Your roof is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make for your home. It impacts energy efficiency, long-term habitability, and homeowner peace of mind.
When choosing a roofing contractor for repair or replacement, you must do your homework. Here are the top questions to ask.
How long have you been in business?
This is an important question because a roof is a significant investment, and you want to be sure the company has the longevity to honor any guarantees.
It would be best to ask about any bad reviews or complaints. It’s best to work with a company willing to address any issues.
Find out if they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance. If a worker is wounded while working on your project, this will protect you.
What type of roof do you install?
A premium roof is pricey, and some dishonest builders will entice you with a low estimate before tacking on charges for “unforeseen problems.” You can protect yourself by requesting a thorough estimate upfront.
Avoid any contractor who’s quick to stomp on their competition or doesn’t have a good business attitude. They’re not worth your time or money.
What type of warranty do you offer?
Most roofing contractors offer a warranty that lasts around ten years. Some offer an extended manufacturer’s material warranty lasting 25-30 years.
Manufacturer warranties typically don’t cover labor, so a contractor’s workmanship warranty is essential to help protect you from any issues that may arise after the installation.
How long will the job take?
Depending on size, your roofing project’s duration can range from a day to a week. Ensure your roof replacement contractor takes the time to explain how they estimate project duration and what factors are considered.
How will you protect my home?
There’s a good chance that something will go wrong during your roof replacement. A reliable roofer will have a plan for this and be ready to take immediate action if it does occur.
Be wary of roofers who need help answering this question. This may be a sign that they need to be properly insured and could leave you vulnerable to theft of materials or damage to your landscaping.
Will you clean up after the job?
Roof repairs and replacements can produce a lot of debris, including nails and old shingles. Ensure the contractor outlines how they will clean up your property before, during, and after work.
Some roofers take extra steps to ensure that lawns and bushes are not beaten up during the job. Ask about things like ladder stabilizers and standoffs. They should also provide a container for refuse material.
What if something goes wrong?
It’s important to ask how they will protect your driveway and landscaping during the roof replacement. There are many stories of homeowners having flat tires for months after a roof is replaced because the roofing contractor didn’t adequately protect their property.
Also, it’s good to know their workman’s comp policy in case any unforeseen issues come up during the job. It’s also nice to have a straightforward way to contact someone in case of an issue.
How do you guarantee your work?
A manufacturer’s warranty covers the product, while a contractor’s guarantee concerns craftsmanship and ensuring the work is done correctly. Homeowners need to ask about the specifics of each warranty and if there are any differences in terms or conditions between them.
Some roofers try to take advantage of homeowners by quoting one price and then adding on extra costs, such as for materials that aren’t needed or additional damage discovered during the job. To avoid this, always get an itemized quote.
