When hiring a qualified roofing contractor to install your roof, it’s imperative that we ask the right questions. There’s a reason why we usually hire professionals and it’s because they have the necessary information and skill in doing the job that we don’t have. But since there’s that ‘blind spot’ in terms of information, we will need to ask questions to make sure that you and your contractor and on the same side of the coin with the plans. After all, a clear and direct line of communication is needed when it comes to installing a roof.
Just like when you’re interviewing someone for the job, it’s best to make sure that the right candidate is well-versed and equipped for the job description. In the same way, you wouldn’t hire the first candidate that you’re assessing, would you? Once you have asked a dozen contractors the same questions, you will now have set your standards on their skills and how they operate.
Useful Questions To Ask
So what are these questions that we have to ask? These probing questions are the best way in gauging the skill and history of the work of a contractor.
How Long Have You Been Around?
If a roofing company has been in the industry for years to decades, then that means that they have had numerous projects before. Years to decades of service will usually signify that the contractor has a long-term relationship with clients. Homeowners shouldn’t rely on how long a company has been in the business, though. This does not guarantee that the company will have the necessary skills for the job.
Is Your Business Close?
It’s recommended that you reach out to a roofing company that’s close to your home. In most cases, installing or replacing a roof will take over a few days to a week. If your roofing contractor will have to drive across the whole state, then this will delay your roof’s installations. Moreover, it’s going to ramp up the labor cost of installing a new roof.
Having a roofing company that’s close can help also make it easier for the contractor to conduct much-needed repair and maintenance in future visits to your home.
What Services Do You Offer?
Installing a roof isn’t the only service that a roofing contractor can offer. Will they be able to do annual repairs and maintenance? Can they do roof replacements? Having a long-term roofing contractor can help with future complications such as replacing a new set of materials. It’s a good practice to prepare for the future by building bridges with a long-term professional.
Do You Have Proper Licensing And Qualifications?
It’s highly recommended that you have a roofing contractor that has the proper qualifications and is licensed under the Better Business Bureau. This will guarantee you that the contractor will provide the utmost care to your roof.
Do You Have Insurance For Work-related Errors?
It might be true that everyone does make mistakes, even professionals. However, when you’re a professional roofing contractor, you are offering services that will ultimately benefit your client. It’s highly recommended in having a contractor that can cover damages caused by work-related errors. You can also ask your contractor on what insurance company will be covering them so you can verify it yourself.
Do You Have Safety Equipment For Your Workers?
How a contractor will treat its workers can also be a sign of how they also treat their clients. Roofing can pose multiple safety hazards for workers. A prepared contractor will have the necessary safety harnesses, ladders, and other equipment for their workers.
How Can You Ensure The Safety Of Me And My Family?
The process of installing a roof can be messy. Most of the time, you’ll see debris and dust on your lawn when the work’s already done. It’s only professional for contractors to try and respect your privacy while they’re working on your roof, but they will also need to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of your home’s inhabitants. It’s recommended that you move out temporarily while your roof is being worked on since these hazards can pose health concerns for you and your family.
Look For Testimonials
If you think that your contractors are withholding information from you, then you can always ask about their services from previous clients of the contractor. Having information and feedback on how these contractors work through a client’s perspective can paint a picture of how they operate. There’s no hurt in doing your own background investigation. Your home is a sanctuary for you and should make you feel safe and comfortable. As such, you should ask questions so that you can gauge their abilities.
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