12 Questions To Ask When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Ask any experienced homeowner, and they’ll tell you that replacing a roof is a considerable investment. The job can cost $10,000 or more for a sizable home, and the cost can go even higher for commercial applications. That’s why it’s important that you find the right contractor to replace your roof. Here are 12 questions Robin Hood Roofing recommends you ask your potential candidates.

1: How Long Have You Been In Business?

The longevity of a company can be a good indicator of its reliability. It also shows that the roofer has a solid customer base and that they are not just starting out. Established roofers are also more likely to stand behind their work should something go wrong with your roof replacement. 

2: How Local Is Your Roofing Business?

There are many reasons why it’s better to hire a roofer from your area. You can verify examples of previous work and check the company’s licensing and insurance just in case there is an accident during the job. It will be much easier for the company to fix issues that pop up after completing the job. 

3: Will You Subcontract My Roof Replacement?

While it’s normal for a roofing company to subcontract some of the work, you need to be aware if this will happen in your situation. Not only does this mean your new roof will take longer to install, but there are more risk factors, such as poor communication and lack of quality control.

4. Has The Crew Trained On The Specific Roofing System I’m Using?

You want your new roof to be installed by experienced workers who are familiar with the materials you are using. If not, you could end up paying for additional labor costs due to errors in installation or poor craftsmanship. This could lead to potential leaks and future structural damage, especially if the new roof is flat.

5: Will You Provide A Written Estimate?

You are hiring someone to do expensive work on your home, so you definitely want to write documentation of measurements and pricing. If the contractor is hesitant or simply does not provide any written information, it’s a clear sign that they may have something to hide. Another benefit is that you can compare estimates from several roofing companies before you hire someone to replace your roof.

6: How Long Will  It Take To Install A New Roof?

A roofing contractor should be able to give you a fairly accurate timeline of how long the installation process will take. If they cannot, that’s another red flag indicating potential delays with your new roof replacement. While the project might not go exactly according to plan, you want someone who can commit to a specific date.

7: Will You Work With My Insurance Company?

Before you hire a roofing company to replace your roof, you should always check with your homeowner’s insurance company. You may get discounts on the final price, or the cost may even be included in the policy if the roofer is hired through your insurance company. This is helpful because you do not want to hire someone who will take advantage of your insurance, which will increase the cost of your premiums.

8: Do You Allow Warranties On The Work Completed?

A warranty can give you peace of mind that you are getting a quality installation. However, if the provider offers a warranty, be sure to read it carefully, as there could be certain restrictions or conditions on reimbursement for potential problems. 

9: What Are Your Payment Options?

You do not want your roof replacement to break your bank. That’s why it’s important to know what payment options are accepted and, if possible, find a builder who offers affordable financing. Another option is to pay for the work in installments so you can spread the cost over time. 

10: What Happens If You Can’t Finish The Job?

There is always the possibility that your roofer will have an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances that may prevent them from completing the work on time. In such cases, you should find out if the roofer will refund your money because penalties may also apply if the contract is canceled.

11: Can I Get References?

It is wise to ask for references from previous clients so you can talk to them about the services they received. This will give you more information about what kind of work your roofer does and how long it takes them to install roofs in general. This will give you a better idea of the roofing contractor’s skills, which can affect future repairs.

12: What Does The Company Do To Ensure Safety When Working On The Roof?

A roofing company should be able to describe its safety precautions while on the job. You want the company to have a comprehensive protocol that protects workers and also prevents damage if an accident or injury occurs while working high up on the roof. This will help protect your property and your family.