7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
A new roof is a substantial investment, even if insurance is paying for it! It’s an investment into the value of your home or business, and you want to be selective when it comes to deciding who to trust with your property. A shoddy roofing contractor can wreak havoc and cause more damage than good. Before you commit to doing business with a roofer, ask these seven questions.
- Can you please share local references?
Unfortunately, roofing companies are notoriously shady. Make sure you confirm who you’re working with by contacting property owners in your community. Ask about their experience working with the company and their satisfaction with the final product. A lack of local satisfied customers is a giant red flag. - What insurance coverage do you have?
Carrying insurance is imperative! Ask to see the company’s certificate of insurance, and verify that they hold at least $1 million in general liability coverage. - What licenses and credentials do you have?
Check with your local government to find out what the requirements are in your area for roofing companies. Then ask the roofing contractor for a copy of their license to verify that they are in compliance. - What warranties do you offer?
A good roofing contractor can show you at least two kinds of warranties: one for their labor, and one covering the manufacturer for the materials. Depending on the materials used, there may be more than one warranty. Example: one for the shingles, one for the flashing. - Can you please explain the findings from your inspection?
A competent contractor should be able to show you photos and documentation that display the issues with your roofing system. The more thorough the inspection report, the better. - May I have a written estimate and timeline?
“Written” is the keyword here. Not only should all financial obligations be in writing, but also the timeline. Make sure you will not be inconvenienced for days (or weeks!) at a time. Ask when the materials will arrive, where they will be stored, when installation will happen, and when cleanup will be completed. Have everything documented. - Can you please share payment terms in writing?
Again, documentation is everything! Make sure both parties are crystal clear on the terms of payment.
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