What to Ask Potential Roofers Before Hiring Them
Whether your roof shows signs of damage or is due for maintenance, the first thing you have to do is to call a roofer for an inspection. If you don’t have a roofer in mind yet, you might have already gone ahead and done your research, collecting an extensive list of local roofers who can provide the service you need.
But what happens next? Are you just going to choose a roofer at random, or merely base it on what you see on the Internet?
This shouldn’t be the case! While time-consuming, it’s important to narrow down your options by interviewing roofers to get a gist of how they communicate and the services they offer.
So, what should you be asking? Here are the questions you should ask potential roofers before hiring them!
What to Ask Potential Roofers Before Hiring Them
Some people think it’s silly or time-consuming to have a conversation with multiple roofers before hiring the right one. However, it’s worth all the effort spent because these conversations reassure you that you’ve done your due diligence and will be hiring the best roofer for your needs.
With that said, make sure you list these questions down to ask potential roofers before hiring them:
What is your company name and address?
If the roofing company uses a P.O. Box, ask about its physical location. Companies without a physical location are concerning, and if they say to have none or their location can’t be searched on Google, cross them off your list.
When the company tells you its name and address, don’t just take their word for it. It’s recommended to check it with the Better Business Bureau, reputable online databases, and even social media websites. This can help verify if their business is legitimate.
How long have you been in the roofing business?
Experience is crucial and you’ll want a reputable company that’s been in business for a long time, providing quality work to the community.
Not only will you be able to tell if the roofer provides great work at decent prices, but it will also paint a picture of what to expect and the service they offer. If the roofing contractor has been operating for a few years now, they have numerous customer references and a portfolio to show you. This can set your expectations and assure that your roof will be in good hands.
Besides this, it may be best to ask the roofing contractor about prior experiences with people in the community. You can also ask the contractor about how they ensure the project is done on time and how they will protect your surrounding area during the repair or replacement!
Can you discuss your insurance with me?
Roofing contractors must have workers’ compensation and liability insurance. These are required to protect homeowners in case of accidents that may occur during the roofing project.
Workers’ compensation will cover the homeowner in case of contractor injuries, while liability insurance protects you from any damage caused by roofers during the repair or replacement.
Without such insurance, you may end up being responsible for the medical bills and other expenses associated with any injuries. Moreover, your homeowners’ insurance will likely not cover such accidents and damages!
Do you possess the appropriate licenses?
Just like any other business, it’s crucial to search for the company’s licenses and permits. Ask the roofing contractor for their license information in the county and state, since requirements would vary depending on the location.
Ask for specifics in terms of the license, such as the name of the license holder. You can then check with local licensing offices to make sure that the license is legitimate and up to date, without any outstanding violations.
Note that business licenses aren’t the same as roofing contractor licenses. Business licenses are for tax purposes, identifying the company. This doesn’t mean the contractor passed the test and has the qualifications to be considered as a roofer and operate as one. Make sure you get information for both licenses to check for legitimacy.
Do you offer a warranty?
Other than insurance, it’s crucial to also look for a roofer warranty. Roof warranties usually last for a year, but a few roofers are offering longer warranties. Manufacturers usually cover the warranty for materials while the roofer covers the work. Note that they are two separate warranties, so clarify this with the roofer.
Ask about the coverage and warranty duration. Moreover, do note that extended warranty periods may increase the total estimate.
Do you hire roofing subcontractors?
Check if the roofing company outsources parts of the project to a team of subcontractors while supervising them. If ever they do, ensure that those subcontractors also have the appropriate licenses and insurance to complete the project successfully.
Similar to the roofing company, ask about the names and physical addresses of the subcontractors to double-check their legitimacy from the Better Business Bureau.
Besides that, reputable roofing companies will explain the tasks they outsource and why they do so.
Can you provide written estimates?
You wouldn’t want to end up with expensive surprises when it’s time to pay the bill! A roofing contractor must provide a detailed written estimate including the account of labor, materials, and other expenses that may arise during the project.
A roofing contractor can provide a written estimate after a thorough inspection, and you can improve the quotation’s accuracy further by providing photos of the damage, sending the roof size, and checking the project materials and overall work done throughout the process.
Wrapping It Up
We hope that these questions to ask potential roofers before hiring them helped you out! Make sure you remember these questions and that you interview your chosen roofers before making the final choice.
If you haven’t found a reputable roofer yet, contact us now! We can provide a free inspection and talk about our services with you ASAP.