Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
To ensure that roofing jobs are done correctly the first time around, it’s essential to employ the proper roofing contractor.
There are many roofing contractors available, which makes it difficult to choose the best one if you don't know what to look for. By asking the right questions, it’s possible to pick a dependable contractor for your project.
And never feel as though you have too many questions. If the contractor you’re speaking with is competent and sincere, they’ll welcome your inquiries. By asking the right questions you can secure the finest quality work and prevent falling victim to a roofing scam.
1. Can you provide proof of licensure?
To save yourself from possible future liability, make sure to ask if the contractor is licensed. In the event of damages or a safety danger, a roofing firm needs commercial liability insurance to protect its work, employees, and carelessness. This means that instead of having to pay for damages or deal with safety issues, your firm may hold the roofing company or contractors accountable.
Numerous states, although not all, demand that a roofer hold a local license. Do some research on the local code requirements. If roofers must have licenses in your state, only work with those who do, so that if something goes wrong, there’ll be a means of redress. Make sure the license is current.
2. Can you provide proof of insurance?
Make sure that your contractor has workman’s compensation as well as general liability insurance. Workman’s compensation covers the employees on your property while general liability insurance covers your physical property. If someone is hurt on your property while working for a firm that doesn't provide workers' compensation, you can be forced to pay thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
Request a copy of the roofer's insurance policy from the insurance provider. This is standard procedure. The majority of insurance providers will provide homeowners a copy immediately upon request. Never take a copy directly from the contractor.
3. Are subcontractors working on the project?
A roofing firm that needs extra help or even assistance with specialized services like venting or dealing with electrical units, will work with subcontractors. These subcontractors need the same level of licensure and insurance that the main contractor does, so be ready to ask the same questions of them.
4. What are your references and testimonials?
The majority of reputable roofers are known for providing high-quality services. When looking for roofing contractors, homeowners are more likely to receive recommendations through personal accounts and stories. Make sure to ask your potential hire about former clients you may contact about the quality of their job and professionalism. Also check testimonials on their webpage or online reviews.
5. What is the estimated time for the project?
After initial assessing your roofing job, a reputable roofer should be able to give you a firm estimate of when they’ll be able to start and finish your roofing project. They should also be able to continue giving you updates along the way. You’ll be particularly interested in knowing about any potential delays and the reason for them.
6. What is the warranty on my roof and what does it cover?
It’s important to know everything about the warranty a roofer will give. You should be aware of the terms, how it can be revoked, and the period of time it covers. A reliable roofer will give you all this information in writing even before they begin working.
7. Do you bring a container for refuse material?
Once the refuse from your old roof is removed, it has to go somewhere, so make sure to ask the roofer if they bring their own trash container. They should be able to provide the container and remove it once the job is done.
8. Will you use ladder stabilizers or standoffs to protect my gutters when you install my roof?
It’s important to protect your gutters from getting damaged during the project, a job which can be accomplished by using ladder stabilizers and/or standoffs. Ask your roofer what they do or use in order to prevent damage to your gutter system.
9. What will you do in the case of bad weather during the job?
Weather, especially in New England, can be unpredictable. Make sure to ask your roofer how he plans to protect the inside of your home in case of bad weather in the middle of the project. It’s essential that your roofer have a strategy in the case of any weather-related mishap.
10. Do you have a local phone number and address? Are you a local company?
Going local is usually a good idea when looking for a reputable roofing business. Especially if you require urgent repairs, hiring someone local to your area may be quite helpful and convenient. A local company will also know the conditions of the area you live in and will have the best knowledge of which particular roofing materials to use.
11. Is there going to be someone on site with whom I can communicate?
Make sure you ask who will be available to answer any additional questions that may come up during the project or the person with whom to discuss any changes or issues.
12. Do you provide a written estimate?
Without a thorough estimate, entering into a contract might lead to issues later on, so make sure to ask your roofer for a thorough estimate - in writing. You'll need to know the precise cost of removing the old roof, installing the new roof, clearing away the debris, and making any necessary repairs along the way.
13. Do I need to be present during the installation?
Roofing tear-down and installation can be a noisy business, hard to endure if you’re the homeowner, so make sure to ask your roofer if you’ll be required to be around during the whole installation.
14. When do I need to pay?
Before beginning any project make sure to be aware of the payment schedule your roofers employ. Typically some money is requested upfront both as a down payment and as a means to purchase supplies. If a roofer asks for all the money upfront, be wary. You may even want to look for other roofers, as it could be a scam.
In general, you’ll want to ensure that you’re able to meet the roofers’ financial deadlines.
15. How can unforeseen circumstances change the overall cost of my roof?
Your roofing contractors may run across a few unanticipated situations that might raise the overall cost of your roof. When your potential roofer does their estimate, ask about the likelihood of this and for these things to be factored into the estimate. Otherwise, things like decaying wood can present unexpected problems and additions to the bill.
In conclusion, repairing or replacing a roof is an important matter, so choosing the right roofing contractor demands asking the right questions. In the process, there are a handful of important ones you shouldn’t miss. A company worth investing in will answer all of your questions with patience and professionalism and will also be happy to provide references of former customers.
From proof of licensure and insurance coverage to contingency plans in the event of bad weather or unforeseen need for extra materials, to written estimates, to payment plan, the disposal of the former roof, and more, all issues - current and potential - need to be addressed in order to not only pick the right person, but to ensure that you won’t be scammed in the process.
