A roof replacement is a significant investment, so it’s essential you find the most qualified contractor for the job. Many homeowners find it valuable to interview at least two or three companies before making their final selection on who to hire to replace their roof.
Read on and gain valuable insight into how to vet your roofing contractor so you ensure a detailed installation with premium materials that will enhance your home’s curb appeal and value, protect your house from the elements, and last at least 20–25 years.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Roofing Contractor
1. Are you licensed with the state?
Professional roofers should not only have a license, but they should readily share it with you. Licensure ensures your roofing contractor is up to date on local codes and has met the state’s criteria. State licensure is an essential element that must be in place before hiring a roofer.
2. What type of insurance coverage do you carry?
Your roofer should carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance to ensure you are well protected in the unlikely event that someone was injured on your property while your roof was being replaced. These are critical things to have in place. Contractors without ample liability and workers’ compensation insurance shouldn’t be hired.
3. Will you perform a thorough inspection of my current roof?
The roofer should perform a complete inspection of your current roofing system, including the condition of your roof shingles, attic, flashing, valleys, roof penetrations, and more.
4. Can you provide me with a detailed estimate?
A written estimate should be created after the roofing contractor inspects your current roofing system. It should include the work that will be performed, materials selected, the cost of labor, an estimated project timeline, and a payment schedule.
5. Can you check my current ventilation system?
The quality of your attic and roof’s ventilation will directly impact the health of your roof. It’s important that the contractor evaluates your current system and calculates if you need more intake or exhaust vents to ensure the optimal performance and enhance the lifespan of your new roof.
6. What type of roof shingles do you recommend for my home?
There are a variety of durable, attractive asphalt shingle options to consider. The contractor you choose should give you several options from which to choose. Shingles have a variety of performance aspects to consider. Based on the weather in your region, asphalt shingles with added wind resistance or impact resistance may be important to consider.
7. What style and color options would look best on my house?
Roofing lasts decades, so it’s vital that you select the optimal look for your home. Gaining valuable input from an experienced roofer can help you pinpoint the best aesthetic that will enhance your house’s value and beauty over the lifespan of your new roof.
8. Can you explain the warranties that come with my new roof?
You’ll need to know where to go should a problem arise after your roof is replaced. And when warranties are substantial, it’s easy to proceed with your roof investment with confidence. Your new roof should come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which comes from the manufacturer of your roofing shingles. Additionally, a workmanship warranty covering the contractor’s labor to install your new roof should be included. A good roofing company will stand behind their work. Workmanship warranties simply protect you in the event that a problem pops up due to an aspect of your new roof’s installation.
9. May I have two or three references from recent customers?
Most professional roofers are eager to share their reference list of recent customers with you. By contacting previous customers and viewing their new roofs on-site, you’ll get a good idea of what type of work the contractor does. Asking the previous customers simple questions about what it was like to work with the roofer and how any obstacles were overcome will help you gain valuable insight into what to expect. While challenges may occur, how a roofer overcomes those challenges is what is most important.
10. When can my project be scheduled?
Once your potential contractor has inspected your roof and provided a detailed estimate, they should be able to provide you with a start date and an estimated completion date. While the weather may delay things, you should still have a basic schedule in place.
11. Can you tell me about your payment schedule?
A roof replacement should never be paid in full before the work begins. If a contractor requires that type of payment, that’s a sign they may be a storm chaser (and should be avoided). Roof replacements are customarily paid in full upon their completion, although an initial deposit may be required prior to the replacement.
12. Do you offer financing?
The contractors you are considering may offer in-house financing or they may partner with local credit unions or other financial institutions, making your roof upgrade stress-free and simple.
13. Where else can I find reviews about your previous work?
Find out the pockets of places where you can learn more about the contractor’s former work. There may be online reviews on the company’s website. You can also check Angi and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn more about the company’s track record.
Get a Gorgeous Replacement Roof Installed by Our Reliable Team
When you need a roof replacement, don’t settle for just any contractor. Find a local contractor you can trust with a reputation of honesty and integrity (like us!), so you know your roof is installed correctly.
At Bluff City Exteriors, as a local, family-owned business, we have a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of our community. We are an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, so you can be confident your roof will be installed with precision and according to the manufacturer’s best practices. Learn more about how our roofing services can safeguard your home from the elements while increasing its value and beauty.
