10 Questions To Ask Before Roofing Work Begins
Replacing or repairing a roof is a big job and likely a big investment for your home. Working with a qualified and trusted roofer who understands roofing materials, safety, manufacturer and building code requirements will ensure the job is done right. You should also have warranty options to offer peace of mind that your contractor will stand behind their work for years to come.
Basing your decision purely off recommendations or a gut feeling is risky without knowing all the facts, so here are 10 questions to ask that should help you hire the right contractor for your project.
1. Does the contractor perform a thorough inspection of your roof?
In addition to checking for storm damage, your roofing contractor should perform a thorough inspection of your current roof and share the inspection photos with you. This is the best way to determine the full scope of what is needed for your roofing project beforehand so it’s not a surprise to you after it’s done.
2. Does the contractor have insurance coverage?
Your contractor should carry insurance to help protect your home from accidental damage and should gladly share their certificate of coverage to you, without hesitation. Owens Corning Preferred Contractors like LYNQ Roofing must meet high standards and satisfy strict requirements, including at least $1MM in liability insurance.
3. Does the contractor have proper licensing as required by the state?
Contractors can, and should, provide you a copy of their current license issued by the state where they are operating.
4. Will the contractor provide you with a written estimate?
Except for insurance claims where your insurance carrier owes you an estimate and scope of work per your policy, your roofing contractor should provide you with an estimate in writing that includes a complete and accurate description of the work to be performed and the products that will be used for your roofing project.
5. Will the contractor take the time to explain how a proper roofing system works?
This should include an explanation of all the individual pieces and how they work together. Not all roofs are the same and there are many ways to take shortcuts that you would never know about. Your roofer should be completely transparent, open, and honest with you from the very beginning.
6. Does the contractor explain their workmanship warranty versus the manufacturer's warranty?
What happens if have a problem long after your roof is installed and your roofer is unresponsive or is out of business? Because it happens all the time, unfortunately. Your roofer should be able to explain to you exactly what to do and who to call, whether it’s six months or six years from now.
7. Do you feel the contractor is a professional with good communication?
Do you feel they take the time to answer your questions and really listen to your concerns? The bottom line is that regardless of the price differences between contractors, ask lots of questions and trust your gut about which contractor you feel will be the best fit for you and your project. While price is clearly an important consideration, never forget the old saying that you get what you pay for.
8. Can they provide clear payment terms in writing?
You should NEVER pay for the full roof in advance. On most average jobs, the contractor won’t expect you to pay more than a 50% deposit with payment expected in full upon completion. If it’s an insurance claim, payment is typically what insurance paid you up front (also known as ACV) plus your deductible.
9. Does the contractor offer financing?
Securing funding for your project isn't the only benefit of considering a contractor who can offer financing. It should also indicate that the contractor is financially stable because lending institutions typically require contractors to be vetted through a rigorous application process before they can offer financing options.
10. Does the contractor perform an inspection after the work is completed?
Professional roofing contractors should thoroughly inspect their workmanship after the job is completed to ensure both quality and code compliance.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU:
With over 30 years of combined roofing expertise, our goal for every homeowner is to help them get as much life as possible from their existing roof. That's why we take the time to fully understand the overall condition of your roof and to understand your unique situation so we can recommend the best solution to fix your roofing problem.
We will review all of your options and help you make a decision that’s right for YOU, with no obligation or sales pressure whatsoever.
We realize your have choices, so we are always 100% transparent with everything we do. All roof inspection photos are shared with you and we thoroughly inspect all of our completed work.