As a homeowner, you quickly learn that in addition to paying your mortgage, interest, and property taxes, you can run into substantial expenses for home upgrades and repairs. Some projects, such as remodeling the kitchen or updating and refreshing the bath can be scheduled for a later date if money is an issue. Other things, like fixing a leaking pipe, are not too costly and need to be taken care of right away.
One of the biggest projects you are likely to face is to replace an existing roof that is leaking or beyond repair. When you have an issue with your roof, you’ll often need to take care of it right away or risk substantial damage to the structure and contents of your house. It’s also one of the most expensive projects you’ll face, so you will want to make sure you ask key questions that help you hire the right company to get the job done.
Are You Licensed and Fully Insured
The first thing you need to make sure of is that your roofing specialists are licensed by the state and that their license is current and in good standing. To verify everything, check with the agency that regulates contractor licensing in your state. You’ll often find the agency has a name like the Division of Consumer Affairs. Go to their site and you’ll be able to get the information you need.
Before you hire any roofing company, you’ll also want to verify that they are fully insured. They need to have full workman’s compensation insurance, which will cover each of their employees in case there are any on-the-job injuries. They will also need general liability coverage which will protect your property in case the contractor causes damage to your home.
How Long Have You Been in Business and Will You Provide References
Roofing is a big job, and you want your contractor to be a viable business that’s been established and serving your area successfully for many years. New contractors come and go, so pick an established player that has withstood the test of time. Your prospective contractor should also be able to provide you with a lengthy list of customer references from your area. Read more about How to Make Your Roofing Company Stand Out from The Crowd?
In addition to checking references for jobs like yours, be sure to spend time online reading about the company and going through their online reviews. These reviews often give you a great window into how the company operates, key questions to ask, and more. They can also give you a great sense of how happy their customers are.
Do You Provide a Written Agreement and Do You Offer a Lifetime Warranty
Purchasing a new roof is possibly the biggest home-related repair you will make in your lifetime. You’ll want to be sure that your roofing specialist provides a detailed written agreement outlining all of the services and costs associated with your project. This should specify the materials to be used, whether the old roof will be removed, and any other important areas.
Since you are making such a substantial investment, you’ll want to make sure you only have to do it once. Find out if the contractor offers a lifetime warranty that will cover you for the years to come. All of this should be spelled out in writing as part of the estimate and contract you have to sign.
When it comes to replacing an existing roof, it’s important that you protect yourself by doing your due diligence and making sure the contractor you select will get the job done right. By asking the right questions upfront, you can be confident that you’ve chosen the best company.
