As a homeowner, you know your roof won’t last forever. Depending on the material your roof is made of, it will only last a certain number of years before it requires repairs or replacement. Hiring a professional roofing contractor in your area can guarantee the job is done correctly the first time. How can you have peace of mind knowing you’ve hired the best roofing contractor? Here are 14 questions to ask before you sign below those dotted lines:
1. Are you local to me?
It’s always wise to work with a local roofing contractor who can respond quickly to your roofing emergencies whenever storms strike. Moreover, you want someone who can come back and fix issues should anything go wrong with your roof repair or installation work. If you choose to work with a company who is not local, it may be hard to get them back to fix any potential problems in the future.
2. How long have you been in business?
Roofing contractors who offer poor quality service don’t tend to stay in business for long. If they have been in business for a while, it’s a sign they have a solid record for customer satisfaction and will likely maintain the same reputation for years to come.
3. Who, exactly, will be installing my roof? Are they employees or sub-contractors?
The roofing company you hire should be the one who shows up on site to do the job. Make sure your roofer is not passing your project over to subcontractors. Also, ensure you know who your point of contact for the project is. The appointed coordinator should be available to answer your questions and provide guidance from start to finish. They should also assign a project foreman to act as the point of contact between the homeowner and the roofing crew.
4. What training and experience does the crew have?
Many leading roofing product manufacturers train and certify roofing contractors to install their products. As a result, they offer impressive warranties on their roofing systems as long as they’re installed and maintained by certified contractors. Ask if your contractor has the training and certification from the leading brands they use such as GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed.
5. What past customers can I talk to?
Past customers’ experiences are great indicators of how your roofing project will go. If you’re not able to get the information online, ask your roofer to provide a few contacts of their previous customers to call directly. Reputable roofers will be happy to provide such information to allow you to get firsthand information from their previous, satisfied customers.
6. When would you be able to schedule my job?
A good roofing contractor will schedule your job at an appropriate time and deliver as promised. They should not take you round in circles trying to evade a solid commitment. Instead, they should give you a clear schedule on when they’ll begin the work and how long it will likely last. If there’s any inclement weather which causes delays, they should communicate to you promptly.
7. How long will my project take?
Any roofing project needs to be completed in a timely manner. Based on the size and scope of work, your roofing project should take 1-3 days to complete.
8. Do you have proper licensing, insurance, and certification?
A reputable roofer should have the right licensing and insurance coverage for their crew. Ask if they have workers compensation insurance for the roofing crew and general liability insurance to cover any potential damage to your property or your neighbors’ properties. The business should also be licensed and bonded. Be sure to request proof of these policies for validation.
9. Is a building permit required for my project and, if so, will you be pulling one?
The permit you’ll need for roof replacement is the same permit required for any major work on your home. If you’re doing major renovations such as replacing a roof or making structural changes, you will need a building permit. Ask your roofing contractor if your project will require a permit and whether they will pull one on your behalf. Typically, they should handle all permit requirements.
10. What steps do you take for the safety of your workers?
A roofing contractor working in your premise must carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their workers in the event of injuries during fieldwork. You don’t want to be held liable for unnecessary bills resulting from injuries when roofing technicians get injured on your property.
11. What steps do you take to ensure the safety of my home and my family?
It is easy for many roofers to assure you of the safety of your home and family. However, accidents happen and contractors can damage something in the course of their work. Ensure your roofer carries valid general liability insurance to safeguard your property and family from unforeseen risks.
12. Do you provide a written estimate?
A written estimate is a critical document to have before signing any agreement with a roofing contractor. It details all the fees and costs involved in the roofing project. Ask if your roofer will issue a written estimate as it will safeguard you from surprise bills down the line.
13. Do You Offer a Workmanship Warranty?
A new roof is a huge investment, so you want a roofing contractor who can back their work with a workmanship warranty. Ask which warranty your roofer offers and if there is any manufacturer’s warranty on the roofing materials.
14. Will You remove and dispose of the old roof?
Make sure when looking at the written estimate the disposal of the materials from the old roof is covered. You don’t want to be stuck with the cleanup after your new roof is installed.
We are here to Help!
If you’re looking for a reliable roofing contractor in Atlanta, GA, look no further than Echols Home Improvements. With unmatched quality and years of experience in the roofing industry, we offer high-quality roofing services while taking great care of your property. Our roofing specialists are trained to work with tact and efficiency. Contact us today and let’s discuss your roofing needs!