If you are considering a new roof for your home or business, there are some important things to consider before signing on the dotted line. The roofing contractor you hire is an important decision to make, so it’s important to ask the right questions before hiring them.
How long have you been in the roofing business?
Knowing how long the roofing company you want to use has been in business means you’ll know if they are in it for the long haul. You don’t want to hire a fly-by-night contractor that is only working on storm damage that may have happened in your area.
Do you offer a warranty for your roofing jobs?
Roofing warranties are issued to product your large investment in having a new roof installed.
Roofing warranties can vary from 1 year to a lifetime warranty depending upon the roofing contractor that is installing your new roof. Some roofing companies offer a dual warranty one for the materials and one for the workmanship on how the roof is installed.
Make sure you read the warranty over well before you sign the papers to have your roof repaired or before you have a new roof installed.
Are you a licensed roofer and are you bonded and insured?
The first thing you should ask a roofing contractor is whether or not they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
For a builder to obtain a license, they simply need to register with the state board of licensing contractors. The cost of a project will influence what they need for a license.
A bonding company knows that a contractor does business correctly and ethically. This is what it means to be bonded.
A bond ensures that if a company goes out of business during the middle of a job or if there’s a problem with the work and they don’t fix the problem, then the customer can fall back on and contact the bond company.
All contractors should be covered by liability insurance for the general liability, workman’s compensation, and a company vehicle insurance policy on all of the vehicles owned and leased.
Each state will have different requirements, laws, and codes that roofing contractors must abide by.
Is your roofing company a local business?
When choosing contractors to hire, it is vital that you pick one that’s local to your area. Always ask a roofing contractor where their physical location is and make sure that they have a physical address. This will ensure you know where to find them if you ever have a problem with your roof should it arise.
Local roofing businesses will know what the state and local codes are that they need to follow so that your roof is properly installed and in compliance with your laws.
Do you use roofing subcontractors?
A reliable company should outline how they’ve delegated different tasks to subcontractors, and why.
Ensure the subcontractors have both the correct licenses and insurance required by law. You should verify the physical location of the subcontractors, along with their names, removing any suspicious information from the Better Business Bureau and social media.
How long will it take to complete the project?
The challenge or difficulty that can affect the roofing contractor’s ability to complete the full roofing project is described by the contractor. The contractor should define contingency plans to identify any possible issues that may affect the project’s completion time.
How soon can you start a new roofing project?
There are some seasonal consistencies that you’ll need to take into consideration when starting a new roofing project.
- In the winter and early spring, you can usually have a new roof installed within a few days to a couple of weeks
- In the late spring, summer, and fall, you should expect longer lead times of 1-3 weeks to have your new roof installed
How will you protect my property during the installation process?
Ideally, the landscaping and lawn surrounding your house should look exactly the same after the roofing job as it did before the project began.
Have your roofer make sure they proactively prevent anything that falls off the structure so that it does not cause harm to kids or animals.
In conclusion, it is important to ask your roofing contractor the right questions in order to make an informed decision. By asking the right questions, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible service and that your roof will be installed correctly. Get all agreements in writing, including start and completion dates, payment schedule, and warranty information. If you are in need of a new roof, be sure to contact a reputable roofing contractor today.
At 4A Roofing, we offer quality workmanship backed by a five-year watertight warranty. We have experience with just about any issue you can have, with any and all styles of roofs! Whether you’re in need of a repair or a full replacement of your roof, we’d be happy to take a look and see what the best option is for you and your home. Give us a call today at 360-558-1572 for an estimate for your roofing needs.