Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
Apr 19, 2022These top 10 questions to ask before hiring a roofer are key in construction investment.
If you’re experiencing problems with your roof, you’re probably wondering if you should call in a professional roofing contractor to determine if it needs to be replaced. But how do you know who you can trust? Today Istueta Roofing in Miami FL is helping take the guesswork out of the process by sharing this list of 10 questions that every homeowner should ask any roofer they are considering for their project before they sign a contract. This is so you can make sure that the company you hire is trustworthy, capable of getting the job done right, and, most importantly, that you and your property are protected!
1. Is the company licensed and in good standing with a trade association?
Many states require that roofing contractors are licensed in the state, but all states have different rules. In any case, it’s against the law to knowingly work with an unlicensed contractor! Verifying their license is easy! Just visit http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/ and enter the contractor’s company name. There you’ll be able to verify that their license is up to date and in good standing. For more information regarding what to look for, watch our video here.
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2. Does the company carry insurance and is the coverage adequate?
Worker’s compensation covers the employees while on your property, and general liability insurance covers the property itself. The Miami FL roofing contractor you work with should have both, but don’t just take their word for it that they do. Ask to see their insurance certificate that lists their business name and address as an additional insured. Then, if something does happen on the job, you and your property are protected.
3. Does your business have up-to-date workers’ comp insurance?
Some roofing contractors try to evade this requirement because insurance can be costly. But if you hire a roofing company in Miami FL that doesn’t offer their employees workers’ compensation and someone is injured while on your property, you could be liable to pay thousands of dollars in compensation for medical bills. To protect yourself and your property, ensure the company you hire has workers’ comp insurance for each worker that will be working on your property.
4. What is the full name, address, and phone number of the business?
When a storm or hurricane hits, there will be roofing contractors roaming the streets in their trucks looking for work. While some of these roofers may be legitimate, many of them are just waiting to take your money and run! See what to avoid by watching this video.
5. Will you provide a written estimate with all product selections included?
Signing a contract without a detailed estimate can create problems and cost you a lot of money. Make sure everything is included such as the cost of removing the old roof, installing the new roof, any changes that might crop up in the process, and very specific information regarding your product selections. The estimate should also contain the proposed terms of payment, including a retainer if one is necessary.
6. What is your track record for handling complaints?
If a contractor claims that they’ve never had a complaint, show them the door! Any company that has been in business for several years will undoubtedly have had a complaint at one time or another. The question you want to be answered is how they handled the complaint with the homeowner and what they did to make the situation right.
7. Will you provide a container for refuse material and where will it be placed?
The trash from the old roof will need to be put somewhere as it comes down. The roofing contractor you choose should provide a container to the job site to do that. You should not be required to supply this container, nor should you have to deal with the refuse once the job is completed. It’s also important to ask where the container will be placed on your property.
8. What steps will you take to protect my property during the roof replacement?
You’ve spent your hard-earned money on your property, and you don’t want it to be damaged during your roofing installation. The roofing contractor you hire should take extra precautions to protect all areas around your home including driveways, garage doors, landscaping, windows, AC, and pool so you can have peace of mind. For more information regarding how Istueta Roofing in Miami FL protects your home, check out our video here.
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9. Will there be an onsite contact I can speak with?
While some roofing contractors in Miami FL will tell you during the sale process that you’ll have someone onsite to manage the installation, you might find out that this isn’t true. A trustworthy roofing contractor will have someone onsite throughout the project to answer questions and address concerns that may arise. Make sure you meet that person prior to the start of the project.
10. Do you provide a warranty on workmanship and what is the manufacturer’s warranty on products?
Remember, if a warranty seems too good to be true, it probably is! Homeowners should expect at least a 10-year workmanship warranty with their roof replacement. Ask the roofing contractor to describe their guarantees in detail, including the manufacturer’s warranty on the products they’re using.
If you’re thinking about replacing the roof on your home, trust the experts at Istueta Roofing in Miami FL. Call us today at (305) 671-9190 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment online here.
For more information, download this information from the Certified Contractors Network: How to Make a Successful Construction Investment.
