Why Should You Hire A Roofing Contractor Over Using A General Contractor

Posted by Texas Traditions on

You wouldn’t let a physician operate on your body, so why would you allow a general contractor to work on your roof? The roof is an essential component of your house – it protects everything under it. It’s important any repairs, replacement, or maintenance on your roof should be handled by expert roofers.

General contractors are essentially jacks-of-all-trades. They can handle a variety of home repairs and offer cheaper services than roofing contractors. You might be tempted to hire your favorite general contractor and save some money when you need roofing work done. But will you in the long run?

Roofing requires training, experience, and skills not easily learned. Hiring a reputable and reliable local roofing contractor is your best bet.

Superior Knowledge and Experience

When it comes to something as complex as a roof, lack of in-depth knowledge and experience begets failure. Sure, a general contractor may carry the necessary tools and be able to make some repairs. But roofing requires specialized expertise to identify the source of the problem, come up with the best possible solution, and deliver excellent results.

Your roof is more than the shingles you see from the street. It comprises different layers of materials that play important roles in protecting your home from the elements. The last thing you want is someone using your roof as their practice spot. They might end up making mistakes which force you to hire a professional roofer to fix, costing you thousands in damages, repairs, or a full roof replacement.

Professional roofing contractors have been in the industry for many years and have handled all kinds of roofing projects. They know the strengths and weaknesses of various materials and the best methods to work with each one specifically. 

Detailed Explanations

One of the most important parts of getting your roof repaired or replaced is going over the project details with your roofer. They should sit down with you and explain exactly what the problem with your roof is, what they’ll do to fix it, and specify the accessories used for installation.

However, with a general contractor, you may have to deal with hidden or unexpected costs. A general contractor does not have the skills and knowledge needed to identify all the hidden roofing problems, recognize issues that can lead to future problems, and determine the best solution. Also, they may not accurately estimate the roofing job and underestimate or overestimate the amount of materials needed.

Hiring a general contractor to work on your roof will out you in a stressful situation or force you to spend more money than planned. After a comprehensive inspection, a roofing contractor will give you a report of their findings and a detailed bid spelling out:

  • Cost of labor and materials
  • Start and completion dates
  • Cost for permits to be pulled and the removal of construction debris
  • Payment terms
  • Information on the type of roofing materials being used and the type of warranties offered

Knowing what your roofing project entails and knowing everything will be done right will give you peace of mind.

Compliance With Building Codes

Building codes are a set of regulations which should be followed when designing, constructing, or maintaining buildings. Roof building codes provide guidance requirements for proper installation and replacement of roofs.

Some general contractors are not as well-versed with local roofing regulations. But, a roofing project handled by an expert roofing contractor has the guarantee of following local building codes, staying up to date with changes, and getting things done the right way.

Familiarity and compliance with building codes can benefit you in many ways, including:

  • Preventing costly fines
  • Ensuring safety
  • Preventing leaks and water damage

You’ll also not face the risk of dismantling your roof again and starting a new one because of code violations. To ensure your roof is legal and correctly done, choose a local roofing contractor.

At Texas Traditions, we check all the boxes. We are a local roofing contractor with experience, training, skills, and commitment to providing holistic solutions and excellent workmanship. We’ve provided quality roofing services to homeowners in the Georgetown area for years, using the best materials and highly trained crews. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a free estimate.