Discovering it’s time to replace your roof can feel overwhelming. Even if it is an emergency job due to storm damage, make sure you do your homework so you don’t rush into anything. By asking the right questions, you will feel confident you’ve found the right roofer.
Do you carry the proper licensing and insurance?
Your roofing company should register with your area’s board of licensing contractors. This ensures they are up to date on all codes and regulations. If you work with an unlicensed roofer, you risk major problems with your roof that could prove costly in the long run. Your roofer should also carry the proper insurance. Their insurance covers the workers in the event anyone suffers an on the job injury, as well as company vehicles.
Where is your company located?
This may not seem like an important question, but there’s a reason for asking. You want to make sure your roofing company is local. After a major weather event, out-of-town roofing companies often come to areas looking for quick business. They undercut local companies, resulting in low quality work. Then they leave, and you never see or hear from them again. Do yourself a favor, and verify the address and phone number of your roofer as a local business.
How long have you been in business?
Replacing a roof is a significant investment, which you don’t want to trust to just anyone. For peace of mind, it’s best to know the company you hire is an established company. Not only will they have experience, but they will be more likely to still be around several years down the road if any needs arise. However, don’t mistake longevity for quality. Check references and online reviews as well to get an idea of the roofer’s reputation.
Who will perform the work?
Each roofing company operates in its own unique way. Some hire their own crew to send out to work sites, while others hire subcontractors. If the roofer you are considering hires subcontractors, make sure their insurance extends to cover them, too. Get an idea of the training and skills of the people they use so you can feel confident your roof is in good hands.
Will you remove my old roof?
There are some roofing companies who will perform a visual inspection and decide they can simply lay new shingles over your existing roof. The problem with this is, without completely removing your old roof, there is no way to determine if you are experiencing rot or soft spots underneath your existing shingles. If you lay new shingles over old ones, these problems will only get worse. As a best practice, your roofer should completely remove your old roof to identify any potential issues before laying the new one.
How will you protect my property?
A good contractor will do their best to protect your property from any accidental damage. This includes placing tarps over landscaping and making sure they protect light fixtures. The company should also clean your property of all debris before the job is complete. Make sure the roofer doesn’t attempt to absolve his or her company of all liability for damage with hidden clauses in the contract.
How does my choice of roofing materials affect the cost of installation?
There are a wide variety of choices in roofing materials on the market. Each one will require a specific installation process, so the overall price of your project may change. Some specialty products also require roofers to obtain a training certificate before they are authorized to work with the material, as well. So make sure you are well informed while you are making your decisions on what roofing materials you choose.
What can I expect in the breakdown of my quote?
Roofing quotes should be transparent. The roofer shouldn’t simply offer you a “bottom line” price for the job. Instead, you should expect a written quote that includes the cost of materials, removal of your old roof, cost of labor, and adding the new roof. The professionals at Empire Roofing and Exteriors will offer a competitive quote and they have the expertise to perform a quality roofing job to fit your needs.
Your roofing company should also give you someone as a point of contact. Whether the company assigns a manager to the project or you contact the owner directly, there should be someone you can communicate with if any needs arise.
