Roof repairs or replacement is a big job and not one you should try to take care of yourself. Your roof is an intricate part of what keeps your family, your home, and all your belongings safe. But it can be overwhelming trying to find roofing contractor professionals you can trust.
Ask people you know for recommendations and then once you narrow the list, prepare a few questions to ask them.
Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor for a New Roof Installation
Your roof replacement is a major investment in your home, so you don’t want to leave it to just anyone. Besides, don’t be afraid to ask a few hard questions. A reputable roofing company and contractor will be more than happy to answer them.
Roofing Contractor License and Insurance
Never assume that the company or roofing contractor you are talking to has all the necessary insurance and licenses. When you are doing your research, they should have these posted on their website.
If you don’t see it, ask. If they don’t produce it, keep walking. Most importantly, they should have it front and center when you visit their office and website. Don’t accept any excuse for why they don’t have it.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
You want to find a company that has a history you can track. A new company can still have very experienced roofers, so be sure to ask about their collective experience.
You want to know that they will still be there down the line when you want services or an annual roof inspection or maintenance. A warranty isn’t much good if the company is gone.
Can I See Your Work?
Ask about their past work and if you can see pictures of their work. Their website should also include this. If not, ask to see some samples, and make sure it is their work.
They should be proud of the work they have done and show it to you willingly. It should also be posted on their website. Even a new company will bring in experienced contractors with their own portfolios.
References
Ask for references and use them. Call places where they worked before and ask a few questions. Were they happy with the work? Were there any problems? Would they recommend them?
Look at reviews online that are independent of their own website. They are not going to post negative reviews of their work, but people who have used their roofing services in the past will.
Where Are You?
Make sure they have an address. If it’s a guy working out of his van, that’s a hard pass. These guys are looking to make a quick buck and won’t be in it for the long haul. Find an actual office, not a post office box.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional Contractor for your New Roof
It is in your best interests to hire a licensed and experienced roofing contractor. You do not want to do it yourself and you should never hire someone without a license or insurance.
If mistakes are made or someone gets injured, your homeowner’s insurance will likely not cover it. Hiring someone who can do the job for half the price will often end up costing you twice as much to have it done right.
Your professional roofing contractor will have everything in place for the materials, the crew, and all the permits. They will take care of removing your old roof, cleaning up, and doing a follow-up.
Homeowner’s Guide to Evaluating the Quality of a Roofing Contractor
Trust is the number one thing you want from your roofing contractor. If you don’t feel they are being upfront and honest, walk away. They should offer an estimate and put no pressure on you to decide.
You want to find someone who lives where you do. If you see a neighbor getting roof work done, ask them about the contractor and the company they are using.
Lastly, always ask about warranties. It is important they tell you about it right away., offer you a bid for services, and not make any demands for money upfront before anything has been agreed on.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
Your new roof will not be cheap, but nor should it be. Depending on what you are having done, the average cost of a new roof can be between $5000 to $10,000.
This will depend on the materials you choose, the difficulty of replacing your roof, and the size of the roof being replaced. Factor in labor and other incidentals, and this is close to what you can expect.
Professional Roofing Contractor Services
In addition, you should never trust your roof to anyone but a professional and reputable roofing company. Get references, get several quotes, and make smart choices.
