Hiring a roofer to install a new roof on your home is one of the most important decisions you will make throughout the process. Your roof is extremely important to your home and a small misstep in installation can cost you thousands of dollars not to mention the time and headache you will go through too.
While a roof is not necessarily one of those fun purchases, it is something that must be done to protect you and your home. One of the best pieces of advice when it comes to a roof installation is that you need to hire a professional. Trust us, you do not want to try to save on labor costs as you will regret it in the long run.
Below, you will find a list of questions that you should ask any roofer before you hire them. These questions are not exhaustive, but they can get you started and help save you time and money.
Questions to Ask About Roofing Estimates
You will likely receive several estimates before you have a roof installed. If you are planning to simply call one company and go with them, stop, and reevaluate this decision. You should call and receive a quote from at least three roofers. This way, you know you are getting a good deal and you know who you can trust for your roofing job.
The average cost of roof installation sits somewhere between $7,000 and $10,000. It can be more money too depending on different factors. You never want to rely on a solely verbal pricing structure. Make sure everything is in writing with dates and do not sign any contracts until you are happy with the terms.
To receive an accurate price quote from roofers, here are some questions you want to ask:
- What will it cost me to have the old roof removed?
- Can you provide me a cost breakdown of each expense?
- How much will my homeowner’s policy cover for wind or hail damage?
- Which areas of the home and current roof do you need to inspect to provide a quote?
- Can you provide me with a quote for roof repairs and a roof replacement?
- How much will materials cost me, and do I have any options in what materials are used?
- Are the cost of labor and materials included in the price estimate?
Questions to Ask the Roofing Company
Working with a roofing company is important and making sure you hire one that looks out for your needs and has your best interests in mind is important. Here are some questions you want to ask:
- Who can I contact if I have questions or for updates?
- Who will be completing the actual work on the roof?
- Can I speak with the lead roofer before the job starts?
- Do you hire subcontractors? If so, can I have their contact information?
- What qualifications and experience do the roofers have?
Questions to Ask About the Company/Roofers/General
All roofing contractors must follow the state laws when they provide service to you. You want to make sure that the company you work with observes these laws. You also want to make sure that the roofing company is licensed, bonded, and insured. This helps to protect you.
Here are some additional questions you may want to ask:
- Are you licensed? Bonded? Insured?
- What is your current legal business name and address?
- Do you offer roofing repairs and maintenance?
- Do you guarantee your work?
- Do you warranty your work?
- Which types of insurance does your company carry?
- Can you provide me with three references?
- What are the rules and requirements for filing a warranty claim?
- How do you protect your workers while they are on my property?
- Do your roofers follow OSHA guidelines?
- How will you ensure the roofing project is completed on time?
- What steps and safeguards will you take to ensure you do not damage my home during the roofing project?
- Do your roofers clean up after the job is done?
Keep in mind that some roofing companies may not offer you a guarantee on their work. This does not mean that they are not credible, but it does give you something to think about and it sets an expectation.
Roofing Contractors: Hiring One
There are some steps you want to take before you settle on a roofing contractor to hire. Check them out.
1. Research Your Options for Materials
While a roofing company can present you with the available options, you want to do a bit of research on your own prior to contacting them. This way, you have an idea of the different systems and materials out there. This also allows you to inquire with them further about what they offer. Often times, roofs are not installed according to the specified manufacturer instructions, so this information will be crucial for you to have.
Remember, you do not need to know everything there is to about a roof, but you want to be able to ask the right questions to ensure you are hiring a quality team.
2. Talk to Multiple Companies
Never simply settle with the first company you call, as this can spell out trouble. For example, you may end up paying too much or you may end up with shoddy work. You should contact several, at least three minimum, contractors and ask for an on-site roofing estimate.
Never simply accept a guesstimate, a verbal estimate, or an estimate where they do not physically come out to look at the roof.
You should also ask if the roofing company has any references you can call and see if they have pictures of roofing jobs they have completed in the area. Always consider the skill level of the roofer over the cost for the roofer. Of course, you want to stay within your budget but remember, an untrained or inexperienced roofer will cause problems that you will have to later pay for an experienced roofer to correct.
3. It’s a Balance: Cost and Value
It can be quite the game when it comes to cost and value. You want to make sure you stick to your budget but that you receive the value you want too.
Talk to your roofer about the different materials and think along the lines of longevity too. For example, if you choose XYZ shingles, how long into the lifespan of the shingles will you start to experience problems or require maintenance?
Once you have an idea about the value of the product you are considering and the pricing, you can decide.
4. Set Expectations
Setting expectations before the job begins helps to ensure you stay informed and the roofers know what you expect. Make sure to discuss with the roofers the project length expectation and communication. Will you receive daily updates?
If the company states they offer a warranty, make sure to get all that information – same for any guarantees the roofing company offers. Manufacturer warranties only cover failures and defects of the product and not issues with the roofers or damage to the roof because of the roofers. You want to make sure you are protected.
5. Keep Yourself Informed
Now that the installation of your new roof is to begin, make sure you stay informed throughout the process. Make sure that the roofers know to contact you when an issue arises or for approval of anything additional that needs to be completed.
Keep in touch with the project manager or lead roofer so you will always know how things are going. No surprises.
Preparing for the Project
Once you have everything set in stone and a date for your roof replacement, make sure you complete these tasks:
- Let your neighbors know you are having the roof replaced
- Check the weather
- Move any vehicles or equipment from the home
- Cover up items in your attic
- Know where the exterior outlets are on your home
- Cut the grass
As a final note, if you find you have a bunch of outdoor equipment that you do not use and it is just taking up room on your lawn, consider a self-storage unit. You can use the unit for home remodels and simply to provide yourself with more room in your home too.
Choosing a qualified and experienced roofer is crucial to ensure that your roof gets done the right way.