When the time inevitably comes that your roof needs some work, it is wise to hire a professional to take care of it for you. Trying to fix a problem with no experience can be dangerous and may make the situation worse. Hiring a roofer can be a daunting task, but asking the right questions can make the process simpler. Here are four questions to ask when hiring a roofer.
Ask About Training and Experience
When you hire a roofer, it is to do one of three things: new roof installation/replacement, roofing repair, or roofing maintenance and inspection. Usually, companies and contractors specialize in one of these categories, so make sure to ask about what they specialized in for their training.
As well, training isn’t everything, and hands-on experience is an excellent indicator of quality. Inquire about how many years of experience they have in this field.
Ask for References and Credentials
Contractors can lie, so ask for at least three references from past clients. If they don’t wish to share, then move on to the next candidate. If they were recommended to you by another homeowner or acquaintance, make sure to ask about their attitude, timeliness, and efficiency.
It is also vital to research their credentials. Reputable contractors will be licensed, insured, and ready to show you their paperwork. Know your state’s laws and make sure that the contractor is in line with regulations.
Ask for an Estimate
Ask your contractor for a cost and time estimate. You want to be able to ensure a fair and honest price, so compare their estimate with at least two other contractors. Be wary of super high and low bids. A cheap bid indicates that it will be shoddy work that will have to be fixed later, and high bids may be a sign of getting ripped off.
In addition, never pay the full amount upfront. You can do a good faith deposit of 10% or schedule payment milestones according to the job. Avoid using cash or check; instead, use a credit card so you can recover the money in case something goes wrong.
Before you ask your contractors for an estimate, do a bit of research. Choose which material and style you would like. After receiving an estimate, compare it with other homeowners who have something similar. If the price is close, then you know that you were offered a fair deal.
Ask for a Contract Explanation
Before signing the contract, make sure to review it and the warranties closely. While your agreement may not give you a work guarantee, you should have a material warranty. Review the contract and feel free to ask your contractor about anything you do not understand. Professionals will not be annoyed by your questions and will happily take the time to explain it to you.
Getting roof work done can be a considerable investment, which is why it is vital to do your research, ask for estimates, and review training, experience, credentials, and references. Professional and trustworthy contractors are going to be honest and upfront with you about all the factors of the job. If they do a good job, make sure to give them a positive review!