Before you hire a contractor to install a new roof, there are certain questions that you should ask. Hiring a contractor without getting your questions answered puts you at risk of a shoddy job that will mean costly repairs later. Before you sign a contract for a new roof, make sure that you get all your questions answered during an estimate so there isn’t any guess work or tasks that fall through the cracks later.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
You don’t want to go with an unestablished contractor, no matter how good the price seems. Make sure you are working with an established, local roofing contractor that has a good, long-standing reputation in the community. Look for name changes, and make sure that the roofing company has a physical address. While some name changes are easily explained, others can point to issues. When you get the full name and physical address, do some research to see if there are any outstanding debts, terrible reviews, or legal troubles.
Do You Carry Insurance?
Your roofing contractor not only needs to be licensed, but should have workman’s compensation and liability insurance that will protect you, as the homeowner, in the case of any accidents. Without insurance, you may be responsible for medical bills and costs associated with any injuries a roofer sustains on the job, and you will be responsible for any damage. Having a roofing contractor who can provide you with proof of insurance is crucial. If your roofing contractor uses subcontractors, make sure they are all covered as well.
Can I Contact Your References?
A good roofing contractor should be eager for you to speak with former clients. Naturally, many contractors will steer you toward testimonials from their most satisfied clients, but you can go deeper than that. Follow up with any homeowners who used the contractor and ask if they are still satisfied with the work. You can also ask how the contractor was when dealing with issues such as scheduling, payment, issues that arose, and anything else you’re concerned about. It may be worth asking if there is a project in process you can see.
Do You Guarantee Your Work?
A warranty from the manufacturer covers the materials, and a guarantee from the contractor covers the work. Ask the roofer if they offer a guarantee on their workmanship and how long that will last.
What Will the Process of Installing my New Roof Look Like?
If you haven’t been through the process before, you likely have a lot of questions. This is where you can ask everything you need. Ask when your job will be scheduled, when the materials will be delivered, and how long the project will take. Is a permit required? If so, find out who is responsible for getting that permit. Ask what preparation the contractor expects from you, and what the set-up, installation, and clean-up process will look like. This is also where you can ask how your contractor handles payment for your new roof. Ask about the materials they recommend, if there is any damage that needs to be addressed, and how the inspections will be handled.
You should have a lot of questions when you are speaking to prospective contractors. You should never feel like you are asking too many. Most quality contractors will welcome your questions and be happy to give you whatever information you need. With a little due diligence on your part, you can have all your roofing questions answered and have a better understanding of what you want in a roofing contractor. We’d love to help. With over 75 years of roofing installation experience, we have the skills, knowledge, and experience you need for a job well done. Contact Armorvue Home Exteriors for more information about setting up a virtual appointment to discuss everything you want to know about getting a new roof installed.
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