When it comes to finding a roofing contractor, there are a few things you have to take into consideration. You’ll have to conduct research on the one you’re looking to hire, and you’ll have to understand what to look for in any trustworthy contractor.
Besides proper job training and professionalism, there is a list of other things you’ll have to find out. Luckily, there are a few questions you can ask any contractor before you even get your quote.
Read on to learn 9 of the best questions to ask any roofing contractor before you hire them.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Most states are going to require any roofing contractor to be licensed, but license requirements are going to vary from state to state. This is where understanding the codes and requirements for your area may come in handy.
You’ll have a better understanding of your area’s standards, and you’ll know you’re working with a contractor who complies with your state’s codes.
Knowing if they’re licensed, and whether or not that license is up to date, can also help you take legal action in the event that something goes wrong during your roof installation.
It also helps to know if they’re insured. If they’re not and an injury occurs on your property, you’re going to have a serious problem on your hands. If they’re insured, then you won’t have to worry about liability for the injury, and you’ll also know the injured person is taken care of.
Insurance also goes for property damage. If something happens, you’ll want to make sure your things are taken care of.
2. Who Will Be on the Job Site During My Roof Installation?
While one person conducts your inspection and deals out the estimate, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to be the ones overseeing your entire roof installation. Asking about the crew that will be installing your roof can give you an idea of what to expect.
Proper on-the-job training is important for roofing contractors to have, and you’ll want to make sure that anybody working on your home is trustworthy, professional, and understands what they’re doing.
3. Will You Remove the Old Roofing?
The answer you want to hear when you ask this question is a resounding, “yes.”
Sometimes, contractors will attempt to install new shingles over the old ones, but this is a bad idea. If the old roof isn’t removed, you have no way of knowing if there are soft spots or rotting wood hidden beneath that needs to be replaced.
4. How Will You Protect My Gutters During Installation?
Without protection, ladders and other stabilizers can add unnecessary pressure to your gutters, resulting in damage. Before any contractor climbs onto your roof, you’ll want to make they’ll be using ladder stabilizers or standoffs.
5. Do You Bring a Container for Old Materials?
If you’re getting your roof replaced, there is going to be waste generated from the materials being removed. The thing you need to beforehand, though, is whether the contractor takes care of the waste themselves. Most often, they will bring some kind of container to throw any old materials in.
After that, you’ll want to ask about where this container is going to be placed. It’s a great thing to work out beforehand so there’s no confusion when installation day comes.
6. What Happens if Inclement Weather Strikes?
If a storm comes in the middle of your roof installation, you want to make sure your space is protected. Finding out any and all precautions your roofing contractor takes during inclement weather is important for the safety of your home.
7. Do You Have a Local Phone Number and Address?
This is mostly to protect those that are having their fixed or replaced after a natural disaster, like a hurricane or large storm. While there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with hiring a roofing contractor from out of state, it can be an issue if something goes wrong with the installation and they can’t get back to your area to fix it.
Hiring a locally owned business ensures you’re covered in case of emergencies.
8. Do You Provide a Written Estimate?
While getting your estimate during the initial estimate is a great thing, you’re also going to want it in writing. Not only will this help you understand everything that estimate includes, but it’s going to ensure that nothing between the inspection and the installation.
9. What Does My Warranty Cover?
No matter the type of shingle or roofing you get, you want to make sure you have at least 25-year coverage on the material. You’ll also want to know if maintenance or repairs are covered under that warranty and any other necessary coverage that comes with a roof replacement.
What Are You Looking for in a Roofing Contractor?
After you’ve had these questions answered, you might have a good idea of who you’re looking to hire. You shouldn’t, however, base your opinion purely on this article, or anything else others have told you. The most important thing to trust is yourself.
If a roofing contractor looks good on paper, but you don’t think you’ll work well together, then there’s no reason you have to hire them. If something else seems off about what they’ve told you, or you simply think you could find a better contractor near you, then you should look to hire someone else.
Eventually, though, you’ll find a roofing contractor that knows exactly what they’re doing, and you’ll be able to trust them with your home. MSC Roof Systems is the best place to start. Contact us today for your free quote.