Roofing is an integral part of your property. Planning and executing the project can be daunting, expensive, and time-consuming. That being said, the investment return is worth the hassle. According to Home 365, replacing a roof can yield 85% or more on resale.
States' regulations on roofing contractors are few and, in some cases, non-existent. Additionally, states don't require building codes to roof houses. Thus, entry into the roofing business is easy and costs lower than other contract jobs.
Before meeting roofing contractors, understand your roofing needs and preferences to get the right fit for the roofing project. This article describes ten questions you should ask a roofing contractor before hiring them.
Do You Have a License, Bond, and Insurance?
The first question for the roofing contractor should be whether they have got a license, bond, and insurance. The state's board of licensing contractors registers contractors.
A bonded contractor follows set rules and ethics when working. The bond ensures homeowners can continue to get services if the company collapses before the job is complete. Typically, bonding companies bear the responsibility.
Every contractor should have an insurance policy with the workman's company, general liability, and vehicle insurance company. All vehicles, either owned or unowned, should have insurance cover.
Roofers with all these requirements are happy to show the documents. A contractor with the correct paperwork would be an excellent fit for your work. However, you can compromise depending on the cost of your project.
Does Your Business Operate Locally?
Picking a local contractor is essential. You can get an idea by asking the roofing contractor about their office's physical location. This way, finding them in case of future problems is easy.
When looking for a roofer, be keen to avoid getting into an agreement with state companies that come to regions after storms and relocate once roofing jobs are reduced.
In addition, quality roofing companies know about installation codes to use, required paperwork, and ensure your roof installation complies with state regulations.
Local roofing contractors understand the region's weather conditions and can advise on better roofing options. Also, they know of neighboring hardware stores that sell quality roofing materials at relatively lower prices, and they can get contractor discounts there.
Do You Have a Workmanship Warranty?
Roof warranties protect roof investments. Both the contractor and roofing materials offer warranties. Ensure you know the type of warranty your roofing contractor provides to clients. It can range from one to twenty-five years. Other contracts can go above and beyond and offer a lifetime warranty.
Warranty mostly depends on roofing materials. For instance, companies that deal with caulk supplies give two-year warranties since caulks fail within several years.
Before signing a contract agreement, it's essential to read the paperwork keenly. The warranty terms can be a misfit to your project.
Do You Have Shingles Manufacturers Certification?
Top shingles manufacturers tend to pick the ten or fewer best roofing contractors in a region and certify them after a certification process.
The certification indicates that shingles manufacturers trust that the contractor and company are reputable. Usually, the manufacturers can look for well-established contractors in the community to certify them.
When you hire a certified contractor, you'll not worry about the quality of installations. The roofer will follow the roofing instructions to the letter. Also, you'll get the best out of the materials.
Do You Have References?
To hire the right roofing contractor, getting references is crucial. You can ask contractors to provide references for jobs completed within six months.
A reputable contractor will give you references freely after asking. You can double-check to see if the contractor's references are accurate by talking to their past clients.
On the flip side, if contractors aren't willing to give out references, they're not sure of their work or generally offer substandard services to clients. Don't think of hiring them to avoid losing your hard-earned money through poor-quality roofing.
How Can You Protect Property?
When working on a roof, roofing contractors should ensure they protect the property. Ask the contractor about steps they'll take in protecting light fixtures, landscaping, lawns, and other vital elements of your property.
Some contractors try to be clever by sneaking into the roof estimate clause that they aren't responsible for damage. Be careful and read terms keenly when signing paperwork.
Protecting property is paramount and plays a big part in roof replacement. If the contractor fails to cover damages during the replacement process, you'll have to repair them yourself. This additional expense can lead to a financial crunch.
Is the Company Owner Reachable?
Ask the roofing contractor if you can talk to the owner if there's a disagreement or problem. You cannot give value to being able to speak with the company owner about essential things about the roofing project.
If owners listen to questions and concerns, you can have peace of mind knowing that they'll handle your issues. However, if every time you call, you speak to people without authority, they might shuffle you from one employee to another. The unending shuffles can make it hard for you to get help with your problem.
It's essential to know the person you'll be dealing with if you have a problem. If you're able to talk to the company owner, it shows you're important.
Do You Plan to Use Subcontractors?
When looking for a roofer, it's crucial to know who will install your roof. Some contractors use subcontractors to do the work, especially if they require additional labor.
In the case of subcontractors, you'll need to ask them the same questions. You should know if they've insurance policies to cover the risks of accidents. In many cases, subcontractors' insurance differs from that of general contractors and doesn't relate to the company's roofing insurance.
If you engage a subcontractor who doesn't have an insurance policy and an accident occurs, you'll bear the costs and damages. Also, you can contact the insurance company to confirm if the insurance policies are valid.
Do You Require a Building Permit?
Some local codes and buildings require roofing contractors to have building permits. The roofing contractor should obtain a license before the roofing work starts. To get the permits, roofers provide insurance and required licenses.
Building permits requirements depend on local states. If the roofer isn't well-versed with local regulations, they might not be aware of them. Ensure you know about your property's state-related rules. You can ask other contractors or research online.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
When searching for a contractor to work on your roofing project, it's vital to know how long they've been in business in your local region. Investing in a roof replacement requires a lot of money and shoddy work is unacceptable.
If you select a newer company, prices can be lower. However, you can't choose price over quality.
Consider hiring a contractor who is established and understands the region's history. If the company has been in business for a long time, it doesn't guarantee quality roofing work. But in case of problems, you'll be able to reach them.
Asking roofing contractors the right questions is a step towards having a quality roof replacement. When you plan to meet the contractors, write down your questions to avoid forgetting important points. Give your opinions on contractors' roof estimates for your roofer to understand your preferences better. To schedule an appointment to discuss these essential questions, reach out to Penn Ohio Roofing and Siding Group LLC today.