Make sure your relationship with your roofing contractor is strong. Here are great questions to ask a roofer before they get to work.
As homeowners or business owners, we understand that roofs only last for so long. But, that doesn’t mean we’re thrilled about needing a new roof. With the right questions to ask a roofer, however, you will feel more at ease knowing that you’ve found a trustworthy company.
Many homeowners are enchanted by the DIY culture. The DIY culture helps homeowners in many ways, but some projects like roofing, are better left to the professionals. Roofing is not only dangerous but to ensure you get the most out of your money you’ll need to have some guarantees.
Hiring high-quality professional roofers can guarantee the job is done correctly. This also acts as a safeguard should a problem arise.
The company who manufactures the roofing materials, such as shingles, should provide a warranty. But, in order for this warranty to be valid, you may need professional roofers to install or repair the roofing materials.
So, how do you know which roofing companies are high-quality and which aren’t? Asking various questions to each roofing company may help you to find out. Read on to discover which questions to ask a roofing company.
Questions to Ask a Roofer Before Signing the Dotted Line
Finding a reputable company to do business with is a challenge. But, there are many ways to determine if a company is trustworthy and reliable.
Since roof replacements are one of the most expensive homeowner expenses, it’s important to conduct thorough research. Part of this research involves asking the roofing company direct questions. Another aspect of finding a reputable roofing company is knowing the signs of what makes a roofing company legitimate and trustworthy.
As homeowners or business owners, we always want to make sure we get the best service possible. To get those results from a roofing company, we need to learn as much as we can about them before signing the dotted line. Explore the following questions to ask a roofing company before signing the dotted line.
1. What Type of Warranties Do You Offer?
A new roof is a large investment. You want your investment to be backed by at least one warranty. Warranties can cover the cost of workmanship, the materials, or both.
Determine which warranties the contractor offers and if there is a manufacturer warranty for the roofing materials. Ask how long these warranties last. For new shingles, you should expect to have a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for at least 25 years.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Businesses that don’t provide high-quality service tend to not stay in business for long. Businesses that are able to survive for many years, however, prove that they have a track record of satisfied customers. Ask the company how long they’ve been in business to determine which category they may fit into.
3. What Materials are Best for my Home or Business?
Different climates call for different roofing materials. A roofing contractor should know exactly what materials are best for the area you live in and which last the longest. They should also be able to give you a side-by-side comparison of different materials to determine which is the best investment for you and your budget.
4. How Long Will the Project Take?
Roofing projects need to be completed in a timely manner. If they aren’t, then certain roofing materials could be damaged in the process. Depending on the size of the roof, the install should take anywhere from 1 to 3 days or more for larger buildings.
5. Will I be Updated throughout the Project?
Receiving updates during the process can help you to feel more involved with the project.
Feeling involved in the roofing project means that the roofing company sees your business as a valuable partnership. Even though a roofing project is short-term, knowing the stages of the roofing install is important for effective communication.
6. How Long Should My New Roof Last?
New roofs can last anywhere from 25-50 years depending on the roofing material. The roofing contractor you choose should be able to give you a guarantee that your roof will last for a minimum of 25 years. Asking this question lets you know how accountable the roofing company is willing to be.
It also shows you how confident they are in the work they produce.
7. Is Your Company Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Properly?
This is the most important question you need to ask a roofing company. The roofing contractor needs to be licensed and their business needs to be bonded and properly insured. At a minimum, the company needs to have worker’s compensation and general liability.
8. Are You Able to Remove My Old Roof?
Some companies may offer to add on a second layer of shingles instead of a complete replacement. Even though this is legal in most states, not removing the roofing material could spell trouble down the line. It could void certain warranties and it could add too much weight to the building.
9. Do You Provide Written Estimates?
A written estimate is an essential document to have before committing to a roofing company. A written estimate will detail all the fees and costs involved in the project. This will safeguard you from any unexpected surprises later on that don’t result from necessary repairs and materials.
10. Who Can I Contact When I have a Question?
The roofing company should have a physical address and a phone number. They should have people stationed in their office who can answer calls and direct them to the proper staff member. If they don’t have a physical location and phone number, then this is a cause for concern.
This also ensures that the company is local, so they are able to address any problems when/if they arise.
Questions to Ask a Roofer: Additional Research
Knowing the questions to ask a roofing company is a great start to getting a high-quality roof. But, to find the best companies to ask these questions to, you’ll need to conduct additional research in advance.
To start, read the company’s online reviews. Determine how previous customers felt about their experience and identify any red flags. If the company has negative reviews, then make note of whether or not the company attempted to fix the issues discussed.
To find these reviews you can use social media, search engine results, or go on the Better Business Bureau website.
Once you’re ready to contact a roofing company, give them a call. When making this initial point of contact, make note of their customer service skills and interest in you as a customer. A high-quality roofing company should have friendly employees who are willing to patiently answer all of your questions.
They should also be willing to explain their policies and the roofing process itself. You can also ask them for client referrals or testimonials.
Before signing a contract make sure to read through it. You should also get multiple quotes from different roofing companies to determine a price range. However, beware of roofing companies who offer you a drastically lower price.
This low price could be because the roofing company is not licensed, bonded, or insured. Going with a roofing company without these credentials could put you and your bank account at risk if an accident occurred.
If you’re in Kansas City, Colorado Springs, Bonita Springs/Naples areas, then contact us to today to get a quote on your commercial or residential roofing project.