Five Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer

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A roof is a major household expense, and you want to have trust in the contractor you choose to do the job. Hire the right contractor for the job by asking these 5 questions when you screen roofing contractors.

1. Are you licensed in this state?

It is important to choose a contractor who is licensed in your state for several reasons. Licensing requires that contractors be up to date on building codes and other requirements, so by selecting someone who is licensed, you know they have the skills and experience to do the job.

2. Are your team members fully insured?

If your roofing crew is not insured, you could pay the price if there is an incident during the job. Verify that the contractor has worker’s compensation and general liability experience, so you do not need to pay for health care or property damage if there is an issue.

3. What is the warranty on a new roof installed by you?

A general rule of thumb is that shingles come with a warranty of 25 years. If your roofer quotes you anything less than that, it is suspicious. There is a caveat with warranties in that the material must be installed correctly in order to be covered by the warranty. So that you get to enjoy the protection of the warranty, you must work with a licensed contractor.

4. How will you protect my home and property while you’re working?

A new roof is a major home renovation project. It’s natural that you would want to know how the crew will safeguard your home, driveway, landscaping, and cars while they are working. Ask about what precautions the team is taking to prevent home and property damage and what would happen if there was an incident.

5. Can you provide me with a written estimate?

So you can compare like with like, you will want to get estimates from all the contractors you speak with. Having them in writing allows you to compare like with like when it comes to the cost of removing your old roof, disposing of the material, and installing your new roof. Before you sign anything, make sure the estimate covers the complete scope of work to avoid sticker shock.

Being thorough in screening roofing contractors will help you select an experienced contractor who can get the work done correctly and efficiently. To get a free estimate for roofing work, contact us today.