Every time you go into an auto body shop, there’s this natural urge to be aware of everything that is going on with your car, right? Exactly, the same feeling should be with your roof! The roof plays an integral part in your home’s structural integrity and those doing the work, roofing contractors, should get a fair share of scrutiny.
Roofing contractors are not to be vetted lightly as your time, money, and peace of mind are online! If you’re like most people who have no clue about them, you most likely ended up here. Today, we’ll discuss what you need to know about roofing contractors!
Why do you need a Roofing Contractor?
A roofing contractor is a licensed professional that is specialized in roof construction. Roof construction is not like your other type of home improvement project where you can do it yourself due to inherent safety risks and required expertise. Therefore, it’s a professional job, meaning you have to hire someone!
While that may have registered as “more money needed to be spent” in your mind, it really pays off when you get the right guys to do the job!
Vetting Roofing Contractors the Right Way!
Here are the Top 5 Questions that you should always ask a potential roofing contractor you are looking to hire!
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and properly insured?
This is a huge first step in analyzing a potential roofing contractor! A license ensures said contractor has expertise through the state in which their business operates, When it comes to being bonded, that in essence, establishes their credibility of what they do base on ethics and quality. Insured means simply that they have general liability protection just in case anything goes awry!
This is a dealbreaker right off the bat, and it is recommended to ask for physical proof before proceeding. No roofing contractor would be hesitant to show you unless they have something to hide!
2. How long have you been operating in the area?
Roofing contractors that have been around the block a few times have a better understanding of the challenges that roofs face locally, and therefore, it always is an advantage when you need help on yours! However, don’t use that to automatically qualify or disqualify roofing contractors.
For local roofing contractors, be sure to gather contact information and the physical location of the roof contractor’s office if you ever experience any type of problem or discrepancy.
It’s a great perk that helps establish credibility with a company that may know your issue better given everything else is in order! More years in the business, FOR THE MOST PART, equates to more expertise.
3. Can I have some references?
References are examples of past jobs that a roofing contractor has done in the last 3 to 6 months which may include before and after pictures to measure the quality of work done or perhaps even talking to previous clients’ experiences that patronized the company’s services.
As you can see, credibility is a huge theme, because it is one of the biggest things that help develop trust and confidence in a roofing contractor, and it sure applies to this question!
Hesitation is an automatic disqualification. You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing its history, why would you do the same here?
4. What is your workmanship warranty?
Warranties are a two-way street when it comes to roof work, where one is allocated to roofing material, and the other is on the contractor’s workmanship. Be sure to inquire in particular on the latter as it corresponds to the service that is done on your house.
Want to know how much a roofing contractor cares about you? Look at the size of the warranty offered! That way you’ll know who’s really in it for the long haul not just with you, but for you as well.
5. What are your property protection protocols before, during, and after selected services?
The right roofing contractor is cognizant of the property they are working on and will be sure to take care of it at all costs. Review how potential roof contractors will ensure your property is taken care of and make sure their responsibility in cleaning and maintaining your house in all phases is clearly stated in the contract before signing.
What’s the Verdict?
Just like the car example, you want to make sure your roof is given the best service; therefore, it is necessary to stay informed on what you need to know about those who work on them: roofing contractors!
Don’t be afraid to really ask and inquire about issues regarding credibility such as documentation, references, and so forth as you vet potential companies. The right ones will always be happy to show you! If you have any lingering questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We are honored to be in your service!
Got a roofing question? Reach out here!