When your roof starts to show signs of wear and tear—be it from age, weather conditions, or just natural degradation—finding a qualified roofing contractor becomes a priority.
Choosing a Top-Rated Roofing Contractor
Before diving into the specific questions to ask a roofing contractor, it’s important to start your search with a reputable company. This top-rated roofing company is a prime example of what to look for in terms of credentials, customer satisfaction, and quality of work. Selecting a well-regarded contractor as your starting point can significantly streamline the decision-making process.
Questions to Find the Best Roofing Contractor
Hiring a roofing contractor is an important decision. The quality of the work can have a long-lasting impact on your home. Here are the questions you absolutely need to ask your roofing contractor in Burlington, NJ.
Do you have the proper license?
Any roofing contractor worth their salt should be licensed. Ask to see the license and check its validity online if possible.
This is your first filter in a quality check. In their license, you will see their business name and address. Confirming a physical location can give you assurance that the business is legitimate.
Do you have insurance?
Don’t even consider hiring a contractor without insurance. Accidents happen. When they do, you don’t want to be held liable for injuries or damages.
Ensure that the contractor has both liability insurance and worker’s compensation. Ask for proof to protect yourself from legal issues in case of an accident.
What roofing materials are you most familiar with?
Different contractors may specialize in different types of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, or even green roofing solutions like solar panels. Each material has its pros and cons, and not all contractors have expertise in handling all of them. Ensure they have a range of options suitable for your needs and budget.
A contractor who specializes in the material you want will likely do a better job installing it. Their expertise ensures that they understand the installation and maintenance related to that specific material.
Familiarity means they can offer you cost-effective options. They can suggest what material will give you the best bang for your buck, especially in New Jersey, where storms can be pretty harsh.
Do you have a warranty?
Warranties are a critical component when choosing a roofing contractor. A solid warranty offers you peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered if something goes wrong after the installation is complete. They should cover both the labor and the materials used.
Make sure to ask what exactly is covered, for how long, and what the claim process involves. Material warranties from the manufacturer can range from 20 to 50 years or even a lifetime, depending on the material type. Labour warranties offered by the contractor are generally shorter, often ranging from 1 to 10 years. Ask about the documentation you’ll need and whether there’s a time limit for filing after you notice an issue.
What are the inclusions of the costing?
Ask for a detailed written estimate that breaks down costs for labour, materials, and any other potential fees. Be cautious of unusually low bids—they may be cutting corners in areas that could harm your home in the long run.
Do you offer payment plans?
Large home improvement projects like roofing can be financially burdensome. Payment plans can ease this burden, allowing you to spread the cost over a period.
Ask about available options and read the fine print carefully. Some contractors offer to finance, but the terms may not always be favourable. Understand when payments are due and if there are any down payments required.
Do you provide a contract?
A contract serves as the official agreement between you and the contractor, outlining all terms and conditions, responsibilities, and expectations. Always insist on a written contract that outlines the scope of work, cost, and timeline. Make sure to read it thoroughly before signing.
Never start the work without a formal contract in place.
Key Takeaways
If you’re in the market for a roofing contractor, you undoubtedly want the job done correctly the first time around, correct?
It’s crucial to think through the questions you should ask before choosing a roofing contractor, as redoing the roof is not an activity you’d want to experience again. Failing to adhere to this checklist for roofing estimates could result in both a significant loss of your precious time and a dent in your wallet.
Getting answers to the questions will guide you in making an informed choice.
- Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured.
- Ask about their expertise with specific roofing materials.
- Confirm the availability of a warranty.
- Understand what is included in the cost.
- Inquire about payment plans.
- Insist on a formal contract.