Installing a new roof is a major investment. So, you have to take every measure to ensure the job is being done properly. This means hiring the right roofer. While you will come across many roofing contractors and everyone will avow that they are adept in handling your project, asking the right questions can help you filter out the best ones for your roofing job.
Here are 7 questions you must ask a roofer before signing a contract:
1. How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
You want to hire a roofing contractor that has been in this business for many years. Long experience and business presence are most often accompanied by qualities like trustworthiness and a good reputation. Many times, roofers who are just starting out on their own have worked for another company for years. So, you should know about the roofer’s experience and not just the years of operation.
Experience is also an important factor that helps determine whether the company will stay in business to honor the warranties it offers.
2. Do You Have License & Insurance?
Next, ask the contractor whether they are licensed and insured. Regardless of the provincial regulations, it is in your best interests to work with a roofer who is both. Licensing ensures that they are trained to handle the job and meet the minimum professional requirements laid down by the province.
On the other hand, working with an insured roofer means that you are protected in case an accident occurs during the roofing work. Make sure they have worker’s comp and general liability insurance.
3. Does My Roofing Work Require a Building Permit?
While the answer to this question depends on the local building code that applies to your project, it is recommended that the contractor get the permit before the job begins. Make sure the contractor has experience working with the permit office.
4. How Long Will the Roofing Project Take?
Make sure to ask them how long the project will take to complete. Learning about this timeline will allow you to prepare for the project in advance. It is also important to ensure the timeline is reasonable and fits your needs and preferences.
5. What is Your Permanent Address?
This question is important to avoid roofing companies that operate out of a P.O. box. Once you get the permanent address of the shortlisted roofers, you can use Google Maps to check whether their business exists or not. This question is important because you want to deal with a roofer who can be reached if something goes wrong with your roof in the future.
6. Will You Assign a Project Manager to My Roofing Job?
It is recommended to have a foreman or project manager assigned to your roofing project. There are many reasons why this question is so important:
- This person will act as your direct point of contact with the company
- This manager will be responsible for keeping your project on track
- They help avoid mistakes and ensure quality roof installation or replacement
The project manager helps eliminate any room for miscommunication.
7. What Kind of Warranties Do You Offer?
Any reputab0.le roofer will provide a warranty. Ask them how long their warranty lasts. An ideal company will offer a limited warranty. They should also explain what the warranty covers. You should seek information on the following two main types of warranties:
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: This warranty covers any defects that may arise with the roofing materials. While some manufacturer warranties last 10 years, others can last up to 50 years.
- Workmanship Warranty: This type of warranty covers any installation mistakes. This warranty cover varies from one roofer to another.
So, these are the main questions you should ask a roofer before signing the contract. The answers to these questions should help you determine whether you are dealing with the right roofing contractor or not.
