10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Before hiring a roofing contractor, ask these questions

The most important thing in ensuring that your roof lasts long and is of superior quality is hiring the right roofing contractor. You might either be repairing a leaky roof or setting a new one. Therefore, it is quite important that you hire a reliable, experienced, and trustworthy contractor. You will know which contractor to hire for your project by asking the right questions. Here are ten questions you should ask before hiring a roofing contractor to ensure your project is handled professionally.

Are you licensed and insured?

The first question you need to ask the roofing contractor is if he or she is licensed and insured. A licensed contractor means that he or she is qualified to do roofing work in your area. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance guard against injuries or damages in case something goes wrong during the roofing process. If he or she lacks coverage, then you end up being liable in case of injuries or property damage. You then end up litigating with him or her.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

First and foremost, experience is an essential element in choosing a roofing contractor. The more years the company has, the more problems they have faced in doing work on different types of roofs; therefore, they can handle your roofing problem adequately. When you ask how long they’ve been in business, you get a sense of their dependability and stability. With much experience, contractors are likely to provide excellent work.

References or reviews: Do you have a few references or reviews of previous jobs? Any good contractor should not mind giving you some references from previous clients. Reviews or references help you get an idea about the track record of the contractor and the previous customers’ experience of your satisfaction. It would be a good idea to contact these references to ask about their experience with the contractor, as well as the quality of the completed work.

Do You Provide Any Warranty with Your Work?

Roofing will likely be one of your pricier investments, so be sure to get something protected. Ask him if he backs the materials and labor. A good warranty is an excellent indicator of a contractor’s belief in the quality of work they produce and is willing to put their money where their mouth is to stand by what they’ve done for you. Be sure you know all the details of a warranty.

What Is the Project Timeline?

If you are under time constraints, the project timeline forms part of understanding before planning your work. Ask a contractor to give an estimated start and end date. The timing and scheduling issue should also include potential delays by weather, among others. On this approach, a clear timeline makes sure that the expectations of parties involved, be it you or the contractor, are the same.

How Will You Protect My Property During the Project?

Roofs are typically messy, with debris falling off the roof and workers coming and going on your property. Request of your contractor how they plan to protect your property during the construction of a roof. Some options may include protection of landscaping, daily cleanups, and measures for not damaging your home. Believe me, there are some good concepts on doing so. A professional contractor would have a proper plan in order to prevent any problems with your property.

Will You Give Me a Written Estimate?

Prior to hiring a roofing contractor, always request a detailed, written estimate. The estimate must include the cost of materials, labor, permits, and any further charges. A transparent written estimate helps avoid surprises and will give both parties clarity about the project’s scope. Be wary of unscrupulous contractors who provide vague estimates or are unwilling to put details on paper. 

Who Will Be Handling The Project?

It’s helpful to know who is on-site overseeing the project. Many companies subcontract work, so you may have people in your house whom the contractor has not actually employed; ensure the contractor answers who is overseeing the project and whether they will be there to answer questions or concerns throughout.

How Will You Address Unforeseen Issues?

Roofing jobs can sometimes expose other problems, for instance structural damage or growth of mold, among others. Ask the contractor how they will handle such emergent problems likely to emerge during their job. It is also important to know whether the contractor will discuss added costs and options with you before he goes ahead with repairs. A professional contractor is more likely to keep the homeowner involved and in the loop about decision-making if such emergent problems arise.

The quality of roofing material determines the lifespan and effectiveness of your roof. Ask the contractor what materials they plan to use and why they are recommending them. A known contractor should be using good, high quality materials from reputable manufacturers and be able to explain the benefits in terms of durability, energy efficiency, and appearance.

Conclusion

Hiring a good roofing contractor is about more than finding someone available to get the job done. A good set of the right questions will ensure you pick an experienced, reliable, and professional contractor to do the job right and pay for many years to come. On these facts, you will realize taking time to consider your options increases the chances of having a successful roofing project.

Guru Roofing & Restoration offers services that range from its scope. The company’s scope of service includes roof repairs, installation, and replacing new roofs. With a quality-minded and customer-oriented approach, the company is well-equipped to do all the roofing needed by its clients.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *