Hiring A Roofing Contractor? Here are the Must Ask Questions
There are numerous issues within a home that can be procrastinated. However, your roofing issues should not be one of those problems. Roofs should often get the highest priority as far as maintenance is concerned.
When well installed and maintained, a roof can last for over 30 years. The average roof replacement cost in 2018 was estimated to cost between $5,000 and $10,000. Some homeowners have to pay as much as $30000. No one wants to waste that kind of money on unqualified personnel.
There are so many companies and individuals who claim to be the best, but they are not the qualified professional you need for a job like this. When poorly installed, you will experience leaks that can quickly lead to mold growth and even mold poisoning. It could also be a fire hazard because of all-electric wires going through the ceiling.
In this article, we highlight some of the essential questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor. These will ensure you get a qualified professional to work on your roof.
Are All the Employees in Your Roofing Company Licensed and Insured?
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires that all roofers be licensed and insured. The insurances protect you as the homeowner, in case the worker damaged your property or got injured on the job. Insurance should be the bare minimum when hiring a contractor.
But, don’t just take them at their word. Ensure that you see the license and verify that it has the company’s name and business address.
Also, ensure that the license is still valid. The license ensures that you can take legal action in case they do not perform their jobs well or they used questionable materials.
How Long Have You Been a Roofer?
When hiring a roofing company, it is easy to get carried away looking at how long the company has been in business. However, this should not be important. What you need to know is how long the person who will be working on your property has been a roofer.
It is vital to ensure that the individual has all the necessary skills and experience. While everybody has to start somewhere, you do not want to leave the work at your home to a beginner. If you do, you need to ensure that there are at least 2 others who are experienced.
Will You Remove My Old Roof?
Sometimes, roofers will want to reduce the amount of work they do by putting new roofing shingles over your old roof. Some will only fix areas visible to the human eye, leaving out underlying problems. Therefore, visual inspections will not always show all the rotten spots.
If some of these roofing issues are not solved on time, there is a chance that the problems will be even bigger in the future. Therefore, you want to hire someone who will be willing to remove the old roof before putting any new materials. This will guarantee that the roof will serve you for years without showing signs of weakness.
How Will You Affect My Property During the Time You Will Be Working?
Although your first priority when hiring roofers are their skills, there are numerous aspects of your home that need protection. You need to understand how they will get on the roof.
Ensure that they have stabilizers that they will use for every job. This will ensure that the weight is not on your gutters. The last thing you need is for them to damage other areas.
You also need to know whether they will step on your lawn. Where will they store their equipment? You need to know where they are likely to toss and drop things as they work.
If you have invested a lot of time and effort to keep the lawn looking great, you don’t want it ruined. Therefore, if they do not have a strategy on how they will keep your property protected, they may not be the best company for you.
What Happens If the Weather Worsens?
The weather conditions are often unpredictable and uncontrollable. For roofers, this can be irritating because it delays their work and sometimes even ruins it. If it rains, you need to know that the roofer has a plan that will protect your ceiling and the electric cables therein.
You also need to have the assurance that once the rain clears, they will check for water damage in other areas. They should guarantee you that they will look inside the home to ensure that everything is fine before they continue working.
How Long Will the Repairs Take?
You need to know how long the roofers will be working. This will help you to plan your daily tasks better.
Remember that the amount of time will vary depending on what needs to be done. Simple projects will take a much shorter time. However, if you need the entire roof replaced, it will take longer.
You also need to consider whether the roofer will be working on other clients’ roofs before coming to yours. Keep in mind that the amount of time they take to fix the issues will also impact how much you will pay.
Do Your Repairs Have Warranties?
New shingles are more durable and often have better warranty terms. You need to know which parts will have warranties and which ones will not.
A general target is a 2-4 years warranty on installation and around 15 – 20 years manufacturer’s warranty on the shingles. The best approach is to ask questions; maybe they have a unique approach with their warranty programs. Be sure to ask questions so you are clear and comfortable with the warranties.
Will There Be Someone on Site I Can Talk To?
You need to know that there will be a person close by who you can ask questions on the progress and what they are working on.
Ask the Proper Questions to Get the Best Roofing Company
It may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you know the right questions to ask, you will get the best roofing company.
For more information on roofing, quotations and free estimates, check out our site.
Work with a Phoenix roofing repair company that puts the customer first! At AZ Roofing Works, we are the experts in roof repairs and replacements and are excited to work together with you on your project. Contact us online or call our office directly at (602) 283-3383 to have your roof inspected or to schedule a free roofing estimate.
