When it comes to safeguarding your home and ensuring its long-term structural integrity, the importance of a sound roof cannot be overstated. Whether you’re planning a roof replacement, repair, or a brand-new installation, finding the right roofer for the job is critical. Before you call several roofing companies for an estimate, you should have a list of top questions to ask each roofing company. The answers they give will help you narrow down your choices. And, by knowing what the answers should be, you will be able to tell if the roofer is trustworthy and reliable. Here’s a guide with essential questions to ask a roofing contractor, plus a downloadable checklist to take notes and keep things organized.
Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
1. What’s Your Legal Business Name?
Make sure you are dealing with a legitimate business. A quality business entity will have filed with their state so they can get the proper insurances and licenses to do business. Look up their legal name in the Massachusetts corporate database to confirm they’ve filed the necessary paperwork for insurance and licensing. You want to be sure you are dealing with a legitimate business and not someone who will take your deposit and disappear or use low quality materials in place of what you paid for.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters. Contractors with more years in the business often bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. However, make sure to balance this with other factors like references and past project successes, as longevity alone isn’t a guarantee of quality.
3. Who Owns Your Company, and How Long Have They Owned It?
Asking about the ownership of the roofing business and the duration of their ownership helps you gain insights into the company’s stability, expertise, and commitment to quality service. A long-established ownership:
- Suggests that the business has been successful and able to maintain a positive reputation over time.
- Demonstrates a dedication to customer satisfaction and a desire to build lasting relationships.
- Signifies a level of success and a positive reputation in the industry. Companies with a strong reputation are more likely to prioritize customer satisfaction and deliver exceptional results.
4. Do You Have the Proper Licenses, Insurance and Workers’ Compensation?
It’s essential to work only with licensed contractors. Licensing shows that they know their craft, and insurance protects you from liability. Roofing contractors should carry both liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Without it, you could be on the hook if a worker gets injured on your property or if there’s damage to your home.
- Workers’ compensation covers you in the case of a contractor injury. If there is no workers’ comp, you may be responsible for medical bills and other costs associated with the injury.
- Liability insurance protects you from damage caused by the roofers during repair or replacement. If your roof is installed by a contractor without liability insurance, you may not be able to make a claim if there is damage to your roof due to their poor workmanship.
Look up the necessary licensing requirements in your area so that you have a fair idea of the licensing the job requires. And always check the legal documents! Avoid any contractor who doesn’t provide insurance documents, licenses, or warranties.
5. Are You a Local Contractor?
Working with a local contractor provides a better experience for the homeowner because it is easier for them to promptly come and go from your place in case there is an emergency. A quality local roofing company will know the local roofing codes and the permits required. This helps ensure your roof is correctly installed and in compliance with your state’s requirements.
6. Can You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?
A good roofing company should always provide a free, written estimate that outlines the scope of the project, labor and material costs. Requesting a comprehensive breakdown of the project cost allows you to assess the financial aspects of the job and make an informed decision.
A written estimate helps minimize surprises during the project. You’ll want to know the actual cost of tearing off the old roof, installing the new roof and disposing of debris. The estimate should outline other potential costs, like replacing the underlying plywood decking if they discover damage once the project starts.
By understanding the costs upfront, you can anticipate the financial aspects and plan accordingly. Additionally, it provides a reference point to ensure that the final invoice aligns with the initial estimate.
7. Will You Provide a Written Contract?
A written contract protects both you and the contractor by clearly outlining the project details, costs, timeline, and any warranties. Requesting a written contract ensures that both parties are on the same page regarding the scope of work, timelines, materials, and other crucial aspects of the project. You can proceed with the roofing project knowing that all the details have been documented and agreed upon.
A written contract serves as a legally binding document that protects both parties. It establishes the terms and conditions of the project, including payment terms, warranties, and dispute resolution procedures. Having a written contract in place safeguards your interests and provides recourse in case of any disagreements or breaches of agreement.
8. Do You Offer a Warranty for Materials and Workmanship?
Ask about the manufacturer’s warranty on materials and whether the contractor offers a workmanship warranty. A reputable contractor will stand by their work, offering coverage in case issues arise after the job is done.
9. Can You Assist With Insurance Claims?
If your roof has been damaged by a storm or other incident, a knowledgeable contractor can help guide you through the insurance claims process, making it easier to get the repairs covered by your policy.
10. Can You Provide References From Previous Clients?
A trustworthy contractor will have plenty of happy customers willing to vouch for their work. Check references, read reviews, and, if possible, visit previous job sites to inspect the quality of their craftsmanship.
They will also have many reviews available through an internet search. Don’t worry about about a couple of bad reviews if there are many 5 star reviews. Read the reviews and get a good picture of how this contractor handles issues.
11. Will You Handle the Necessary Permits?
Obtaining permits is a crucial step in ensuring that the roofing project complies with local building codes and regulations. It is crucial for the safety and structural integrity of the roof. By acquiring the necessary permits, the roofing company demonstrates their commitment to following the established standards and ensuring a properly constructed roof.
But it is also critical that the contractor pull the permit, not the homeowner. If you pull your own permit, you are responsible for any damages or injuries that may occur on your property. By entrusting the roofing company to obtain the permit, you transfer the responsibility to them. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that the roofing project is being conducted in accordance with local laws and regulations and any issues will be handled by the roofing company.
12. Do You Use Subcontractors?
Some contractors will use subcontractors to handle roofing work. If your contractor uses subcontractors, then get verification that the subcontractor workers have workman’s compensation and general liability insurance. You might want to grab a waiver that protects you in case the contractor doesn’t pay his subcontractors.
Get information about the subcontractor’s experience and reputation. Most roofing companies do use subcontractors so it is good to understand the structure of their team, their experience with the type of roofing materials you are using and how they will complete the work.
Roofing contractors hire subcontractors to perform specific tasks on their behalf. However, they should still maintain overall responsibility for the project and ensure that the subcontractors meet the necessary standards.
13. Will You Inspect My Roof Before You Provide an Estimate?
This is one of the important questions to ask a roofer because not all will do a detailed inspection before providing an estimate. Some companies will claim to save time and money by performing a simple visual inspection before installing a new roof over the existing one. By doing it this way, you may be covering up roof damage that should be addressed. If there are soft or rotten spots of plywood underneath the old shingles, roofing over an old layer of shingles will result in you having to do this project again sooner than you expect.
Ask the roofing company if they will inspect your roof, including your attic, to ensure they are providing an accurate estimate for the work. That means checking for leaks, high levels of moisture and proper ventilation. If your contractor declines to check the attic, then you shouldn’t hire him!
14. Will You Remove the Old Shingles or Just Roof Over?
You don’t need to know every little detail about how to install a roof. But you should understand how the roofing contractor will get the job done. You have to make decisions while hiring a roofing contractor and this is a good question to have with the contractors you interview.
While replacing the roof, you have two options: tear off the existing layer or roof over the existing roof. It’s best to be clear about the plan of action your roofing contractor has in mind. Keep in mind that, per the building code, a roof can’t have more than two shingle layers.
Applying a second layer of shingles on the roof isn’t always feasible. If your current roof has deteriorated, has structural damage or has mildew and mold on it, it’s best to peel off the old layer before new shingles are installed.
If your roof is structurally sound with a little bit of wear, you can go for layering to save some money. But don’t forget that it’s in the best interests of your home if the original layer is taken off, inspected, repaired and weatherized so that your home can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it.
15. Will You Clean Up the Site and Remove Old Materials?
Ensure that cleanup and disposal of old roofing materials are included in the estimate. You don’t want to be left with a mess to deal with once the job is done.
Final Thoughts
Finding a trustworthy and reliable roofing contractor doesn’t have to be stressful. As a homeowner, it is good to have a trusted roofing contractor that you can call on to handle your various roofing issues whenever they arise. By asking the right questions and doing your homework, you can ensure your home’s roof is in good hands. Download our handy checklist to stay organized, and feel free to reach out if you need help along the way!
