DIY enthusiasts tend to have projects that they have been working on for years, off and on, to the annoyance of no one, with the possible exception of the DIY enthusiast’s spouse. Even those of us who have never had the confidence to build something set our sights on ambitious decluttering projects during the pandemic, and the half-finished remains of those projects are still lying around in most of our houses, and yet life goes on. It is annoying when things take longer than expected, but most of the time it is not unbearable unless that unfinished project is a roofing project and it is in limbo during a snowy winter in Maine. If you are hiring a roofing contractor for construction in Maine, here are some tips to keep your residential construction project on track.
Do Your Research About Materials and Prices
Researching contractors is important, but even before you get an estimate from a roofing contractor, do some research about the roofing materials you plan to use. For example, how much do they cost, and how long do they last? Are there waiting times between phases of the project, to allow materials to dry? If you research some residential construction basics on your own before you even get the first estimate, you will have a better idea of whether the contractor is quoting you a fair price.
Choose a Reputable Contractor
The stories about home contractor fraud should be enough to scare you out of hiring a shady, unlicensed contractor. At minimum, your contractor should be fully licensed and insured. It is also a red flag if your contractor seems eager to begin work without giving you a written estimate. Before you decide on a contractor, you should also check their Better Business Bureau rating; read online reviews, too, but take them with a grain of salt.
Have Realistic Expectations About the Weather
Even the best roofing contractor is subject to the forces of nature. Obviously, the winter is not the best time to replace a roof in Maine, unless you are repairing damage in an emergency situation. No matter what time of year, you should build a certain number of rainy days into your schedule. In case the weather throws a major curveball your way, your contract with the roofing contractor should contain specific provisions about force majeure events.
Secure Your Building Permits at an Early Stage
As much as Mother Nature can derail your plans, she has nothing on good old-fashioned bureaucracy when it comes to making it difficult to get things accomplished. If it takes longer than expected to get the building permits for your roofing project, you could be looking at delays that push your project into a season wholly unsuited to roofing in Maine. It is never too soon to apply for a building permit if you are planning to replace your roof.
To find out more about getting your roofing project done on time, contact Double J Construction in Portland, Maine.
