Questions To Ask When Hiring a Roofing Contractor
You can’t live in denial any longer. Your ceiling has a water stain. And you recently found shingles scattered on your lawn. Before you know it, you’ll be playing Dr. Dolittle with the raccoons, squirrels, and birds in your attic. It’s time to face the fact that your roof needs attention from a qualified roofing contractor. But how do you choose the right one? Here are some important questions you should ask before deciding who to hire.
Does your company have good insurance coverage?
Working on a roof is risky. But hiring a roofing contractor who isn’t adequately insured can be downright dangerous. If a worker is hurt on your property and the company is uninsured or underinsured, you could be liable. Your homeowner’s policy could have to cover the damages, or you might have to pay out of pocket. Contractor’s insurance can also protect your wallet in the unfortunate case of property damage during the construction project.
Before hiring a roofer, it’s essential to verify the company is properly insured. The liability amount recommended for most contractors is at least $1 million. Be sure to also ask your contractor if they have additional workmanship coverage, which protects against damage resulting from defective workmanship, incorrect installation or faulty materials.
Will you explain how my warranty works?
Many roofing contractors will provide lifetime warranties that cover workmanship and materials. You should understand how your warranty works and know who to call should anything go wrong. Be sure to ask how long the work and materials are covered and if the coverage is full or prorated over time. For example, Quality Built Exteriors’ architectural shingle roofs come with a full 30-year warranty; that means if the roof goes bad on year 28, Owens Corning (the manufacturer) has to cover a complete replacement. Most warranties prorate their coverage, which means they would only provide the value of however many years are left in the warranty.
Your contractor should be able to clarify these details and answer any questions regarding the claim process up front and in writing. Most roofing material manufacturers provide some level of warranty on their products, but they require contractors to precisely follow their installation specifications. Failure to do so may result in a voided warranty. That means you should also ask your contractor if they will install all materials to the manufacturer’s specs.
What level of quality and performance should I expect from my roofing materials?
Different roofing materials serve different purposes, are suited to different types of roofs, and can vary greatly when it comes to maintenance, quality, longevity and performance. For example, an asphalt shingle roof will likely need to be replaced well before a metal roof, and a flat roof requires special membrane products instead of traditional shingles.
You will want to ask potential contractors what roofing materials would work best for your roof type, slope and style, to get the best product for your home and budget. Ask what different brands and types the contractor carries, and research which ones you prefer before choosing your contractor.
Do you follow local codes?
While this one might sound like a no-brainer, the reality is that many contractors simply do not follow or even know the local building and safety codes in all of the localities in which they work. Many fly-by-night companies don’t bother to obtain building permits or get the final inspections required by the local government.
Ask if the potential roofer understands and follows the local building codes, find out if the cost of permits and inspections is included in their quote, and confirm that they will take care of obtaining any necessary permits on your behalf. Not doing so could put you at risk for bigger expenses down the road.
Are you familiar with the insurance claims process?
If you are obtaining a quote for repair work due to damage from a recent storm or accident, you will need to first ask potential contractors if they are willing to take on a job that requires a claim to be filed. These jobs require expertise and time that many smaller companies simply don’t have.
If they are willing to help, you’ll want to ask what parts of the process they handle and what you will still need to do. Ask if they are familiar with the insurance claims process and if they are willing to work with your insurance company to see it through to completion. Quality Built specializes in working with insurance companies—taking away the headache for you and ensuring the work meets the coverage.
Do you do inspections, and can I get a written estimate?
Most contractors will provide a quote for the specific area of your roof that is damaged, but many will not take the time to go into your attic or inspect your entire roof for additional problems. This may result in them neglecting an area of your roof that needs work below the surface.
That said, a free estimate will only get you so much of the contractor’s time. Ask if the company offers multi-point roof inspections (which are a smart yearly habit for your home). For a flat price, the roofer will perform a comprehensive inspection of the entire roofing system, including the attic, deck, chimney, flashing, soil stacks, and more, then provide a quote for any repairs needed. Make sure they show you photos of any problem spots they find.
Additionally, they will quote the proposed work as individual projects and line items, along with recommended completion timelines for each one. This allows you to choose what you want to do now and budget for the remaining work that will need to be done in the near future. Written estimates should outline the scope of work that’s required, along with the cost of labor and materials. To ensure the best outcome, ask potential contractors for all details in writing, and review the estimate extensively before your roofing project begins.
Can you provide references or reviews for similar jobs you’ve done?
You want to choose a contractor who is qualified to perform the type of roof repair or installation that you need. Those qualifications include being highly experienced and well-regarded. Check review sites, such as Google and Yelp—if you’re not 100% confident, ask for references for similar jobs the company has completed. Most legitimate contractors are happy to provide this information and will have plenty to offer!
Do you specialize in the type of roof or materials that my roof needs?
If your roof requires special treatment or products, you should ask about this in advance; otherwise, you risk hiring someone who isn’t qualified to properly complete your job.
For example, if the weather conditions in your area require the installation of barriers between the roof deck and shingles (to protect against pooling water, ice damming and wind-driven rain), you’ll need a contractor who is adept at this type of work. Or if your home has an extremely steep roof, you’ll need a contractor who specializes in steep roofs and has the proper equipment needed to complete the job.
If you’re looking to have specific materials, brands or products installed, ask up front. For instance, most roofers use felt or synthetic underlayment to water-seal the roof from damage, but some homeowners specifically want synthetic products, which provide more advanced protection than felt—preventing water absorption, mold and leaks. Make sure the potential contractor carries what you’re looking for and be specific with your questions, especially if you have distinct needs or wants.
Hiring the right roofing contractor often comes down to asking the questions in advance—it increases the chance of getting your desired results and reduces confusion and miscommunications after the project is underway. Even simple clarification questions on estimated timeline and crew qualifications can prevent big headaches down the road. As with any business transaction, getting the terms in writing also helps to eliminate future problems.
For more information, or to hire a qualified and fully insured roofing contractor in Hampton Roads, contact Quality Built Exteriors today!
Quality Built Exteriors,
929 Ventures Way,
Suite 109 Chesapeake VA 23320,
(757) 389-5519
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