A roof installment or replacement can be costly. That’s why hiring the most affordable contractor can be tempting. However, there is no guarantee that a low-price estimate equates to a good deal. In most cases, cheap roofing will cost you more in the long run. Plus, it can lead to headaches down the road.
So, how do you ensure you’ll get your money’s worth and have peace of mind for years to come? Hire the right roofer for the job. Here are some questions you should ask to guide your search for the perfect roofing company:
1 Are you a local business?
Local roofing contractors are the best choice when looking for someone to hire. Hiring them offers you many benefits. These are some of the reasons why you should sign on a local roofer:
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They know the most suitable materials and roofing systems in your area.
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They are easily accessible when a problem comes up.
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They are familiar with your state’s local installation codes and required paperwork. Following these can avoid headaches when selling your house or dealing with insurance.
2 Do you have the necessary license to do the work?
Valid certification proves the roofer’s ability to perform the correct roofing techniques and create high-quality products. Plus, licensed roofing professionals know everything about roof installation, maintenance, repair, and permits, so you won’t have to hire multiple contractors. You’d get so much more when you hire a licensed contractor, so consider this criterion in your selection process.
3 Does a warranty cover your roofing services?
A roof is a significant investment. So, ensuring that a warranty protects it is wise.
Roofs typically come with two warranties – one for the material and another for the labor. Manufacturers typically cover roofing materials, while contractors cover the work.
Ask a roofing contractor if they have a labor warranty. If they do, what does it cover, and how long does it last? Some companies offer one- to two-year guarantees, while others provide lifetime ones.
4 What insurance do you have?
Roofing work can be dangerous, and your roof may get accidentally damaged during a project. Ensure that your roofer has workers’ compensation and liability insurance to protect you from these events.
Workers’ compensation coverage gives you financial protection if a roofer gets injured. On the other hand, liability insurance covers you in case the contractor causes damage to your property.
5 Can you provide written estimates?
Experienced contractors can provide accurate estimates considering materials, labor, and anything that may come up during the project. Get a firm price quote from your roofing contractor before the project starts. Doing so will help avoid any surprises later on.
6 What jobs do you have that I can see?
Seeing the finished product of a contractor’s work lets you get a sense of their style and how they do their job. If you like what you see, the roofing company might be the right one.
7 How do you ensure the timely completion of a project?
Find out how long the project will take, from start to finish. You should also inquire if weather-related delays or other obstacles could push back the timeline. In such cases, what are the contractor’s contingency plans? Do they have a backup workforce or tools? These are questions you should ask, especially if you have a target date for the project.
8 How will you protect my property during this project?
Ask your roofer what steps they take to protect your lawn, attic, landscaping, and patio from damage. For example, contractors shield the attic with a tarp during a roof tear-off. Some roofing companies have foot traffic patterns for their crew to avoid bushes or leave ruts in your lawn. A reliable contractor will ensure that protecting your property is part of the job.
9 How do you manage refuse materials?
A roofing project can be messy. Junk and debris can fill up your yard during the entire process. So, you’d want to hire a clean roofing contractor with a clear waste disposal plan. Doing so will save you from dealing with tons of garbage.
Asking these questions can help you better understand the roofer and their business. It is always essential to research before hiring any contractor, and roofing projects are no exception. Get multiple estimates and references. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Doing so can help ensure you get the best results for your project.
