What are the Best Questions to Ask My Roofing Contractor?

The roof is an integral component of your home. Roofing projects – installing a new roof, repairing a damaged one, or replacing a worn one – can be complicated, and you should hire a professional and competent roofing contractor. Understandably, many homeowners don’t know how to vet their roofing contractors, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by incompetent and unscrupulous contractors. 

Vetting Your Roofing Contractor 

You can vet your roofing contractor by asking relevant questions before signing the contract. Here is an overview of seven insightful questions to help you gauge your contractor’s professionalism and competence: 

Are You Licensed? 

A professional roofing contractor must be licensed by the state’s board of licensing contractors. Licensing boards vet contractors thoroughly, so a license is proof that they are properly trained and skilled. 

Besides licensing, it is prudent to ensure that the contractor is insured and bonded. Insurance is essential to ensure that your contractor can compensate you if they damage the roof and other components when working. Checking whether the contractor is bonded is also prudent. Most professional roofing contractors will gladly show you their licensing and insurance paperwork. 

Do You Operate Locally or Nationally? 

Roofing is a competitive industry, and some of the biggest roofing contractors operate nationally in several states. National roofing contractors have several benefits, including vast resources such as roofing products and labor. However, they have one crucial shortcoming: they usually deal with too many clients to focus on an individual client’s unique needs and preferences. 

Local roofing contractors are preferable for residential roofing projects because they can focus their resources on you – a local contractor is especially convenient if you will need follow-up services, such as inspections and routine maintenance. Local contractors can also understand local factors that affect roofing, such as the weather, better than national contractors. 

Are You Experienced and Certified? 

Roofing is a practical, hands-on job, and training doesn’t cover everything a contractor needs to know, especially considering emerging roofing trends. Experience helps sharpen a roofing contractor’s skills and expand their expertise. Roofing contractors have varying experience levels, and some are more experienced in certain roofing designs than others. Choosing one with at least five years of experience working on your specific roof type is advisable. 

Certification is also an added advantage when hiring a roofing contractor. The best contractors are certified by roofing manufacturers and their contractors’ associations. 

What Materials Will You Use for the Roofing Project? 

Roofs have varying lifespans, ranging from less than 15 years to more than 50 years, depending on the materials used. In most cases, roofing contractors usually decide on the roofing materials to use. It is important to ensure that the materials are durable and of good quality. You can also check whether the contractor can use your specified materials if theirs don’t meet your standards. Interestingly, some contractors partner with roofing manufacturers and can offer exclusive discounts on roofing materials. 

How Long Will the Roofing Project Take? 

Large-scale roofing projects such as replacements, and new installations are usually disruptive for homeowners. Generally, the installation process is noisy, and your yard and driveway will be blocked by materials and debris. The disruptions can make your home uncomfortable and also disrupt your daily schedule and everyday life. 

Any disruptions you may experience during the roofing project will only last as long as the project. Rushing your contractor isn’t prudent. However, they should be considerate and work as fast as possible to finish the project. Besides the roofing project’s size, the contractor’s speed will also depend on their skills, experience, and team size. You can ask for a time estimate for comparison with other contractors and proper planning. 

Do You Offer a Workmanship Warranty? 

A workmanship warranty is separate from a materials warranty. It is a guarantee that the new roof (or specific roofing components) will last a minimum period before potentially developing complications. Your contractor is obliged to fix any complications that may occur before the warranty ends. Roofing contractors offer varying workmanship warranty periods, ranging from several years to a lifetime. 

Who Can I Call for Further Assistance? 

You may have queries or need further assistance after the roofing contractor finishes the project. The roofing contractor should be easily accessible and have a responsive customer support desk. 

Hire a Reliable Roofing Contractor! 

Vetting multiple roofing contractors can take considerable time and effort. Fortunately, you don’t need to look further than O’LYN Roofing for a professional and reliable roofing contractor in Norwood, MA. 

We offer a comprehensive range of roofing services, including repairs, replacements, and new installations. We also check all boxes, including licensing, certification, insurance, and experience. Get in touch today to learn more about our services.