Seven Questions You Should Ask
Selecting a qualified contractor for a new roof on your home or commercial building is no simple matter. The questions below are designed to help you determine the reliability, reputation and experience of a contractor, as well as his dedication to providing you with the best roof possible.
1. What is the full name and address of the company?
Getting the complete address of the company can be an important factor in determining a company’s time in business. Your roofing contractor should have a permanent and identifiable place of business complete with a phone number and a physical address.
2. How long has the company been in business?
Needless to say, longer is usually better. Under three years may signal an unstable business or one low on the learning curve. Ask for references. Contact past customers to see if the contractor completed their job satisfactorily. Then look at a few jobs. Looking at some installed roofs is also a good way to be sure you have selected the roof system you want.
3. Does the company carry insurance?
Ask for insurance certificates showing both workers compensation and general liability insurance. Let the contractor know you want current certificates sent to you by the insurer before the job is started. Many home and building owners have suffered needless expense because contractors working on their homes did not have proper coverage.
4. What about licensing?
A capable roofing contractor should be licensed. Every state, municipality, and county has varying requirements. Be sure your contractor has the appropriate licenses for your area.
5. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?
Typically, the contractor’s warranty for labor and installation is one year or more. The manufacturer warrants the roofing materials against defects in the manufacturing. Thus, two warranties will cover the roofing system. Make sure that you understand them both. Most of all, you should feel comfortable that your roofing contractor will stand behind his work.
6. Does the company have a written safety program?
All roofing contractors should have a written safety program. An emphasis on safety lowers the cost of doing business and further assures that your job will go smoothly.
7. What is a proposal?
Simply put, a proposal is a tentative agreement for a project. It offers a choice of products by brand name, prices, services and even designs. Your roofing contractor should provide you with a complete and detailed written proposal describing a) the work to be done, b) the cost of the work, c) the warranty included, d) the time frame for completion of the work and e) the terms of payment.