Looking to brighten the inside of your home and add some points to curbside appeal? You might be considering skylights to do just that and are wondering how to go about it. Maybe you don’t want to install a new skylight at all. Maybe you took notice to some condensation or water damage where it shouldn’t be, or you noticed that there is some damage around the skylights outside. In either case, you are going to need a trustworthy skylight installation contractor who can get the job done right.
Knowing who to reach out to for assistance can be challenging and intimidating. You don’t want to get scammed or select someone who is incompetent, and you certainly don’t want to pay more than what you bargained for.
That is why we came up with five things to help you choose the best skylight contractor in 2020.
1. Insurance
Any contractor, regardless of their job title, should have insurance. This insurance is not really to protect them—it’s for you, the homeowner. The two kinds of insurance you want a skylight installation contractor to have are liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Liability insurance will cover the contractor if any job-related accidents occur. Workers’ comp insurance covers employees of the contractor company that could be injured during the job.
Always ask for proof of insurance before hiring a roofing or skylight contractor to install skylights in your home.
2. Local
Always choose a contractor who is located a responsible distance from you. This is not about travel time. It’s about the professional having regional-based knowledge. Not only will they understand what the weather is like where you are, they will most likely have been hired by someone you know in the past. This makes it easy to not only find out how good a job they do but also to communicate with them.
3. Pricing
Never, ever choose a contractor based on the price they give you. Yes, working within your budget is important, but you need to understand that the bid for the lowest price comes with a ton of risks. First, cheap work means less enthusiastic and skilled work—and guaranteed problems in the future. Second, you will end up paying double or triple to repair the damage that was caused by the cheap, shoddily done project.
Get several estimates, interview the candidates, and figure out which skylight contractor offers the best service for the most reasonable price.
4. Contract
Always get job details in writing. Even if you personally know the roofer who will be installing your skylight, you still need a contract that binds both of you legally. The contract helps you stay in control of the situation and will outline everything from the estimate duration of the project to the cost of materials, labor, and the warranty.
You should fully understand the terms of the contract and be in agreement with all of it before adding your signature to the bottom.
Remember, a decent contractor will be happy to explain the contents of the contract and won’t pressure you to sign immediately, especially if you have questions or concerns.
5. Communication
Communication is key in every relationship, no matter what that relationship may be. You want to choose a skylight installer who answers your questions, returns your calls, sends documentation, and who goes slightly above what you would expect from them. Also, how do they treat you? Choose someone who is respectful and courteous and who values your time.
If the communication isn’t good, then you are free to walkaway.
Conclusion
Whether you need skylight repairs or are looking to install a skylight, a professional skylight installer can make life easier. Knowing how to choose a skylight contractor will save you from a lot of anxiety. Remember that they should communicate well, have clearly outlined contracts, be honest, and have insurance. These qualities ensure they are well-rounded and prepared for the task.
When you’re ready to discuss more about skylight installation and/or repair with a professional skylight installation contractor, give us a call.
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