As a homeowner, you must be prepared to deal with maintenance and repairs. A typical American roof is about 1,600 square feet, according to Roofer’s Guild, and that is a lot of space to look after. One of the most frequent home repairs is roof replacement. The average lifespan of a roof is 20 to 25 years, but this number will differ based on the roofing materials, the climate, and how well you maintain your roof.
If you need to do any roofing renovations or replacements, be aware of the key questions you should ask your roofing contractor before hiring them. The right questions help ensure you make the best decision for your roofing project. Here are 10 questions to ask prospective contractors when hiring.
1. What Type of Roofing Do You Specialize In?
There are several roofing types and materials available on the market. Choose a contractor who specializes in the roofing type you are interested in. This way, you can be confident they’ll be able to properly install or repair your roof. For example, installing a metal roof is completely different from using asphalt shingles, so get the right roof specialist for the job you want.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
You should always verify that your roofing contractor is licensed and insured. Insurance will protect you if something goes wrong during the roofing process. Make sure to ask to see their license and insurance policy information.
3. Do You Have Any References?
Ask the roofing specialist if they have references from past clients. You want a good idea of the quality of work the contractor does. In addition, try to read online reviews to get an idea of what other people have thought of their work.
4. How Much Experience Do You Have?
You want someone with experience working on your roof. This way, you can be confident that they know what they’re doing and can properly install or repair your roof without issues. Ask the roofing contractor how long they’ve been in business and how many roofing projects they’ve completed.
5. Do You Have a Portfolio?
Many roofers will have a portfolio of past projects. Visuals give you a good idea of the quality of their work, so make sure to ask to see the portfolio before making your decision. If you check online, you may be able to find candid shots of roofing projects from internet reviews.
6. What Is Your Warranty Policy?
Most roofing contractors will offer some kind of warranty on their work. A typical warranty will cover material defects and workmanship errors for a certain period. Make sure to get the warranty in writing so you can refer back to it if needed.
7. What Is the Estimated Cost of the Project?
Before hiring a roofer, get an estimate of the cost of the project. This way, you can be sure that it fits within your budget. They should be able to give you a detailed estimate of the costs involved for you to reference.
8. When Can You Start the Project?
If you need the roofing project to be done quickly, don’t forget to ask the contractor when they can begin. Some roofing companies may have a backlog of projects and will not be able to start right away. Others may be able to start the project immediately.
9. How Long Will the Project Take?
Having a general idea of how long the roofing project will take will help you make sure things are staying on track. Some roofing projects may only take a few days, while others may take several weeks. The type of roofing material, the contractor’s availability, and the size of your roof will all play a role in how long the project will need.
10. Will Weather Delay the Project?
Bad weather can sometimes delay roofing projects, so be sure to ask what their policy is for dealing with this situation. Some companies may have a contingency plan in place, while others will simply delay the project until the weather improves.
Asking your roofing contractor these 10 questions before hiring them will help you make an informed decision for your project. Be sure to get all the information in writing to refer back to it later if needed. Do you think you need roofing repairs or a possible replacement? Contact our team at Eenigenburg Exteriors today to get started!
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