacement, there are still some unknown individuals who claim to be able to under charge larger expert companies.
It is important to understand first that replacing a roof can have a number of factors that all determine the ultimate cost. There are labor and material considerations, as well as things such as whether or not the contractor will be removing the old roof, or be adding layers under the existing material. There are different considerations such as the material itself that you will be using, such as whether or not you will be wanting to use tile, or asphalt. If you are approached by a sales man who may be going door to door he may offer you a low price for a roofing inspection, repair, or replacement. They may say that they just finished up a job nearby and have left over materials. They pressure you in saying that rather than throwing it away they can pass the savings on to you. Often the supposed “contractor” will ask for cash up front, and the contact information that he leaves with you will either be incomplete or not valid.
There unfortunately have been many people who have fallen for this trick, and for those who have and actually did see someone return and do the work, it has sometimes been either poorly done, or not finished.
If you have any doubt, concern, or question about anything regarding a possible contractor, ask questions and get answers that are satisfactory and verifiable before agreeing to anything. You need to be able to see a contractor’s license, and make sure that they are insured. You also will want to make sure that they have workman’s compensation insurance. If they do not, you can be personally held responsible for accidents their employees have on your property.
Don’t take chances with people that may not have a real and honest track record for success. Call Walker Contracting to schedule a no obligation free in-home estimate at 416-233-7086. They can help give you the peace of mind knowing that they are one of the leading experts in their field.
