You will need to hire a roofing contractor for new shingle roof construction or existing roofing repairs or roof replacement. Picking the right contractor can facilitate a quality roof, a reasonable price, and a positive experience. You can ensure you pick the right contractor by asking the right questions. Here are 5 questions to ask your roofing contractor.
1. What are your credentials?
All roofers must have a valid license to perform roofing construction. Most states require roofers to pass a roofing exam in order to obtain their license. Some states have additional requirements, too. Verify with your roofer that they have a valid license. Feel free to inquire about what they had to do to get it and keep it valid. Most roofers need to retest after a certain number of years.
2. How much experience do you have?
You want a roofer with extensive experience. Ask how long the contractor has been in business and how much experience they have working on similar projects. Commercial roofing replacement and working with specialized materials, such as metal or concrete, requires specialized training and experience not all roofers have. Quality roofers will have pictures and references as proof of their experience.
3. How much insurance coverage do you have?
All roofing contractors must have commercial insurance to cover the cost of damage that occurs to your home during construction. Some contractors will only have the bare minimum required coverage. if they create damage to a home, the insurance will pay out up to the covered amount. The homeowner will need to sue the contractor directly or eat the expenses if damages exceed the covered amount. Other roofers catering to upscale clients will get additional coverage, but their quotes will likely reflect the additional cost of insurance.
4. Who will perform the work with you?
You have a right to know who will be in your home, especially if you won't be on-site during construction. Ask for the names and contact information of all employees who will work on the project.
5. Do you offer a guarantee on your work?
A quality roofer will offer a guarantee on the work they performed for you. New installations and replacements will likely come with a greater guarantee than minor repairs. Don't forget to ask what will void the warranty. For example, some contractors won't honor the guarantee if the homeowner performs their own repairs after the fact.
This list should get you started when it's time to hire a roofing contractor. For more information, contact a roofing contractor near you.
Have you ever hired a contractor and come home to find that the work they did is truly impressive? This happens more often than you might assume. Contractors who love their jobs regularly go above and beyond for their clients. We love this dedication, and we hope to display the same sort of dedication as we write this blog.
Of course, we are not painting homes or hanging ceilings here, but we do write about those topics. We've learned so much about the construction industry while doing our research, and now we're ready to share that information right here for you, our readers.