5 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor

Homeowners will ideally have their roofs inspected once a year to ensure that it is in good condition. If there are issues that need to be repaired, it is usually best that a professional contractor takes care of them. This is because a contractor knows how to walk on a roof and has equipment to prevent a fall from occurring. What are some good questions to ask a roofing contractor before making a hiring decision?

Do You Use Quality Materials?

Ideally, you want shingles that can last for anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Therefore, it is important that they can stand up to the weather, to pests and to anything else that nature may throw at it. You should also ask about any warranties that may be available either to protect against defective products or against any mistakes made during the installation process.

Do You Have Financing Options?

Most large companies will offer financing options to their customers. In some cases, you will be essentially applying for a personal loan or line of credit through a bank that the company has a relationship with. If a contractor does offer financing, make sure to compare it to loan products that your own bank or credit union may offer. This improves your chances of getting the best terms when fixing your roof.

You may also want to ask when and how you are supposed to pay for services rendered. In most cases, you will be asked to pay 50 percent of the project cost upfront and the other half when the job is done. However, if you have financing arranged, there may be no need to make payments immediately as the contractor is paid by the lender.

Do You Have References?

If a company has been around for more than 10 years, there is a good chance that they have done so by offering good customer service. However, the best way to get a sense for how a contractor operates is to talk with previous customers. This is ideal because you can’t necessarily believe testimonials that you read online or that you see on television. In some cases, a contractor may have done work on other homes in your neighborhood, which allows you to see what they have done before making a hiring decision.

Will You Do the Work Yourself?

When you work with a smaller company or family-owned operation, the owner of the company may be the one doing the work him or herself. This is a good thing because the owner of the company knows that doing a poor job reflects poorly on the company, which is the last thing that a business owner wants. This may mean that he or she is more attentive to details and more responsive to your questions or concerns. At the very least, make sure that you know if a contractor plans on subcontracting the work as it could cause a variety of liability issues.

Are You Licensed, Bonded and Insured?

If a contractor is not licensed to work in your area, you can’t be sure that he or she will do the job properly. Without bonding or insurance, you could be on the hook if someone gets hurt while working on your roof. You could also be on the hook if your home is damaged or other property is damaged because of the actions a contractor took.

As a roofing project can cost thousands of dollars, it is important that you take your time finding the right person to complete that project. Ideally, you will get multiple quotes and spend time asking as many questions as necessary to feel comfortable about the person or company that you hire.