You’ll likely spend thousands of dollars on a roof repair and replacement project. In addition, if the job is not done correctly, you could end up with moisture, pests or other secondary issues that can also be expensive to fix. For these reasons, it’s important to find a company with the means to do the job right the first time. Let’s take a closer look at how to properly vet a roofing contractor.
Is the Company Licensed?
This may be the most important question that you ask during the vetting process for a couple of reasons. First, having a license means that the work complies with a standard imposed by a local or state regulatory body. In other words, you can feel confident that whoever is working on your home has the ability to do a good job in a timely manner.
Having a license is also important because it separates companies whose roofers are knowledgeable from those that simply want your money. Although someone without a license might be able to do good work, you have no way of knowing that before handing over thousands of dollars.
Ideally, someone who was serious about operating a roofing company would get a license and set themselves apart from others in the marketplace. Failing to do so might mean the roofers assigned to your project are more like handymen or hobbyists. It’s always best to leave roofing to those who have proven that they understand how to do it right.
Do You Have Insurance?
The next thing to need to know about a prospective contractor is whether they carry insurance. This is important because without insurance, you could be held liable for anything that happens while a worker is on your property. For instance, if your home is damaged, you may be the one paying to fix it regardless of what caused it.
If a roofer is hurt while on your property, they might try to file a lawsuit. If you were found liable, you’d likely need to file a claim against your homeowners insurance policy. At a minimum, that would cause your rates to go up, and you could still be liable for any amounts your policy didn’t cover.
Therefore, it’s critical that you make sure a contractor has general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. You should also ask if your preferred contractor has equipment insurance so that the project doesn’t come to a halt just because a truck or other items are stolen.
What’s Your Lead Time?
If you need to have your roof repaired or replaced urgently, you don’t want to hire a company that is booked several months in advance. Therefore, it’s important to know as soon as possible how long it’ll take to get someone on your roof after signing a contract.
Typically, contractors have shorter lead times in the early spring or late fall. This is because fewer people want to start extensive projects early or late in a calendar year. Instead, most will wait for a time when they have a better idea of what their needs are or how their budget looks.
Getting in touch with a contractor in February, March, or November may make it easier to get a starting date that suits your needs. You may also be able to reduce your lead time by calling in the summer when there may be a lull in the home improvement schedule. Summer may be a slower time simply because that is when people tend to go on vacations or have other priorities.
It’s possible that a contractor will be able to fit you in at any time if you have a small repair or simple replacement job. This may be especially true if the company already serves the area where your home is located.
What Types of Products Do You Use?
You’ll want to know that your contractor uses products that can withstand high winds, rain and other elements. You’ll also want to make sure that whatever products they use are going to look right on your home. These days, some companies offer a variety of shingles that look like metal or other materials that might be too expensive to suit your budget.
You should be able to see a sample of anything that a contractor uses before you make a selection. Ideally, you’ll keep the samples for a couple of days to determine how they look against your home’s current roof. It may also be important to consider how a given color or material will fit in with the rest of the neighborhood.
Is There a Warranty or Other Type of Guarantee?
Considering the amount of money that you’re spending to repair or replace your roof, you need to be sure you don’t have to pay twice. Most reputable contractors will offer a warranty or some other guarantee for a specific period of time. For instance, you might receive a warranty that’s good for two years for issues caused by defective materials or poor craftsmanship.
The manufacturer may also offer a warranty or guarantee that is good for several years. You might receive a lifetime guarantee or at least one that is good for several decades, which may be longer than you’ll be in the house. It’s a good idea to ask if the warranty is transferable. Typically, warranties can be transferred to future owners, which can make it easier to sell your house or even increase its value.
Can I Review Your Previous Work?
A competent and well-regarded contractor will have a portfolio of previous projects that you can review at a moment’s notice. You can also go to the contractor’s website to see testimonials and to gather more information about services offered. Contractors will often highlight jobs that they have done for your neighbors in an effort to attract your business. If this is the case, all you’ll need to do is take a walk or short drive around the block to see what a prospective service provider is capable of doing.
Do You Offer Flexible Payment Options?
Typically, a contractor will want 50% of the project’s cost up-front and the other half when the project is completed. However, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to lack the funds necessary to pay for service up-front. If this is your situation, you can ask about payment plans or other flexible options such as paying with a credit card to spread out the cost of service. In some cases, contractors will partner with financing companies that offer various options based on your credit score and other factors.
At Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations, we use asphalt or composite shingles and also provide metal roofing services. We’ll also be able to inspect your roof after a storm to determine if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
If you are in need of roofing repairs or replacement in Charlotte, NC, contact our team at Blue Fox Roofing & Renovations today.
