Buying a new roof can be stressful.
Your home is your safe space, filled with memories, treasures, and family. A new roof is an investment that can potentially impact that safe space. When purchasing the roof, you’re not only selecting the style of roof but the contractor and team that will be installing it. You’re putting your home in their hands.
Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions of a roofing company. Let’s go over eight of the most important questions you should ask before signing a contract for a new roof.
- 1. How long have you been in business, and do you have certification and insurance?
Face it, there are shady builders out there looking for a quick buck. New companies may do a great job, but companies with a long history and the right certification are a lower risk. It’s worth knowing what type of company you’ll be working with.
- 2. Where are you located and are you truly local?
Many less-reputable companies will cast a wide search for new roofing work and then hire low-cost workers to handle the job. Trust a local company, with local employees doing the work for their neighbors, rather than an out-of-town business who will be gone once the job is done.
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3. What team will be doing the work, and what training do they have?
Installing a new roof is a complex job, and it requires the right training and experience to be done right. That work is being done by a team and not just the project manager. Check on the workers who will be on-site to ensure they have training and experience.
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4. Do you have examples of past work or past customers that I can talk to?
Ask if the company has examples of past work they can show you, or if they have references you can call. You may not need to, but getting that information shows they aren’t trying to hide anything.
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5. How long will the project take, and when can my work be scheduled?
Rather than struggling with an endless wait for the work to be done, see how quickly the contractor can get your project scheduled. Make sure that works with your schedule.
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6. What is the scope of the work that you’ll be doing? For example, do you handle cleaning up?
There is a lot that goes into a new roof. Ensure the contract you sign handles all the work you need to be done, including cleanup and waste removal.
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7. What steps will you take to ensure the safety of my home and family?
Some homes will have a skylight, solar panels, or a chimney. These can add to the complexity of the work. The contractor should have a plan for ensuring your and the project's safety.
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8. How will any adjustments or changes to the work be handled?
There may need to be a change in the work. For example, the roof installation may uncover additional damage that needs to be repaired. Ask how change orders are handled so you aren’t left with unpleasant surprises.