Hiring a Licensed Kansas City Roofing Contractor
One of the best ways to select a roofing contractor is to simply ask friends or relatives for recommendations. However, in order to make things easier for Kansas City home owners, GoodGuyList.com provides you with free direct access to verified reputable companies that will take the head ache out of finding a reputable Kansas City roofer. Just in case you cant find the right contractor via our website, we have put together a list of tips to help you in your search.

Replacing Your Roof

The age of your roof is usually the major factor in determining when to replace it. Most roofs last many years if properly installed and often can be repaired rather than replaced. The average life expectancy of a typical residential roof is 15 to 20 years. Water damage to a home’s interior or overhangs is commonly caused by leaks from
a single weathered portion of the roof, or from poorly installed flashing around chimneys
and skylights. Also, seasonal changes in the weather are usually the most destructive
forces. These problems do not necessarily mean you need a new roof.

Preserving Your Roof 

Whatever the roofing material—composition shingle, wood shake, tile or metal—the best way to preserve your roof is to stay off of it.

Maintaining Your Roof

Homeowner maintenance includes cleaning the leaves and debris from the roof’s valleys and gutters. Debris in the roof valleys can cause water to wick under the shingles and cause damage to the interior of the roof. Clogged rain gutters can cause water to flow back under the shingles on the eaves and deteriorate materials.

Follow These Tips When
Hiring a Roofing Contractor
• Hire only licensed contractors.
• Get three references and review past work.
• Compare at least three bids.
• Get a written contract and don’t sign anything
until you completely understand the terms.
• Pay 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less.
• Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.
• Don’t pay in cash.
• Only make the final payment when you’re satisfied
with the job.
• Don’t rush into repairs or be pressured into making an immediate decision

You’ve Chosen the Contractor . . .
What About the Contract?
Make sure everything is in writing. The contract is one of the best ways to prevent problems before you begin. The contract
protects you and the contractor by including everything you have both agreed upon. Get all promises in writing and spell
out exactly what the contractor will and will not do.

. . . and Permits?
Your contract should call for all work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. The building
codes set minimum safety standards for construction. Generally, a building permit is required whenever structural
work is involved. The contractor should obtain all necessary building permits. If this is not specified in the contract, you
may be held legally responsible for failure to obtain the required permit. The building department will inspect your
roof when the project has reached a certain stage and again when the roof is completed.

. . . and Insurance?
Make sure the contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance in case of accidents
on the job. Ask to have copies of these policies for your job file.

Mechanic’s Liens
You should protect yourself from mechanic’s liens against your home in the event the contractor does not pay subcontractors or material suppliers. You may be able to protect yourself by having a “release of lien” clause in your contract. A release of lien clause requires the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to furnish a Certificate of Waiver of Lien. If you are financing your project, the bank or lending institution may require that the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers verify that they have been paid, before releasing funds for subsequent phases of the project.