Hiring a roofing contractor is a major decision. You want a company that will do quality work and stay within the quoted price.
To find just such a company, ask the following questions:
Can You Explain Your Estimate?
Most reputable roofing companies will give you a free estimate. However, it’s harder to find a roofing contractor who will sit down with you and explain each line item on their estimate.
For instance, they may believe that your roof decking is in good condition, but they should include a provision in their quote that accounts for the price of plywood and a roofing underlayment, just in case they begin the project and encounter any signs of rot that makes them change the scope of the job.
You want to be aware of all the details before you sign a contract.
Is Your Company Insured?
Insurance is an absolute must. Make sure your roofing contractor carries general liability insurance so all of their workers are protected in case of injury. Besides asking for proof of insurance, you also should make sure the contractor is licensed in your state.
Do You Subcontract Work?
Ideally, you should work with a roofing contractor that manages its own work rather than subcontracting it out to others. But if you do find a reputable roofing contractor that works with subcontractors, make sure you get the name and phone number of the subcontractor so you can ask them if they are insured and licensed.
Do You Offer a Warranty On Your Work?
Roofers who know they deliver quality results always offer a workmanship warranty on your roof replacement. They guarantee their work, and the products they install may have a manufacturer’s warranty as well. Don’t trust a company that minimizes the need for a warranty — this is a deal-breaker.
How Do You Manage Cleanup?
A complete tear-off project produces a lot of waste. In most cases, companies will bring a dumpster to the job site so all the old shingles and roof decking can be disposed of on the spot. However, make sure you ask how they plan on situating the dumpster so your landscaping and property suffers as little as possible.
Also, make sure they will claim responsibility if your driveway cracks or suffers any damage as a result of the dumpster — it’s happened, and that’s not a repair you want to have to pay for.
Do You Have a Homeowner I Can Talk to for a Reference?
Get a reference so you can call them and have a real conversation. Roofing contractor references are an absolute must, because this is when you get a third party’s opinion on the company’s work.
Why trust the Roof Doctor? Because we’re a roofing contractor that provides caring, personalized service, starting with a free estimate and ending with a beautiful roof.