Homeowners usually know the questions to ask a roofing contractor. This includes how long the contractor has been operating, proof of insurance, references, and other important information concerning warranties. Installing a roof at one’s home or establishment is a complicated task.
The little things the roofing workforce does can make a huge difference. That is why it is crucial to select an experienced, reliable, and licensed roofing contractor who knows exactly what they are doing.
The following are key questions to ask a roofing contractor before hiring one:
1. What is your company’s full name, contact number, and address?
Basically, you must know all information about the roofing contractor: company name, business address, and contact number. Likewise, ask for a physical address if they are utilizing a P.O. box. A roofing company that has no physical address ought to raise a concern. Thus, it is best if you proceed to the next company.
2. Do you have insurance for your workforce?
Roofing companies should provide adequate workforce compensation and insurance that protects you in case of an accident. The workforce’s compensation will protect you in case an employee from the roofing company gets injured. Moreover, the liability will protect the homeowner from damage that is caused by the roofing employees upon replacement or repair.
Without the workforce’s compensation and insurance, you (the homeowner) may be held liable. Thus, you will pay for the workman’s medical costs and other damages connected with the injury. Meanwhile, your homeowner’s insurance may or may not cover this type of accident. In the end, you will still be responsible for the damages and costs.
3. Do you work with roofing subcontractors?
It is equally important to know whether a subcontractor will perform any or a part of the roofing task. If yes, then make sure you also ask the same questions to the roofing subcontractor. Most especially, ask if they are insured.
Some roofing companies use subcontractors that will do the job. You must guarantee that you acquire lien waivers that will protect you in case the contractor fails to pay them.
4. Is the company a licensed roofing contractor?
Ask whether the roofing contractor is licensed by the state or the city. The requirements for licensure varies by state. Some states require a contractor to be licensed before performing any operation.
- You must verify whether your state or area requires a license: If it does, check with your local licensing office to ensure the roofer’s license is legit, up to date, and without underlying violations.
- Business license vs. roofing license: There is a thin line between a business license and a roofing contractor license. The former is a license that identifies a company and for tax purposes. A roofing contractor is only qualified to operate as a roofer if they own a roofing contractor license.
5. Can I ask for homeowner references?
It is helpful to ask if you can visit any areas or sites the company is working for or worked for previously. Likewise, ask for references to know if previous clients were satisfied with their service.
Although, some clients refuse to have their personal information or the contractor you may pick and give you references of happy customers. Nonetheless, whatever information you have from previous homeowners, ask their reviews or whether the job was completed by the contractor.
6. Do you offer a warranty?
Ask the company how long they can guarantee the success of their work. Typically, a roof warranty lasts a year or more, although some contractors offer longer warranties. Usually, the manufacturer secures the materials and tools, and the roofing company covers the work. Those are two separate warranties, so you must ask the roofer what is inclusive of each warranty and its time period.
7. Will you install new flashings, or reuse old materials?
Replacing or repairing your roof flashing is not an easy job. The contractor needs to measure and remove the previous flashing and use new ones before properly installing them in your home.
Some less reliable roofing contractors find new flashings are not worth the hassle. However, as a homeowner, you will find it necessary to have new flashings. Old flashings should only be designed as integration with the material type and dimensions of your original roof.
Flashings will reveal its age and durability over time. If contractors do not replace your flashings, it could only leave you with bigger costs in the future. This is most especially true if the roof begins to leak and rust, which only causes damage to your roof and home.
It is a huge job
Looking for the right roofing contractor can be a demanding experience. You can look for good roofing contractors online or in your local phone book. List down the potential contractors and trim down the list by asking them the right questions. This may seem like a tedious task, but when you find the right contractor, it will be worth it. Remember, the roofing contractor will work on your roof, thus ensuring your home’s safety. So, be patient and it will all be worth your time. If you’re having a difficult time choosing for a reliable one, you may visit http://johnbealroofing.com/st-louis/ for more information.
Matt Tennant
Matt Tennant is a writer contributing pieces for John Beal Roofing. His passion for his craft allows him to be able to write unique and creative pieces for http://johnbealroofing.com/st-louis/. He strives to make sure his pieces are informative and entertaining, given his fascination with his topics. He likes to paint during his free time.
