Are you wanting to make sure you settled for the right roofing company?
Once you’ve decided on a company to complete your roofing project, it’s important to have a conversation with your roofer before you initiate the project.
After all, your roofer is going to be handling a complex task that will determine the future of your home’s safety and longevity. Some roofers will be contractors for a company rather than direct employees.
It’s important to ask your roofer for more details about the project itself, but that’s not all.
Read on to learn about what to ask a roofer once you’ve secured a company.
1. What Insurances Do You Carry?
This is the number one question on your list of what to ask a roofer. Because roofers will be managing a number of subcontractors or company workers while completing your roof project, it’s key to ask about the insurances he/she carries.
The first insurance to ask about is worker’s compensation insurance. Roofing is a dangerous task that requires expertise and caution at every step. If an employee or subcontractor is injured somehow during your project, they can use this worker’s compensation insurance to cover medical bills.
Without worker’s compensation insurance, you may be responsible for medical bills.
You’ll also want to ask about general liability insurance. This covers any damage that might happen to your existing property during the installation of the new roof. While the right roofer will be experienced, you’ll want to make sure insurance is there to cover any accidents.
Ask to see proof of insurance certificates for both of these.
When it comes to what to ask a roofer, you’ll also want to check in on your roofer’s licensing. Some states do not require roofers to be licensed, but most do. Do some research about building code requirements before you ask your roofer about licensure.
At the end of the day, you want to work with a roofer who is both licensed and insured.
2. How Will You Protect My Gutters?
In this list of what to ask a roofer, this is one of the most crucial and often overlooked questions.
A lot of people aren’t aware that gutters are an essential component of a roof. If you are replacing your roof, you’ll need to check in on what happens to these gutters during the installation process.
Damaged gutters can mean a huge headache and cost on your part. Without general liability insurance, you may have to fork over a lot of cash in order to repair or replace existing gutter systems.
A Top Ranked Roofer will use a ladder stabilizer to ensure that your gutters won’t be harmed during the roofing project. Stabilizers will ensure that the weight of the ladder does not impact gutters themselves.
3. What Happens When Bad Weather Strikes?
Roofs are exposed to the elements, so any roof installation project may be impacted when inclement weather strikes.
Check in with your roofer about what the game plan will be for periods of snow, rain, wind, or other conditions. Your roofer should have a plan for making sure the inside of your home stays completely dry and intact.
In general, roofers should lay huge sheets of plastic or tarp overexposed areas and attach these in secure ways to protect the inside of your home. It’s also important to ask about high-wind situations if you live in a wind-prone area.
4. What’s the Warranty Status Of My Roof?
It’s critical to avoid scams of all kinds when you are investing in a significant home construction project. One of the best ways to know you’re hiring the right roofing services is to check about roof warranties.
In general, you should expect to have a warranty for at least twenty-five years on your new roof. This number will vary by company and material. Ask for proof of this warranty and elaboration on any fine print.
A scam company will be one that doesn’t offer a warranty or has huge exceptions that seem implausible.
5. With Whom Can I Communicate During the Project?
You’ll definitely want peace of mind during this project, and the best way to get it is to check in about on-site contacts.
Every roofing company is different, so ask about site managers and overseers who will be receptive to your questions and comments on the daily. Make sure you get contact information for the individuals you’ll be communicating with.
6. How Will You Protect My Lawn and Driveway?
If you have an existing home already, it’s important to ask your roofer about the precautions the company will take to protect your lawn, landscaping, and driveway.
Ask your roofer about construction materials, including on-site refuse containers and trucks. Make sure you know where these will be stowed during the project and coordinate so that everyone can exit and enter the driveway comfortably at all hours.
Check-in regarding ladders and refuse elimination. Ask about ladder placement so that your bushes or flower gardens aren’t damaged during the installation. Make sure that old shingles or materials are disposed of safely and out of reach of your landscaping.
7. What Are the Details Of My Estimate?
When it comes to what to ask a roofer, it’s important to be clear on cost. Check in on how you’ll receive your estimate and also ask questions about its details.
There should never be any hidden fees or charges on your estimate. Make sure you are clear on all of its terms before you agree.
What to Ask a Roofer
Installing a roof is a significant task, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the company you’ve chosen to take care of your new roof.
When it comes to what to ask a roofer, make sure you take the time to ask questions about the roofer’s insurance policies and methodology for protecting your existing home and property. Check in about estimate details and make sure you know the warranty for your roof.
It’s also important to have on-site contact information so that you can always keep channels of communication open.
Are you a roofer or construction company looking to reach more clients? Post your ad for free on Sebule classifieds to ensure you get the customers you deserve.