There are specific questions that every roofing company should be able to answer. If the contractor you have hired cannot answer those questions, then it is best to move on and find someone who can do the job without any issues or hiccups. Here are 14 questions to ask any roofer or roofing company you’re considering.
How many years has the roofing company been in operation?
When considering a roofer, the first thing you should do is find out how long the company has been in business. If they have been around for quite some time, that is a good sign that they know what they are doing and won’t make mistakes or cut corners.
Is the company insured and licensed?
You should confirm that the company is insured and licensed. Ask for proof of this so that you know they are legitimate and legally able to do business in your jurisdiction. You should clarify what type of insurance is carried by the contractor when working on your home’s roof and whether or not it will cover damage to your own home and you, the homeowner.
Are there any guarantees?
You also want to find out if they offer any guarantee or warranty on their craft and materials used for the roof. If so, what is covered by this warranty? It would be best if you clarified all of these issues before you hire the contractor or company. Most new roofing systems carry warranties that can last for 10 to 50 years, depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, roofing companies typically offer some amount of coverage on their installations.
Is the roofing company an accredited member of a trade association?
Roofing companies that are members of business and trade associations must uphold the highest standards in their industry. As such, they get held to a much higher standard than competitors or independent contractors that aren’t members of these leading groups or organizations. For this reason, homeowners can move ahead with confidence the company has their best interests in mind.
Does the roofing company have references to contact?
It would be best to always ask for references from all roofing companies you are considering hiring. Most reputable roofing companies can provide references from pleased clients. In addition, you can research customer satisfaction by reading reviews on sites including Facebook, Yelp, and Google My Business to get a more straightforward overview of the companies performance. Further, you can also see whether the company is responsive to their review and how they handle positive, negative, and neutral feedback.
What materials do they recommend?
It would be best to ask about the materials they recommend for your roofing project and why. Be sure that you have the option to install the most appropriate material for your needs. If a contractor recommends one type of roofing system over another, ask them why. Their feedback and replies will give you an idea of how they think about their work and if they have your interests in mind.
Do they handle details like getting permits?
It would be best to discuss what happens after you agree to hire them with the roofing company. For example, do they handle permits and inspections? If not, you may have to do that independently, which could add time and expense to the project.
What are the steps to replacement and project completion?
You should know what your expectations are before you hire a roofing company. Ask about the steps of replacing the roof, from removal to cleanup, re-inspections, and inspection by local building officials. Also, ask how long this whole process will take so you can plan accordingly.
What methods do they use to access the roof?
Another essential question to ask and consider when hiring a roofing company is how they will access your roof. For example, do they use a ladder or lift to inspect or perform work? Ask for details about any potential issues that could arise and how they will get addressed.
Will new flashing get installed?
You should know if the new roofing system will have flashing installed when work begins. You want to ensure that your roof meets local building code requirements and protects against water damage over time.
How do they inspect roofs?
You also want to know how a company inspects roofs before and after work gets completed to ensure the job gets completed correctly. A good roofing company will also try to be proactive in the process by conducting regular inspections independently, which can help keep your roof lasting for many years.
How do payments get handled?
Another question to ask is how payments get handled. Is the company going to send you an invoice for payment? Are they going to submit a detailed proposal that includes what work they will be doing? These are all things you want to know in advance to have complete control over the process and final price of your project. You’ll also want to confirm accepted payment methods, such as cash, check, credit, or debit.
Will the company use sealant instead of flash?
In recent years, the use of sealant has become a more popular option for roofing companies. Sealants are long-lasting but also helps to keep things like ice, mud, leaves, and dirt from getting under your shingles during inclement weather. To avoid confusion or misunderstanding, you should ask if the company plans to use this type of protection on your roof.
When can they get started?
It is best to ask about when the company can get started on your roofing project. If you are trying to schedule this project around other home renovations or an urgent job, then it is best to know how long it is before the company can begin work and the length of time they expect the project to complete.
We hope this blog post has helped you determine what questions to ask before hiring a roofing company. If it did, we want to hear from you. So don’t hesitate to contact our roofing experts today for a free estimate on roofing services in Newton, Norwell, Wellesley, Hingham, Needham, Westwood, and Dover, Massachusetts.