11 Nov 6 Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor
Getting a new roof on your home is a major investment. Before picking a roofing contractor, make sure you ask these important questions to ensure that you are getting the best team for the job:
1. Can you share some references?
Ask your contractor for contacts for a few people who have had work from them before. Be wary if the references are all from customers who had work from them years ago. The reviews that you get should be recent and positive. You can also ask for contacts from their three most recent clients if you do not feel the references you are getting are new enough.
2. How long have you been in business?
A roofing contractor should have many years’ experience and close ties to the community. An experienced contractor will be familiar with a number of roofing types and be able to do a better job. At Aspen, we have been a part of the Palatine community since 1978. Many of our craftsmen have been with us for decades.
3. Are you licensed and insured?
An unlicensed contractor may be cheaper, but they are also far riskier. You have little protection if something goes wrong or they fail to complete the work. Your roofer should also have the required liability and worker’s compensation insurance to cover any injuries or damage that could occur. These incidents are rare, but it would be awful to wind up with thousands of dollars of your own liability of the roofing contractor is not covered.
4. Do you use subcontractors?
Working with a roofing company that uses subcontractors instead of doing the job themselves adds complexity to the job. Many homeowners find that it is safer to deal directly with the company that will be installing the new roof. If you do encounter a roofing company that uses subcontractors, ask all of the same questions of them that you would the primary roofing company. It is also vital that your contract include lien waivers that will protect you if your contractor does not pay the subcontractors.
5. Do you offer a warranty on your work?
You want to feel safe about your investment. A warranty against problems with materials or workmanship will keep you covered if something goes wrong. Aspen offers a 10 year warranty so that you can feel confident about our work.
6. What is your local phone number and address?
You are safer with a roofing company that you can easily track down. If all the company is willing to give you is a cell phone number, give then a pass. You have no guarantee that you will be able to reach them if you need them down the line.
By doing your due diligence before choosing a contractor, you can save a lot of headaches down the way. Interview several roofing contractors and go with the one whose answers let you know that you’re in good hands.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.