Questions for your Roofing Contractor

Questions For Your Roofing Contractor

Finding a competent and reliable roofing contractor is the first step to a successful and satisfying home improvement project. In order to ensure you receive the quality service that you deserve, we would suggest you take the time to look around and conduct some research. Your best bet is to ask those that know: friends, neighbors, or co-workers who have had roofing work done. Get written estimates from several contractors when obtaining estimates, ask for explanations for price variations, and don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Roofing contractors often advertise in newspapers, the Yellow Pages, and on the Internet, radio and television. However, an ad is no indication of the quality of a contractor’s work.

By taking certain precautions like the ones mentioned above, you will empower yourself to make knowledgeable decisions based on your specific roofing needs and budgetary limitations.

You can ask the contractor the following questions to help erase any doubts regarding his/her services:

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY

>> Do you have a valid contractor’s license to perform roofing work?
Request to see the license and write down the license number. Using a contractor that either does not have a license, or cannot provide a valid license is a huge risk. One you don’t want to take.

>> Are you bonded and fully insured?
Always look for a bonded contractor, assurance that he can perform the work and complete the project, giving you piece of mind that if a problem were to arise you would be protected.

>> How many years of roofing experience do you have?
Needless to say, the more years of experience, the better. Less than three years may signal an inexperienced business. On the other hand, everybody has to start sometime. References will be helpful to double check any business, and are especially important when dealing with a new business. A newer business may have a great future, but it is only reasonable to be more careful when considering its referrals.

>> Do you have references in my area?
Contacting others who have worked with the contractor in the past is a good way to determine his reliability and to get an idea of what the roofing experience would be like with this contractor taking care of the job.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ROOFING JOB

>> Do you have experience installing/repairing the roofing product I am interested in? Do you have any special product training or certification?
Contractors who take the time to train and certify their staff is a sign of healthy workmanship.

>> Do you provide a free and written estimate?

>> Will you provide a detailed written contract of the proposed work involved, including payment, terms and conditions, guarantees and warranties?

If there is a deposit due before the project begins, how much is the deposit?

>> Who will perform the work on my house? Will there be subcontractors?
If your contractor does hire out a subcontractor, it is a good idea to go over all of the same questions with them. Of particular interest is insurance; be sure that the subcontractor holds all of the proper insurance so that you are not held liable for any accidents that may occur on the job.

>> Will I be held responsible if one of your workers falls and injures himself, while replacing my roof?
It’s a good idea to have your contractor provide both Certificates of Insurance for both liability and Worker’s Compensation before work begins on your home.

>> What kind of warranty(s) do I get on the roofing products that I have chosen?
A good roofing contractor will provide a workmanship guarantee in addition to a manufacturer’s warranty. Ask about their workmanship guarantee and how long it lasts.

>> What is the length of your workmanship guarantee?
Warranties outline the manufacturer’s liability and responsibility over a set period of years. Since most warranties are prorated, the manufacturer’s liability continues to decrease as the months go by.

>> Do you use only high quality (number one grade, no seconds) roofing materials?
Find out where your contractor purchases his materials and make sure they are not using left-over materials.

>> Will you be doing anything that may cause damage to my yard?
Depending on the work to be done and the location of your home, heavy equipment may be required to transport and lift roofing materials. Find out if trucks, dumpsters or other equipment will be used, and how the company will handle any yard or landscaping damage.

>> Will all trash and old roofing materials be hauled away? Is this cost covered in your proposal?

REMEMBER

As with any home improvement project, be sure you request and receive a written proposal. Examine it carefully to make sure it is both complete and fair. There are a few things you must be sure to avoid:

>> Do not pay in full unless the work has been completed.
>> Do not pay in full without a final inspection.
>> Never settle for an oral agreement with your contractor for any of the work needed.
>> All points should be clearly documented in writing.

If changes are made to the project after the initial contract is signed, be sure to request a written contract amendment.

If questions come up after the contracts have been signed, talk to the contractor who signed the contract, as he will be the one with the authority to make any final decision. These guidelines are important for selecting the right roofing contractor.