Every roofing professional is not created equal. Some are talented but messy. Others are great at paperwork and marketing while their craftsmanship suffers. A few are neither qualified nor properly accredited. Many are hardworking, honest, and extremely able professionals. Asking a few simple questions before choosing a roofing company can help ensure you choose one of the best and result in a relationship that is beneficial to you both.
What to Ask a Potential Roofing Professional
Choosing a talented roofing professional can be tricky. By asking these questions, you can gain good insight into your roofer.
Licensure
It is always a good idea to make sure your potential roofing professional has a license to work in your state. Licensure programs exist to protect you from certain liabilities and to protect contracting industries from unscrupulous business people. When interviewing a contractor, do more than ask about their licensure. Ask them to explain what licensing means. A contractor who is able to explain contractor licenses is more likely to honor the system by performing quality work.
Mess
Repairing an old roof and installing a new roof are both messy jobs. Having a conversation about how to handle the mess can save you considerable headaches. Look for a contractor that has established procedures for collecting and removing waste, and who is honest about the unavoidable clutter that accompanies the project. It is also important to inquire about a contractor’s systems for protecting your landscaping, exterior walls, and gutters from damage caused by ladders, tools, and debris.
Methodolgy
Weather is never 100% predictable. Rain, hail, snow, and wind can interrupt construction work unexpectedly. Occasionally, unfavorable weather can linger for days. Discussing a contractor’s methods for protecting your roof and home from different kinds of weather is a way to determine how prepared and organized your potential contractor is. Doing so will also set your mind at ease should inclement weather appear unexpectedly after the job has commenced.
Concerns
It should be easy to discuss any concerns you have with your roofing professional. The best credentials in the business do not count for anything if your contractor is incapable of listening to your worries, opinions, and requests. By taking the time to ask a few simple questions before hiring a contractor, you not only have an opportunity to make sure they appear qualified to undertake the task at hand, but that they’re capable of clear, honest, and prompt communication.
