Most Important Questions Ask A Roofing Contractor

Choosing the right roofing contractor to install your roof is just as important as using quality materials. While most roofers are experienced craftsmen, in some cases, inexperienced roofers may be looking to take advantage of a growing economy or a recent natural disaster. In order to ensure that you hire a reliable roofing contractor, it’s important to ask the right questions before signing a contract.

At Home Exterior Solutions LLC, we understand the importance of finding a trustworthy roofing contractor. That’s why we’ve put together a guide of the most important questions you should ask before hiring a roofing contractor. We not only provide a list of questions but also give details about what you should expect to hear from a legitimate roofing contractor that is worth considering for the critical work of roofing your home or business.

General roofing contractor questions and appropriate answers:
– How long has the company been in business? You want a roofer that has “seen it all,” i.e., repaired and installed hundreds of roofs like yours. The owner of the company should have at least 10 years in the roofing business as an owner, preferably, or at minimum working as a crew leader for someone else.
– Are you licensed, and can I have a copy of your license? Most states require contractors to have a license issued by a state agency. When applying for the license, the roofer must demonstrate knowledge and adherence to building codes and proof of insurance. Some states require that the contractor be bonded (see below). Most state licensing agencies allow homeowners to quickly verify online or by phone that the contractor’s license is current.
– What happens if a worker falls off my roof, or you damage my home? In other words, does the company have worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance? Worker’s compensation insurance covers the employees in case they are injured on the job. Without it, an injured worker is more likely to sue the homeowner to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Liability insurance covers you if the roofing company damages your home or your property. Some homeowner’s insurance policies won’t pay in such cases.
– What happens if you skip out on the job? Are you bonded, and if so, can I see a copy? Many states require contractors to be bonded. A surety bond is a form of insurance that covers the homeowner financially in circumstances like these:
1. The contractor fails to complete the work, and the homeowner must hire another roofer to do it
2. The contractor fails to pay subcontractors or the crew
3. The contractor fails to get a permit for the work, and the city or county bills the homeowner for the permit
4. Your home or property is damaged (the surety bond might cover damage before liability insurance will, though it varies by state)
– Does the crew know what it’s doing? What training is the crew given? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are “no specific requirements for roofers.” Most learned on the job and are skilled at what they do. Training in a high school vocational program can be a plus.

By asking these questions, you can narrow down your search for a trustworthy roofing contractor and ensure that your roof is installed properly. At Home Exterior Solutions LLC, we have over 20 years of experience in the roofing industry, and we have seen it all. We are licensed, insured, and bonded, and we provide our clients with a 10-year workmanship warranty. Our crew is highly trained, and we only use the highest quality materials for our projects.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions. At Home Exterior Solutions LLC, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free estimate on our roofing replacement services.