Jeff "King of the Castle"
Did you see raccoons or squirrels in your attic? Are there signs of water damage on the ceiling? Do you usually find fallen shingles every time you water the flowers in your garden? This means it’s time to google “roofers in my area” and start evaluating some roofing contractors.
However, you shouldn’t choose the first roofing contractor you find online if you need a new roof or want to repair the existing one. Before making a decision, it’s essential to obtain information about the roofers and their services.
In this regard, to choose the best Concord roofer, you should ask potential roofing contractors the key questions listed below.
How to Find The Right Roofing Contractor Near You
Roofing is a job you won’t want to do twice. This project needs a big investment and should be handled by a professional roofer who understands the process, requirements, roofing materials, building codes, and other factors that will ensure an excellent result.
How can you find the right roofer for this project? Well, most people start by googling “roofers near me” or asking friends and family for recommendations. After that, you can make a list of local roofing companies to start evaluating each one.
However, the internet and your loved ones may not provide you with all the information you need to determine whether that roofer is qualified. Therefore, there’s much more to do after searching for some roofing contractors near you. As mentioned, an essential step in this process is asking each company a few key questions.
8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Roofing Contractors
Although it may seem less overwhelming and time-consuming, basing your decision solely on recommendations you get when searching for roofers near you is too risky. Ideally, as a homeowner, you should know all the facts about the roofing contractor before hiring them.
Fortunately, the following eight questions will help you narrow down your list of roofing contractors near you and choose the right one for your project.
1 Does the Roofing Contractor Offer a Written Estimate?
Homeowners need to know how much their project will cost, whether they need a new roof or just a small repair. A reliable roofing contractor should provide this information through a detailed estimate.
It’s challenging to determine the exact cost of a roofing project before starting, but contractors should provide clients with an estimate that includes the following:
- Accurate description of the roofing job that will be performed
- Roofing materials, tools, and products that will be used
- A complete description of the work that will be subcontracted out, if applicable
- Warranty information
- Approximate timeline
- Payment terms
Although estimates are subject to change, as the roofing contractor usually finds out how much work actually needs to be done once they get in there, they provide valuable information on how much the installation, repair, or replacement job might cost.
2 Can the Roofer Demonstrate Extensive Experience in the Roofing Business?
This is an essential question that often feels like a job interview. You should know the experience level of the roofing contractor before hiring them.
Many contractors start out working with roofing companies, so asking how long they have been in the roofing business may not help you get the answer you need. However, you can ask about their experience offering roofing services or the projects they have completed.
3 Will the Roofing Contractor Perform an Inspection of Your Roof?
Besides requesting information on costs and roofers’ experience, you should find out if they’ll thoroughly inspect your roof. This is something that reliable companies and contracts do.
A thorough roof inspection should be part of the roofing service because it’s essential to determine the full scope of the project. During this process, the contractor should check different parts of the structure, including the following:
- Deck
- Attic
- Valleys
- Chimney
- Soil stacks
- Roof penetrations
4 Does the Roofer Have a License or Other Required Credentials?
If your local municipality or state has set requirements regarding the credentials that roofing contractors must have, you should call the administrative offices in your city and request information about them.
After that, make sure the roofing contractor meets these requirements. Roofers should provide prospective clients with a copy of their licenses and other credentials.
5 Does the Roofing Contractor Have Insurance Coverage?
If you ask this question, and the roofer shows their certificate of insurance coverage, that may be a sign that you have found the right contractor.
A reliable contractor should carry insurance to protect clients from potential accidents and their consequences. In some states, such as California, this is a legal requirement.
6 Will the Roofer Provide References for Their Previous Work?
This is another important question. Most professional and reliable roofing contractors will share a reference list. Homeowners can call some people on that list to learn more about the roofer before hiring them.
However, this isn’t the only way to learn more about the roofing company’s previous work. You can check with the local Better Business Bureau organization to find out if the contractor has had issues with similar projects or has a clean record. Checking reviews from past customers could also be a good idea.
All roofing contractors will have some issues with customers from time to time, but what really matters in these cases is if they’re always willing to resolve them.
7 Will the Roofing Contractor Explain the Differences Between Each Material?
Whether you need roof replacement services or a minor repair, reliable roofers should provide information on the materials you have chosen or can use. This is key to making the right choice.
A metal roof is more durable than shingle structures, for example. They last up to 80 years! Plus, this material is more resistant to extreme weather conditions.
However, metal is one of the most expensive materials for those who want to install a new roof. That’s why customers should know the different and key aspects of each option to choose the right one based on their needs, the area’s climate, budget, and preferences.
8 Does the Roofer Provide Other Roofing Services?
It’s also important to request comprehensive information about the services contractors offer. Can they handle a roof replacement project? Will these professionals repair your metal roof?
After defining your needs, find out if the contractor’s services suit what you need for your roof.
Final Thoughts
Repairing, replacing, and installing a new roof is a large project that requires a substantial investment. Therefore, you should leave it in good hands. Luckily, the questions listed above can help you find the right roofing contractor!
