The integrity of your roof is critical to the quality and protection of your home. Without a good roof, the rest of your home is vulnerable to the elements, critters and energy inefficiency. For these reasons and more, hiring the right roofing contractor is a big deal.
There are a few generally important questions to ask your roofers before you hire them, but there will also be some specifics unique to your budget, needs and home that will also have to be taken into consideration. Before you can ask specific questions, you have to get a good idea of what you are working with.
You should know the current condition of your roof, which you can do by giving it a visual inspection with binoculars from the ground. Be on the lookout for dark spots or streaks on your roof, which can indicate areas of mold, moisture and wear. Check if your gutters are clogged with debris, and check the condition of flashing around skylights or chimneys. Take notes of what you observe.
Now, you can proceed with asking these three important questions:
1. Ask About Experience, Licensing and Training
Vetting the roofing contractors you are considering properly is of the utmost importance. Not all are created equal. Make sure they are licensed and insured, and can prove it. They should also be certified and accredited. Any reputable roofer will have no problem giving this information, but some just don’t like it when they are asked too many questions. This should be a red flag to you.
Save yourself the stress and hassle, and find someone who’s worth your time and money. Once you have established the fact that they are reputable, experienced, trained and licensed, now you should ask who will be doing all the work. Do they hire out subcontractors or do they use their own employees? What experience does their crew have?
2. What Will the Timeline Be?
Time tables are important here. After all, you have a family and a life and don’t want to be put out for days or weeks on end wondering when the job will be started and finished. Ask to see a timeline in writing as well as an accurate quote that spells out all aspects of costs. Ask when first and final payments are due, and in what form. Ask about the contingency plan if the job does not go according to plan or isn’t to your satisfaction.
3. What is the Plan for the Job?
Ask how the roofers will gain access to the roof, and what their process is. Ask how your home, driveway, landscaping and windows will be protected while they are performing the job. Will they put a dumpster in your yard? Will they use protective tarps? What about nails and other debris on the ground? Do they offer full cleanup services? What happens in the event of bad weather?
Never be afraid to ask questions for your own peace of mind. This holds everyone accountable and allows you to choose your roofers with confidence.
Contact Ferris Roofing Contractors
To learn more about our roofing replacement and installation process, contact us at 817-727-4214.