The more things change, the more they stay the same.
That old adage holds true even in this brave new (and confusing) world of computers and the internet. Your local BBB is still one of the best places to check out a roofer in Houston – or anywhere else in the U.S. for that matter.
Most roofers in the Houston area who’ve been around a while aspire to become members of the Better Business Bureau. They realize that the BBB is still revered by consumers (the BBB is famous for “promoting good business practice” plus the conspicuous BBB logo is part of the national ‘psyche’).
Of course a referral from a satisfied family member or friend is hard to beat when you need a new roof or repair. But it’s still a good idea to look into a business a bit further before you commit.
And that’s where the Better Business Bureau comes in. You can easily access the track record of any Houston area roofer by going directly to their BBB page online.
A contractor’s online Better Business Bureau page will have their particular BBB rating (from A Plus to F) and the reason for the rating. You can see how long the roofer’s been an accredited BBB member and how they’ve handled past complaints, if there’s been any. Here’s our BBB page.
Once a business becomes a member of the BBB they’re usually fairly zealous about keeping their complaint levels to a minimum and getting any problems resolved as quickly as possible.
The BBB is good about calling businesses out for ridiculous claims or false advertising, and they often work with authorities to help expose scams and rip-off artists. The BBB also does dispute resolution and mediation.
Of course a company actually has to be a genuine bona fide member of the BBB. Some businesses will blatantly display the BBB logo when they have no affiliation with them whatsoever.
Like great roofing companies that started before the technology revolution, who’ve had to adapt or perish, the Better Business Bureau (founded 1912) has had to do the same.
That’s really one of the best things about the BBB – how long they’ve been around. (A century is a good bit of time.)
And they’ll probably be around for some time to come. In fact the BBB is more relevant now than ever. According to their website, the BBB is a “widely-recognized leader in international efforts to promote business self-regulation online.”
Like some old familiar face standing out amidst a dizzying and befuddling new (digital) world, the BBB has blazed a trail for a lot of us, bringing decades of acquired knowledge and experience along with them (all free via their website and numerous publications).
We’re proud of our own Ernie Smith & Sons Roofing's exclusive A Plus Better Business Bureau rating.
And over the years, Ernie Smith & Sons Roofing has been the recipient of numerous Better Business Bureau awards, including two-time winners of the highly coveted and prestigious Better Business Bureau Pinnacle Award.
2016 BBB Pinnacle Award Winners