When a home’s roof needs to be replaced, some people perform the task by themselves, allowing them to save a substantial amount of money. However, not everyone has the expertise, experience or even the time to complete this task by themselves. Whether you need a new roof or your home badly needs roof repair, it is imperative to interview a prospective roofer before making a serious commitment. Here are 10 questions that you should ask before hiring a roofing contractor to help you.
1. Is he licensed, and is the license updated? In California, roofing contractors should get their licenses from the Department of Consumer Affairs Contractors State License Board. This will assure you that the contractor has passed the stringent requirements by the licensing board and is invested in adhering to local regulations and industry standards.
2. Do the contractor’s employees have workman’s’ compensation and general liability insurance? A reputable roofer invests in both workman’s compensation and general liability insurance. Without these insurance policies, you may end up footing the bill for an injured worker or the repair or replacement of items within your property.
3. Is he going to remove the existing roof? When a home’s roof needs to be replaced, it is imperative that the old one is removed in order to determine if there is any damage beneath it which may lead to potential problems.
4. Will he install drip edge/edge metal to the new roof? Drip edge/edge metal is attached to new roofs in order to prevent water damage to the home’s fascia and the wooden structure beneath the roof.
5. How is he gaining access to the roof? Seasoned roofers invest in ladder stabilizers and standoffs which allow them to gain access to a property’s roof without risking damage to its gutter system.
6. Who will be in charge of supplying the container for the refuse material? A reputable roofer will take charge of renting or supplying the container in which the refuse from the job site will be placed. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the property owner to determine where the best place on his property to put this container is.
7. What measures will he put into place to protect your home from rains? It is fairly difficult to predict the weather. And as such, the roofer should provide a sturdy temporary cover in lieu of the new roof for your home. During inclement weather, he should also have a worker on standby to check this temporary cover.
8. How will he protect your landscaping? While both your roofer’s and your own attention may be focused above, your contractor should not ignore your landscape and ensure that minimal disturbance and zero damage is done to it.
9. Who can you talk to during the installation? More questions will arise during the completion of the project. And while the contractor’s staff may be well meaning, they may not necessarily have the right answers for you. A reputable contractor will always have a point person at the job site that the client can speak with.
10.Will he provide a written estimate? Before signing a contract, make sure that the contractor has supplied you with a detailed breakdown of costs including those pertaining to materials and labor. This will prevent any misunderstanding and allow you to effectively manage the expenses by having a firm number in mind.