There are now over 108,000 roofing contractor businesses in the US. That’s a nearly 2% increase from last year. Before you schedule a roof inspection, it’s important to find a team you can trust.
With new businesses entering the industry, not everyone has the experience and expertise you need. Here are 10 questions to ask during your roof consultation. Asking these questions will ensure you find a qualified team to work on your roof.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing the best roofing contractor is on the job. Then, you can start your roof replacement project without stress.
Begin your search for the best roofing contractor in town. Start asking these questions during your consultation appointment today.
1. How Long Have You Run and Operated?
Before you hire a roofing contractor, it’s important to find an experienced team. Consider starting your search by talking to other homeowners. Ask if they can refer you to a roof replacement company.
Speaking with other homeowners can help you develop a list of referrals. Then, you can schedule a roof consultation with one or more options.
As you speak with friends and family, ask them if the team arrived on time. Determine if the roof contractors were professional, too. Learn more about their hands-on experience with each company.
Once you have a list of options, schedule a consultation with three different companies.
Then, ask each company you call how long they’ve operated. An established business has likely worked out operational kinks. These companies will know how to work efficiently.
A new company, on the other hand, might still need to get its footing. The team might make costly errors while working on your roof.
Determine if the roofing contractor’s business has a physical address, too. Make sure they work locally.
Some roofers travel to areas that experience hurricanes. If they leave, they might not remain available to repair issues with your roof.
During your roof inspection, make sure the company can answer your questions. If they can’t, take your business elsewhere. Choose a knowledgeable team you can trust every step of the way.
2. Are You Licensed?
Make sure each company on your list has their paperwork in order, too. First, determine if they’re licensed. Make sure they’re licensed to work on residential or commercial properties.
If their license isn’t up-to-date, choose someone else.
Most states require contractors to have a license for the state they work in. Codes and requirements can differ based on the state, too. Make sure the roofing contractor you choose will comply with state codes.
3. Are You Insured?
Make sure each roof replacement company on your list is insured, too.
First, ask if they have workman’s compensation insurance. It’s now required by law for roofing companies to offer worker’s compensation insurance to their employees.
Some contractors, however, will take a risk and work without it.
What happens if someone is injured while working on your property? You don’t want them to hold you liable for medical expenses. Finding an insured company will protect your best interests.
Ask the company what happens if one of the roofers damages your property on the job. Make sure the company has general liability insurance as well. If there are any damages, you won’t have to cover the costs.
4. Do You Use Employees or Subcontractors?
During your roof consultation appointment, ask the company if they use employees or subcontractors.
Some contractors hire subcontractors. Verify that each subcontractor has insurance, too.
You might want to pick up lien waivers before they start working.
5. Will You Remove My Old Roof?
Before the roof replacement project begins, learn more about each company’s process. Determine if they’ll remove your old roof or add new shingles over existing ones.
The roof inspection should identify issues like rotten or soft spots. Letting these problems linger could cause future issues.
Make sure the company will remove your old roof before placing the new one. Otherwise, new shingles could add weight to your roof. Your roof might even collapse.
6. How Do You Prioritize Safety?
Take the time to learn more about how each roof removal company plans on working safely, too.
For example, will the company use ladder stabilizers or standoffs? How do they plan on protecting your gutters during the installation process?
If the company doesn’t have safety protocols in place, they might damage your home.
7. Do You Offer a Warranty?
Ask each roof replacement company if they offer a warranty on your new roof, too.
Determine how long your new roof will last. Ask how long the warranty provides coverage, too. Make sure you can call the company back if you experience issues.
Otherwise, you might have to call another roofing contractor in the future.
8. Can I Request a Written Estimate?
Get a written estimate from at least three different roof replacement companies. Determine what’s included with each quote. Usually, the quote covers labor and materials.
Make sure there aren’t any additional fees you’ll have to worry about in the future.
Having a written copy will help you handle disputes. Take the time to review each company’s contract, too.
Many of the complaints on BBB involve:
- Unsatisfactory work (over 50%)
- Inability to contact the company (25%)
- Delay or failure to finish work (16%)
- Delay or failure to make repairs (13%)
- Poor customer service (11%)
- Missed appointments (10%)
Ask the roofing contractor what happens if they fail to uphold their contract.
9. How Will You Protect My Property?
Your roof replacement team will need to use a lot of equipment to get the job done. Ask where they plan on placing their equipment. Determine how they’ll make sure their equipment won’t damage your property, too.
Make sure you choose a company that will take care of your home.
10. When Can You Start?
Determine when each company is available to start. If they’re juggling too many projects at once, you might experience delays.
Make sure the roof removal company can work based on your schedule.
Find the Best: 10 Questions to Ask During a Roof Consultation
Don’t rush to hire the first roof replacement company you call. Instead, ask these questions during your roof consultation appointment. Asking these questions will help you find an experienced team.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re qualified to handle your roof replacement project.
Eager to get started? We’re here for you.
Contact us today for your free consultation appointment.
