So, you need to hire a roofing company. But, you’re not quite sure who to hire.
Hiring a roofing company is a very important decision. Many people hire the first company they come across, only to sorely regret it later.
A poor roofing job can result in leaks and costly roof repairs in the future. If you don’t choose the right company, you may end up spending more time more money on repairs than on the initial job.
Luckily, finding a quality roofing company in our area isn’t as difficult as you may think. You don’t need to be a roofing expert; you just need to know the right questions to ask your contractor.
Question #1: Are You Licensed?
Licensing requirements vary by state. In general, however, most states require roofers to be licensed in the state.
Before hiring, research the roofing code requirements in your state and city. If licensing is required in your area, only work with roofers who hold a valid license. Make sure that the license applies to the state you live in and that it is up to date.
If you work with a roofer without a license, it will be very difficult to take recourse in the event something goes wrong.
Question #2: Are You Insured?
There are two kinds of insurance you’ll want your contractor to carry: general liability insurance and workman’s comp insurance.
General liability insurance covers damage to your property in the event of an accident.
It may not seem likely for damage to occur to your property, but it is possible. A roofer could burn your house down in the process of welding something. (Yes, it has happened!) If your roofer doesn’t have the proper liability insurance to cover this tragic accident, you may be held responsible for payment.
Workman’s comp insurance covers any injuries incurred by your roofers while working on your home.
Still, some contractors skimp on insurance because it is costly. But, if one of their employees gets hurt on your property, you could be the one forking over thousands of dollars for medical bills.
Ask to see an insurance certificate to verify. For the certificate to be valid, it should include your name and address on it as proof that you are additionally covered in the event of an accident. It’s never a bad idea to call the insurance company to verify the certificate is valid and that everything is covered.
Question #3: What Will You Do In the Event of Inclement Weather?
Even if the forecast says sunny for the next two weeks, we all know the weather guy isn’t always right.
If you work in an office or an indoor setting, a small change in the weather probably isn’t something you pay attention to. However, when you’re hiring a roofing contractor, weather should be at the forefront of your mind.
A rain storm that lasts for a few hours could potentially wreak havoc on the inside of your home. Therefore, you want to make sure your roofing company has a plan in case the weather turns ugly.
You should hire a company that will have some type of plastic sheeting or tarp on hand in the event of a storm. This will ensure that everything beneath the roof stays dry.
If a storm lasts for several days, the company should be willing to come back and check that the covering is working and staying in place.
Question #4: Do You Have a Local Physical Address?
If your roofing company doesn’t have a full physical address, you’ll want to steer clear, as they could be trying to scam you.
You need a company that will be able to come back to fix any potential problems, so don’t hire anyone who can’t provide this information.
Question #5: Do You Offer a Warranty?
Ensure your roofing company offers two types of warranties: a manufacturer’s warranty to cover the products themselves and a workman’s warranty offered by the laborers installing the work.
The product warranty should be at least 25 years, and the workman’s warranty should be for at least one year. Make sure to choose a company that offers both.
Question #6: Will You Remove My Old Roof?
Some roofers will try to convince you that they can save you time and money by inspecting the old roof, shingling over it if all looks well.
However, the only way to tell if the old shingles are damaged is to pull them up completely. Therefore, you don’t want a roofer to work on your house until they’ve completely removed the old roof.
Question #7: Do You Use Subcontractors?
Some roofing companies use subcontractors to help complete their work.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. However, you’ll want to make sure that these subcontractors have all of the same licenses and insurance that your contractors do.
Question #8: Can You Provide a Written Estimate?
While final costs are difficult to pinpoint, there is no reason your contractor can’t provide you with a rough estimate for your roof repairs.
Doing so will help you avoid any surprises and conflict in the long run. Make sure the estimate includes the cost of removing the old roof, adding the new one in, and any other likely road bumps that may come up.
Wrap Up
Hopefully, this article gives you more confidence in hiring a roofing company. If you have any more questions or would like a free estimate for your roofing job, please contact us.
