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Top Questions to Ask When Hiring a Roofing Company



If you are going to invest in roofing work of any kind, you want to make sure it is a one-and-done, quality job. Whether it be repairs, replacements, or installs, working with an established company can save you time, money, and future stress. There are some questions that you should ask a prospective roofing company before you go ahead and hire them. 


These will help to identify true professionals who provide high-quality service. The following seven questions should be enough to help you through this process.


Are They a Licensed Roofing Company?

The first and most important question to ask a roofing company before you hire them is if they are licensed and insured. Licenses ensure compliance with local regulations and industry standards. The answer to this question varies for each state or city, and neglecting to meet these requirements can result in fines or shoddy work.


Importance of Licensing

Licensing regulations differ by state and municipality. If you live in Kansas City, the roofing contractors need to secure a permit from their local building department prior to commencing work on any project. A roofing company in Kansas City must be a licensed contractor as well to meet the requirements of local building codes.


However, these rules differ for other cities. In Denver, a roofing company must be qualified by passing an exam that tests their knowledge of roofing. They are also required to renew their license yearly. Roofing contractors based in Florida must be licensed by the state and must provide proof of general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Knowing what is required of contractors in your area will make sure that you are hiring someone who is licensed and qualified to do the work.


In a state that requires even handyman-level work to be licensed, it guarantees not only how well your contractor does the job but also adheres to local building codes. In addition to this, it also offers some form of legal recourse in the event something goes wrong, which is a major relief for homeowners.


Why Insurance Matters

Insurance is equally important and plays its own role. A reputable roofing contractor should have both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.


For your own protection, general liability insurance can protect you should there be any damage to your project during the project, while workers’ compensation coverage ensures that employees of the company are covered if someone is injured on the job. Roofing companies that lack insurance often can put the liability onto the homeowners if one of their workers is injured or causes any damages while on the homeowner's property.


How Long Has the Roofing Company Been Around?

Experience is critical when selecting a roofing company. Roofing is such a specialized trade that not every contractor has the skills required to install or repair different types of roofs. Before hiring, ask how long they have been in business and whether or not they specialize in the materials or services you need.


Years in Business

The amount of time a company has been in business is a solid place to start when you are looking for roofing companies, as the longer they have been around, typically confirmed they are doing something right, which obviously means better customer satisfaction. If a roofing company has been in business for many years, they have probably experienced some bumps along the way and found ways to produce strong work on a regular basis.


Specializations

Some roofing companies specialize in specific types of roofs, such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles. So it is important that you ensure that the company has the necessary experience to handle that material properly. This will help make sure you can get the best quality of installation, making it less likely for issues to arise later.


Does the Roofer Have Any References or Reviews?

Any good roofing company will provide you with the names of a few satisfied customers. References will give you a first-hand account of their work quality, professionalism, and reliability. Ask for at least three references from recent work, and take the time to speak to them.


Online Reviews

Besides referrals, online reviews are also a great way to learn about the reputation of a roofing company. Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau are platforms that give you a glimpse into what previous customers thought of their experiences. Search for similar themes in the reviews; this can be about timelines, quality of work, and customer service, to name a few. Avoid companies with really bad reviews or have a history of complaints that haven’t been resolved.


What Is the Timeline for the Roofing Project?

When you have to get the work done in a timely manner for a specific reason, such as a limited range of roofing season due to a few dry and warm months, timelines for your roofing project matters. Inquire about how long roofing jobs take and details about the timeline and schedules.


Project Duration

Different types of roofing projects require different amounts of time and labor. Basic repairs could take a day or two, but, on the other hand, new roofing systems can take a few weeks. Make sure that the scope of work is realistic, and ask for an appropriate estimate from the roofing company.


Potential Delays

Discuss any possible delays with the roofing company. The project timeline may be pushed back due to weather, materials, or unforeseen damage. Inquire as to how the business is prepared to deal with such occurrences and what backups are in place throughout the process so that you can get an idea of whether or not they have a sound workflow system.


Are There Any Guarantees Offered by the Roofer?

A reputable roofing company should provide warranties on both its materials and workmanship. As you interview prospective roofing contractors, understand the warranty you would receive if your roof starts to fail after it has been installed.


Protect Your Investment With Material and Workmanship Warranties

Material warranties are supplied by the manufacturer, and they protect you from defects in the roofing materials. The warranties last between 10 and 50 years, depending on the material used.


A workmanship warranty, on the other hand, is offered by the roofing company and covers installation errors or poor craftsmanship. Remember to work with a company that is prepared to provide warranties of this nature.


Warranty Terms

You should read the actual warranty to know what is covered and what is not. Find out if the guarantee is transferable should you sell your home, and investigate how claims are filed. A reputable roofing company will prepare clear, precise, written documents detailing the specifics of the warranty.


Does the Roofing Company Provide Written Estimates?

Always get roofing estimates in writing. An itemized, written estimate helps prevent confusion so you both are on the same page for the work to be done and the related costs.


Detailed Quotes

The quote should comprise the cost of labor, materials, and any other charges, such as permit fees or disposal costs. A professional roofing company will provide you with a clear, accurate estimate without any hidden fees.


Payment Terms

The terms of payment should be clear with the roofing company. A few companies may require a deposit at the time of purchase, and others can create payment plans accordingly. It is essential to be informed about the payment schedule and never work with companies that ask for full payment before work has started.


Conclusion

A proper roofing project begins with hiring the ideal roofing company. If you ask these questions, you can be assured to finding a trustworthy and experienced roofing company that is right for your project. From checking for proper licensing and insurance to warranties and estimates, taking time to vet your roofing contractor now can save you money, time, and stress in the future.


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