Question #1: “What is your full company name, physical address, and local phone number?”
Unfortunately, plenty of people out there are looking to make a quick buck and take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Before hiring a roofing company, get their full company name, physical address, and telephone number. Ensure they are local and will be available to fix any issues later down the line.
Question #2: “How long have you been in business?”
When it comes to roofing, the level of experience is vital. Asking about your roofing company’s history is one of the best ways to ensure they provide good work at a reasonable price.
Ideally, you want to hire a roofing company that has been in business for at least a few years. Plus, a roofing contractor that has been in business a while is likely to have more customer references and multiple examples of their work.
Question #3: “What kind of insurance do you have?”
Every professional roofing contractor has both workers’ compensation and liability insurance. These insurances are designed to help protect the homeowner from litigation in the event of an accident.
Question #4: “What is my new roof’s warranty?”
It is essential to ensure your new roof comes with warranty coverage before you move forward with payment. Your warranty length may vary depending on the type of roof and materials.
Dimensional roof shingles can have a warranty of, at minimum, 25 years. They cost the same as older-style shingles and typically have improved longevity.
The manufacturer frequently covers the materials, and the roofing company covers the actual work. Be sure to ask your contractor about the differences between the two.
Question #5: “Are you a licensed contractor?”
Codes and licensing requirements vary from state to state. When hiring a roofing contractor, you want to ensure they have the appropriate licenses for your state, city, and county.
Be sure to ask about specifics when asking about licensure. Be thorough. Research the code requirements in your location and compare them to your roofer’s qualifications.
It is also essential to distinguish between a business license and a roofing contractor license. The former is for tax and identification purposes. It does not mean your contractor has passed a test or possesses the qualifications necessary for roof work.
Utilizing a licensed contractor should provide peace of mind that you are using a reputable company. If issues arise, you will have legal recourse.
Question #6: “Will you remove my old roof?”
When it comes to “replacements,” this is an important question. Some roofers may claim they can save you time and money with a visual inspection determining if the old roof can just be shingled over.
If the old shingles are never pulled up, you will never know if soft spots or rotten wood are underneath. This can create even more significant, more expensive problems for you in the future. Simply put, do not let your contractor place new shingles until they have removed the old roof.
Question #7: “What do you do with refuse material?”
Generally speaking, you want to ensure your roofing contractor will bring a container for any refuse material. You’ll want to be sure they take any damaged materials, packaging debris, and other refuse with them once the job is complete.
Question #8: “How will you protect my property and landscaping during this project?”
You’ll want specific details on what your roofing company will do to protect your property and your landscaping during the project. Your home and lawn should be in the same condition before and after the project.
A good roofing contractor should use a ladder stabilizer or standoffs to protect your gutters during installation. They should also establish foot traffic patterns to avoid bushes and place any heavy equipment on concrete or asphalt, not your grass.
Question #9: “Do you use roofing subcontractors?”
Ideally, you want to use a roofing company that does not outsource parts of the job to a team of subcontractors. If they do, ensure the subcontractors have the appropriate insurance and licenses to complete roof work.
A reputable roofer should be able to explain to you exactly what tasks they need to outsource and why. Knowing who is performing the work is just as important as heavily researching your contractor.
Question #10: “Will someone be on-site to answer questions and concerns? “
During your roofing repairs or replacement, there will be a crew on your property to complete the work. Knowing who your contact is for questions, concerns, and other issues is important.
Make sure you get their name and contact information before the project starts.
Question #11: “What do you do to ensure the project’s timeline?”
Anyone who has remodeled their home knows that hurdles will likely arise and impact the project’s length. Ensure a detailed plan is in place to ensure a reasonable timeline.
Your contractor should outline contingency plans to address any issues should they arise. Some roofing companies even include a “no later than” clause in their contract, which renders the job null if it takes too long.
Question #12: “What happens in the case of inclement weather?”
Depending on your location, bad weather can determine if your crew can work during that day. If inclement weather occurs in the middle of your project, you want to ensure your roofer has a plan to protect your home.
Ask your contractor what they will do in case of rain, high winds, hail, etc. For example, an exposed roof should be covered in tarps or plastic covers to keep the roof dry during a rain storm.
Question #13: “Are there any tax credits or utility rebates available for my new roof?”
Homeowners are sometimes incentivized to choose more sustainable, synthetic roofing options with special tax credits and rebates. Ask your roofing company if this is the case for your new roof and how to apply for them.
Question #14: “Do you provide a detailed written estimate?”
Unfortunately, some roofers look for opportunities to upcharge their clients with unnecessary fees and additional costs. Settling into a contract without a detailed, written estimate is one way for them to accomplish this goal.
Ensure your contractor provides you with a written estimate that considers labor, materials, the cost of removing your old roof, and any other issues that could arise during the process. One issue is the replacement cost of rotting plywood. You want a dollar amount per plywood sheet to ensure there are no surprises.
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Is your roof in need of repair or replacement? More Roof Life is here to help! Call (541) 610-2114 or email Josh@morerooflife.com to schedule a complimentary assessment.
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