Roofing Contractor

Top Things to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

Courtni Wisenbaker-Scheel

You’ve literally seen the writing on the walls. It’s time for a new roof, and you need to get the best roofing contractor you can to perform the job. But how do you hone in on that perfect person? By asking these six questions from Home Improvement Leads, you’re certain to get the information necessary to make your roof installation run smoothly and professionally. (*Home Improvement Leads is a third party and not an affiliate of the WHN)

Are you licensed?

Most states—and in some cases, cities or counties—require contractors to be licensed before they can perform a roof installation. To find out whether you live in this particular area, check your city’s and state’s websites for licensing requirements, and only interview those contractors who are properly certified.

Are you insured?

We all know accidents happen, especially on construction sites. But not every accident is going to be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, nor should it be. Make sure that you and your property are protected in the event of an incident by hiring a roofing contractor that carries both worker’s compensation insurance and general liability insurance.

What is my warranty?

You should receive two answers for this question: one for the roofing materials and one for your contractor’s labor. Most companies guarantee their products for at least 25 years when installed per the manufacturer’s instructions—whereas contractors generally only insure their work for a year. Read through each warranty thoroughly and make sure you understand your coverage before work begins on your home.

Will you remove my old roof?

Shoddy roofing contractors will only do a visual inspection of your roof before laying new shingles atop the old. Though this would save you time and money in the short term, it is definitely a practice to avoid. Only by completely removing the original roof will they be able to find and repair warped, damaged, or rotted wood. Find out what your contractor will charge per sheet of plywood if repair work needs to be done, and have it listed in your contract to save yourself the headache of price haggling once the job is completed. Also, your contractor is in charge of bringing a refuse container for all debris and discuss where it will be placed for the duration of the renovation.

Do you have references I can contact?

Talking to previous clients is always the best way to know what you can expect from a particular contractor’s performance during a renovation. Though it is safe to say that your potential contractor will only offer the information of satisfied customers, they will still provide you with a better overall understanding of how the process will go. To get the best insight into a potential contractor’s actual work quality, ask to visit current job sites.

Who will be onsite daily?

A project manager should always be present at your home whenever work is happening. If a crew arrives without one or cannot provide you with their phone number, do not let them begin work until the issue has been rectified. This protects all parties involved and gives you a daily point of contact to address any issues or concerns.

Finally, ask for a local phone number and physical office address. If your interviewee can provide you with that, as well as satisfactory answers to these questions, you’ve found your new roofing contractor!