Before hiring a roofing company, there are certain questions you should ask. A poor job can mean costly roof repairs and leaks in the future, which means more time and money spent. Ask a roofer the following questions before making a hiring decision:
1. What is your full company name and physical address?
Ask for the roofing company’s full name and address. If they use a Post Office box, ask for the physical location. A roofing company that doesn’t have a physical location is a cause for concern, and you should move on. Check Angie’s List to find a reliable roof repair or roof replacement company in your area.
RELATED: Hiring a Roofer: It’s not an Estimate, It’s an Interview
2. Do you have insurance?
Roofing contractors should have workmans’ compensation and liability insurance to protect the homeowner in the event of an accident. Workers’ compensation protects the homeowner if a roofing company’s employee gets injured, and liability protects you from damage caused by the roofers during repair or replacement.
Without workmans’ compensation insurance, the homeowner may be responsible for medical bills and other costs associated with the injury. Your homeowners’ insurance may not cover these types of accidents, so you will be personally responsible for the costs.
Some contractors use subcontractors for roofing jobs. Make sure you get lien waivers to protect yourself if your contractor doesn’t pay them.. (Photo courtesy of Colin Kessler)
3. Do you use roofing subcontractors?
Ask whether any part of the job will be performed by a subcontractor. If so, make sure you ask these same questions of the roofing subcontractor — particularly ask whether they are insured.
MORE: What is a Contractor Lien Release or Subcontractor Lien Waiver?
4. Do you have a roofing contractor license?
Ask the roofing contractor if he or she is licensed by your city or state. Licensing requirements vary by state. Some cities and counties also require a contractor to be licensed. Verify whether a license is required in your area, and if it is, check with your local licensing offices to make sure your roofer’s license is up to date and doesn’t have any outstanding violations.
MORE: What Information Should Be in a Roofing Estimate?
A business license is not the same as a roofing contractor license. A business license is for tax purposes and identifies the company. It does not mean the person has passed a test or is qualified to work as a roofer.
5. Do you have homeowner references?
Ask for local residential job sites you can visit and check previous roofing work. You can also ask for references, but sometimes past customers do not want their personal information released or a contractor cherry picks a couple of happy customers. Follow up with the homeowners and ask whether they are happy with the roofing job completed by the contractor.
6. Do you offer a warranty for your roofing work?
Ask how long the roof repair company guarantees its work. A roof warranty typically lasts for a year, but some roofers offer longer warranties. The manufacturer usually covers the materials, and the roofer covers the work. These are two separate warranties, so ask the roofer what is covered under each warranty and the length of each.
As always, give 5 Points Roofing a call today and we’ll help walk you through the process!
