Is it time for a new roof on your home? One of the most important parts of this process is choosing the right contractor for your project. When you choose the right contractor, you increase your chances of the job being done right and also ensure that the process will be a smooth one. When deciding on a contractor, it’s usually a good idea to narrow down the list to two or three good potentials who are local and have excellent reputations, then interview each of them to make a final decision. Not sure what to ask in the interview? Here are some questions to get you started.
- Who is the business owner?
If the company has been owned by the same person for many years or if the owner started the company, these are usually good signs. A red flag is a company that has changed hands multiple times in a short amount of time.
- What experience and training do your crews have?
Keep in mind that it’s very rarely the owner of the company who will actually be performing the work. That’s why it’s important to ask what type of experience and training the crew who will be on your roof has.
- What crew will actually be on my roof?
Once you found out the crew’s experience and training, find out if you can meet the people who will be on your roof. Are they employees of the company or are they subcontractors?
- Can I see some recently completed jobs and talk with the owners of the homes?
The best way to get insight into the finished project delivered by contractors is to take a look at their past projects. Even better, see if you can talk to some of their past customers so you can ask about their experience with the contractor.
- Does your company have all the licensing, certifications, insurance, and workers’ comp coverage needed?
Don’t assume that the contractor has all their bases covered. Feel free to ask them for proof of these items. It’s a red flag if they refuse to show you or get upset when you ask.
- Is a building permit required for my roofing project?
If the answer is yes, you can then ask how they will get one (and how long it will take.)
- When can you start?
Roofing contractors can get very busy, especially during peak seasons. If your project is an emergency (or you just want to get it done ASAP), finding out when the contractor’s next availability is could be a deciding factor.
- How long will the project take?
It’s always a good idea to know how long your roofing project will take, but keep in mind that the shortest timeline is not always the best one.
- Who is my point of contact for questions?
There’s nothing more frustrating than having questions with no one to ask them to. Having a single point of contact who will return your calls promptly is an important consideration when making your decision.
Still not sure which contractor to choose after asking these questions? Here are some additional questions that can help:
- Do you have a plan to protect my property from damage?
- How will the crew access my roof?
- How will you keep your workers safe?
- Are you tearing off my old roof? If so, how will those materials be disposed of?
- Will you have a porta-potty or dumpster on-site?
- How will the project be affected if there is bad weather?
- What are your planned working hours? Do you work on weekends?
- Will there be written warranties for workmanship and materials?
- How will my home’s gutters be protected during the project?
- What are some factors that will affect the contracted price? Will I be notified ahead of time if the price will increase?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when you get a new roof is the contractor you choose to do the project. Asking the above questions will help you get a good idea of what it will be like to work with a contractor so you can make a solid decision. Want to talk to the HomeWise team about your project? Give us a call!
