The right roofer can help you avoid costly repairs and protect your home from the elements. But how do you find one? Many people rely on online reviews to decide which contractor to work with, but you can get more reliable information from personal recommendations and from meeting with potential roofers face to face. When you meet with a recommended roofer, you can ask important questions about their experience, pricing, and processes. In addition, you can evaluate their customer service skills by how quickly they respond to your calls and emails.
The first question to ask any roofing company is how long they’ve been in business. Just like you wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who just got his license, you shouldn’t hire a roofer who is new in town. In addition, you want a company that has a solid reputation and is able to back up their claims with a history of satisfied customers.
When you’re evaluating roofing contractors, ask to see their insurance documents and proof of licensing. Liability insurance helps to cover property damage or bodily injury caused by their employees while working on your roof. This is especially important if you have children or pets. Additionally, a reputable roofer will carry workers’ compensation. While state laws vary, most require that contractors have this insurance to ensure the safety of their employees.
Another consideration is whether a roofer offers a warranty on their work. You should also read the fine print to make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered. For example, some warranties may only cover the materials and not the labor. Others may only cover certain areas of your roof, while others might not cover your chimney or gutters.
You should also inquire about what types of roofs they’ve worked on before and how much experience they have in installing the type of roof you need. In particular, you’ll want to find out if they’ve done any roofs with a steep pitch or a dormer. Also, make sure you find out if they’ve ever overlaid a roof, which can void your shingle warranty and create more problems in the future.
Finally, make sure to ask the roofer about their safety practices and what kind of cleanup they provide. It’s not only important to keep the job site safe for their employees, but it’s also critical for your safety as well. Leftover debris and construction materials can be dangerous for pets and kids, so the roofer should have a plan in place to deal with these hazards. Also, the roofer should be able to clearly communicate with you about scheduling, timelines, and other important details. This way, everyone is on the same page and can avoid any misunderstandings down the road. You should receive a written quote that includes the price breakdown, payment terms, and any insurance documentation you might need to sign off on. This will also prevent any unexpected surprises down the road.