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7 Questions to Ask a Roofer Before Hiring Them

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When installing a roof, choosing the right roofing contractor can make the biggest difference in the results you can achieve in the short term and long term. You will come across several roofers during your search process. Determining which company can meet your roofing requirements while providing quality services can be a daunting task.

However, if you know what questions to ask a roofer before hiring them, your task can become much simpler. Here is a list of questions you should ask every roofing company that draws your attention:

1. Are You Licensed & Insured?

Ask the roofer whether they are licensed in the province to provide their services. While these requirements can vary between different jurisdictions, you do not want to work with an unlicensed service provider. Remember, licensing is a sign of professionalism.

Also ask them if they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. While liability insurance protects you against any incidents on the worksite, the latter protects their workers.

2. Are You Bonded?

Make sure you are working with a roofer who is bonded. When you choose a bonded company, they will have a unique type of insurance that specifically protects your interests. If the roofer is unable to meet the contract requirements, the bond helps you get compensated based on the agreement.

3. When Was Your Company Established?

Finding out when the company was established can provide you with insights into the company’s stability. When a roofer has been serving your community for long, it means that they have been doing something right. Experience not only brings the assurance of quality workmanship but stability also means you can turn to them in the future if any issues develop.

4. Who Will Handle the Permits?

Whether it is installing a new roof or replacing an existing one, it is a large-sized project. You will be required to obtain permits to make changes to your home. Ask a roofing company if they will assist with permitting. Professional permit handling means convenience, time-saving, and better compliance. Roofers have knowledge of local building codes and requirements. So, it is better if they handle the permits.

5. Are You a Member of Any Roofing Association?

Check whether a roofer is a member of one or more roofing associations in your region. There are many positives of choosing a company that has membership in local and national roofing associations. These include:

  • A strong commitment to their roofing profession.
  • They keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies and maintain a high standard of service.
  • Their team must be receiving continual industry education.
  • They have access to a larger network, which can help enhance the roofing process.

6. Do You Offer Warranties on Labor?

While many manufacturers offer warranties on their roofing materials, you should ensure your roofing company offers a warranty on their workmanship. Reputable roofers can provide up to 10 years of labor warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind.

7. Will You Provide Written Estimates?

As mentioned above, a roof installation is a major project. You do not want to deal with even a minor surprise at the time of paying the bill. So, ask the roofer if they will provide a detailed and clear written estimate before beginning. It should cover everything from labor to material costs. Additionally, the estimate must also mention the project timeline and a detailed description of the job.

Make sure to ask these questions when evaluating different roofers. If you are already prepared with your questions, your search process can become streamlined and fast.