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A new roof is a significant investment, and it’s just as important to hire a trustworthy, experienced roofer as it is to have top materials installed. Both of these ingredients are vital to the long-term performance of your new roof. Both will be determined after reaching out to local roofers and looking seriously at your options, budget, and needs.
When it’s time for your roof to be replaced, it’s important to talk with reputable roofing contractors to find out the best match for your goals. Asking questions will help you discover the top person for the job.
What to Ask a Roofer Before Hiring Them
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
It’s vital that the company you hire is licensed (up on local codes) and carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance (so you aren’t liable in case of an accident). Be sure to ask what type of insurance the company has and how much they carry.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
This basic question will tell you a lot about a business and give you an understanding of their experience level.
3. Where Is Your Office Located?
Only consider hiring a roofing contractor who is local to your area. They should have a local physical office and a phone number with the local area code. When you hire someone with a local physical office, you ensure you can find them after the job is done if you need anything. And you know you’re not getting a “storm chaser” who came to town after a big storm from out-of-state who may try to undercut the prices of local roofers, get the money upfront, and move to the next town. Storm chasers aren’t up on local codes and will likely do work that isn’t up to par.
4. Are There a Few References (from Your Recent Projects) I Could Contact?
Word-of-mouth reviews go a long way when you’re looking for a roofer to hire. Ask for at least three references from previous customers. Ask preceding customers about their experience working with the roofer, and how satisfied they are with the results. Find out how the company worked through any unexpected situations, and how things went with the planned timeline and budget.
5. When Can You Provide a Written Estimate?
This is a question that should be included during your initial consultation with the roofer. They should give a detailed estimate to you in a timely fashion.
6. Which Materials Do You Specialize in Installing?
Ask about what type of training the installation crew has and how much experience they have. Find out why the company selected the particular roofing manufacturer whose materials they specialize in installing, and why those materials would (or wouldn’t) be a good choice for your new roof.
7. When Will My Project Start and End?
Knowing how long your project will take and when it will start are basics that should be covered with each potential roofer you’re considering.
8. What Type of Payment Schedule Do You Implement?
If a company wants a big chunk of money upfront, that’s a red flag (and could indicate a storm chaser). While a deposit is reasonable, most contractors will have you make two payments: one upfront and one when the job is complete.
9. Is It Possible Components of My Home Need Repairing Before My Roof Installation?
The roofer will know a lot more about what your house needs once they take your current roof off and evaluate the condition of your roof decking. Ask about what that can look like when it comes to pricing and how it impacts your project’s timeline.
10. What Type of Warranty Do You Offer? What About the Materials?
There should be a manufacturer’s warranty that comes with the roofing components that will be installed on your home. Ask also if the roofer offers a warranty on their work.
11. How Will My Property Be Protected from Damage?
If your prized flower bed and shrubs are around the perimeter of your home, find out how the roofing contractor plans to keep them from becoming damaged during your roof replacement.
12. What Type of Safety Precautions Does Your Crew Take?
There should be standard safety protocol that the roofing crew implements to ensure they are protected throughout the replacement process.
13. How Do You Clean Up After a Roof Replacement?
Your property should be left looking as good as it did when the roofing crew arrived at your home. All debris should be placed in a dumpster that they put in your driveway temporarily, and the dumpster should be removed without damaging your driveway. A large magnet should be used by the crew to scan your yard after each day they work on your roof to ensure there are no nails or other debris left in it. This will prevent accidents from occurring.
Additional Tips on Finding the Best Roofing Contractor
Check Online Reviews
Some of the best knowledge you can gain about what it’s like to work with a particular roofer is obtained by reading online reviews. Look on the contractor’s website and other sites like Angi, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google.
Compare Multiple Estimates
It’s smart to look at the estimates you received from 2-3 roofing contractors and compare them before deciding who to hire. Look carefully at the details and ensure everything you need is represented on the estimates. Realize quality over the roof’s lifespan is what you want, so don’t just look for the lowest bid.
Get a Beautiful Roof Replacement Installed by Our Expert Team
Choosing a top roofer will save you time, money, and hassles. At Giant Siding & Windows, we have been family owned and operated for three generations. Our in-house team installs industry-leading GAF roofing with attention to detail that ensures you get the long-term high performance you deserve. Learn how our roofing services add beauty and protection to your home.
