Replacing the roof on your house is not something you want to pay for twice. This is why it is important to do your research and to know the questions to ask a roofing contractor; it ensure that you hire someone who will get the job done right - the first time.
Establish a Foundation: Roof Problems or Remodel?
Establish your needs before reaching out to a contractor. Determine whether it is a roofing problem to be fixed or a new remodel. Research roofing options before contacting a contractor. You don't need to know everything about roofing, but knowing the overall project details equips you to decide which contractor is the best fit.
It will be helpful to consider these questions and expectations as you begin the process of gathering several bids:
- What is the amount I am willing to spend on roofing remodel or repair?
- Determine an expectation for the project timeline.
- Research roofing options and materials, as this will help narrow the search for which contractors to inquire about your specific project.
Roofing Questions and Answers
Once you have established the overall project details and are ready to begin the process of contacting roofing contractors to request quotes, here are the questions to ask a roofing contractor before hiring:
1. How long have you been in business?
When investing in a roof replacement, choose a contractor that has a strong and well-established history in your local area, one who will be around to take care of you should a roofing problem arise in the future. A young business may offer a lower price however, the longer they have been in business, the more likely they'll be able to offer customer referrals and provide experienced knowledge of expectations, material costs, and overall project timeline
2. Do you have proper proof of licensing, certification, and insurance?
Know your roofing contractor has proper documentation of the required qualifications. These licensing requirements can vary between states therefore it is important to ensure they have liability insurance, a business license, and they are bonded. These are documents a high-quality, trusted roofer will be able to readily provide upon request.
3. Is your business local?
Hire a contractor local to the area in which you live. A quality roofing company will know which codes to follow, the necessary paperwork required, and how to correctly install your roof in compliance with the state's requirements.
4. How do you ensure the safety of my home, property, and family?
You are entrusting a contractor and their employees to be at your home every day for an extended period of time. Roofing projects are an essential and expensive task therefore hiring a company you trust to be around your home every day, ensuring the protection of your property, family and its own employees is important.
5. Can I see past projects or recent customer reviews?
Before hiring, get a better idea of their quality of work by asking to view projects they have completed in the past. Similarly, reading reviews and referrals of past customers will provide a better understanding of cost, quality of work, experience, project timelines, and overall customer satisfaction.
6. Establish expectations for project timeline and budget.
Get an idea for how long your roofing project will take to complete. There are no guarantees weather permitting or possible material supply chain issues however, making sure you are on the same page with a contractor about expectations for the project timeline will help establish expectations upfront and stay within the determined budget.
Hiring a roofer is an important investment and decision. To guarantee you are making the most cost-efficient decision with confidence and peace of mind, here are other questions to consider before making a decision:
- What do you do in the event of inclement weather?
- If you hire subcontractors, what is their contact information?
- Who do I contact for questions or updates regarding my project?
- Will you perform roofing repair or maintenance?
- How is payment processed?
- What circumstances might arise to cause a deviation from the set price?
If you need a quality roofing contractor, call Findlay Roofing. We've been repairing and replacing roofs in the Atlanta area since 1995. Our trusted team of contractors are readily available to answer all of your questions and help you through the process.
