Hiring a roofing company is a very important decision. After all, your roof protects your home and your family every day.
Many homeowners unfortunately hire the first company they come across without doing their research. If you don’t choose the right roofer from the start, you may end up wasting more time and money on repairs than on your initial project.
Luckily, you don’t need to be an expert to find a reputable contractor. You just need to know the right questions to ask.
Question #1: Are You Licensed?
Most states require roofers to be licensed. Only work with roofers who hold a valid and current license from the state you live in. If you hire a roofer without a proper license, it can be very difficult to take recourse in the event something goes wrong.
Question #2: Are You Insured?
Your roofer should carry two types of insurance: general liability insurance and workman’s comp insurance.
General liability insurance covers damage to your property in the event of an accident. While this may be unlikely, it is possible and has occurred. Without the roofer being properly insured, you could be responsible for covering any costs.
Workman’s comp insurance covers any injuries incurred by your roofers while working on your home. Without the roofer being properly insured, you could be responsible for medical bills if one of their employees is hurt on your property.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the roofer’s insurance certificate(s). For the certificate to be valid, it should include your name and address as proof you are additionally covered in the event of an accident. You can also call their insurance provider to verify the certificate is valid and that everything is covered.
Question #3: What Will You Do in the Event of Inclement Weather?
When hiring a roofer, weather should be at the top of your mind. If your home isn’t properly protected, a few hours of rain could wreak havoc on your home’s interior.
Your roofer should have a plan in case the weather turns ugly. Contractors should have some type of plastic sheeting or tarp on hand to ensure everything beneath the roof stays dry. If a storm lasts for several days, the contractor should be willing to return and check that the covering is working and staying in place.
Question #4: Do You Have a Local Physical Address?
You might reconsider any roofers without a local physical address. In addition to avoiding scams, your chosen company should be close enough to promptly return and fix any potential problems.
Question #5: Do You Offer a Warranty?
Your roofing company should offer two types of warranties: a manufacturer’s warranty to cover the materials and a workman’s warranty to guarantee the installation/repair. An adequate product warranty should guarantee at least 25 years, and the workman’s warranty should be for at least one year.
Question #6: Will You Remove My Old Roof?
Some roofers will try to convince you to save time and money by shingling over your current roof. However, the only way to locate existing shingle damage is to pull them up completely. Don’t allow 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. This is perfectly acceptable though you’ll want to ensure the subcontractors have the same licenses and insurance as your contractor.
Question #8: Can You Provide a Written Estimate?
While final costs are difficult to pinpoint, there is no reason your contractor shouldn’t provide a rough estimate for your roofing project. Asking for this upfront helps you avoid surprises and conflict in the long run. Make sure the estimate includes the cost of removing the old roof, installing the new one, and any other likely road bumps that may develop.
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If you have questions or would like a free estimate from our certified roofing experts, please contact us today.