6 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Whether you’re building a new home, replacing a roof that’s beyond repair or simply need some repair work done due to storm damage, there’s no getting around the fact that you’re going to need a roofing contractor. And unfortunately, finding a reputable company that will do a good job and stand by their work is often a little more time consuming than most people anticipate. There are a record number of registered roofing companies, and unfortunately, many companies will claim they are “the best of the best,” when in reality, they really have nothing good to offer.
To try and weed out the good from the bad, here are 6 questions you need to ask any and all roofing contractors you speak with.
How long will the job take?
This sounds simple, but you would be amazed at how many people don’t ask about the estimated job length. If you’re building a new home, this will be particularly important so that construction stays on track. If you’re having repair work done or are having your entire roof replaced, knowing how long the job will take will be helpful in know how to best plan around it.
What popular roofing product options to they have to offer?
When repairing or replacing an existing roof, also be sure to ask if they have the ability to install the most common roofing products. A professional and experienced roofing contractor must have the ability to offer different product options such as metal, copper, tile, slate, synthetic and stone coated steel etc.
Will they dispose off the trash for you?
Additionally, ask them if they will be disposing of the trash for you, or whether you’ll need to make other arrangements. The last thing you want is a pile of scrap sitting in your front yard that you’re scrambling to try and have removed.
Are they a well-established local company?
This is an important question because there are a lot of fly-by-night roofing contractors who appear in a community after a big storm looking for quick scores. The benefit of hiring a local contractor is that it’ll be easier for you to get in touch with them again if the repairs are faulty or any maintenance work is required in the future. . Look for an established contractor and ask around the area for first-hand reviews. This will help you decide if the contractor is worthy of your time or not.
Is there a warranty?
This is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a roofer. Roofing is expensive, and you need to make sure you will be covered for repairs in the future. Whether a roofing company offers a warranty will also help you figure out whether they are trustworthy. In most cases, a roofer who is confident in the quality of their work will have no problem offering you a warranty.
Does the company communicate effectively?
If a roofing company has an issue answering your calls or returning voice messages in a timely manner, you can generally expect them to produce mediocre work and give you a variety of excuses for schedule delays. Because roof repair and replacement can be a long, expensive process, you’re better off steering clear of companies that cannot communicate effectively or produce work in a timely manner. Of course, roofing jobs can be affected by uncontrollable circumstances such as bad weather conditions, but dealing with a roofing company that produces constant excuses will become a constant source of frustration.
While the five questions outlined here are great vetting questions to ask as you are evaluating roofing companies, reading reviews online and checking with the Better Business Bureau will also provide you with additional insight regarding the companies you are speaking with, as well as the quality of work that they provide. If you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and in needed of a high quality roofing contractor, contact MK Custom Roofing today.