Fixing a Roof: 5 Questions to Ask Your Roofer Before Signing the Contract

Selecting a roofing contractor is often a stressful process. The contractor may be needed for a leak or damage, which is a pressing matter and must be dealt with immediately. Taking too long to hire someone to help can result in serious issues.

Making the Right Decision

Finding top rated roofers requires much more than just gathering recommendations. It’s best to find someone who provides reliable services and the desired results. The best way to do this is by asking the right questions.

For those who need to hire a roofer, asking the questions here is best. Don’t hire anyone who doesn’t provide appropriate answers.

1. Is the Roofing Contractor Licensed?

The majority of states require roofers to be licensed to work in the state. However, requirements and codes vary from one state to another. This means it’s up to a homeowner to know the code requirements in their region.

By finding out this information, a person can have confidence they are hiring a roofer or roofing company that will comply with all the codes set by the state. Understanding if the contractor has a license and if the license is up to date is non-negotiable.

2. Does Roofer Have Insurance?

Any roofer hired to work on a home’s roof needs to have two types of insurance. They are workers’ comp insurance and general liability insurance.

Workers’ comp insurance protects the company’s employees. General liability insurance covers any damage that occurs while the work is being done.

3. Does the Roofer Use Subcontractors?

There are some roofing companies that will hire subcontractors to handle the roofing work they are hired for. If this is the case, make sure the subcontractors have the proper licensing and insurance to handle the job.

It’s also a good idea to pick up lien waivers. These are documents that can protect a homeowner if the contractor does not pay the subcontractors they have hired.

4. Will the Roofer Remove the Old Roof?

It isn’t unusual for a roofer to inspect the existing roof and then plan to install the new roof on top of it. A visual inspection will not identify issues such as rotten spots or soft areas. If these issues aren’t fixed, they will only create more problems in the future.

An old roof needs to be removed. This can help ensure that all roof issues are found and addressed.

5. Does the Roofer bring a Container for the Clean-Up?

When roof repair or replacement is done, a lot of refuse is created. This includes the old drip edge, nails, plywood, and shingles.

It’s a good idea to find out if the roofer will bring a container to the job site to handle the cleanup of the materials. A customer should never be required to clean up the mess on their own or provide a refuse container for the waste material. A roofer should always complete the job from start to finish, which includes the cleanup.

Finding the Right Roofer

Don’t underestimate the benefits offered by finding the right roofer for the job. Take some time to use the questions here to sort out the good roofers from the subpar ones. Being informed and knowing what to ask when hiring a roof are the best ways to ensure a quality job is done for the right price.