6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer

Every homeowner with a roofing issue wants assurance that the contractor they hire is reputable and capable of getting the roof done right the first time around.

So how do you find that kind of roofer? By asking important questions.  

Here are a few questions to ask before hiring a roofer:

• Are you a licensed roofer? If the answer is no, cross the roofer off of your list of candidates and move on.

• Is your license, bonding, workman’s comp and liability insurance current? Has it ever lapsed? If so, why? Even if the roofer is licensed, you still need to confirm whether the license is active and whether they are bonded and insured.  Don’t just take their word for it, ask for proof and verify the status yourself. If anything has lapsed, that may be a red flag such as poor business management or a disciplinary action.

• How did you arrive at the cost in your estimate? A roofing estimate is based on calculation of a roof’s area, pitch and slope, as well as the size of the roof and the type of shingles selected. See if the roofer explains all of this in a way you understand and whether the estimate is realistic. Why? Because unrealistically low estimates are usually a set up for coming up with a multitude of reasons to jack up the price later after you’ve become hostage since firing the roofer and starting over is often cost prohibitive.

• How long will it take to do the work?  A roofer with too much time attending to one client  may have all of his/her “eggs in one basket”. If so, this may drag the work on and drain your wallet.  

• Do you have verifiable references? If you’re are unable to visit a roofer’s past projects to speak with a client about their experience, move on.  You need evidence-based feedback.

• Do you have experience with my type of roof?  For example, if the roofer has never worked on a clay tile roof and that’s the type of roof you have, they’re not the best fit to work on your roof due to the nuances of working with a clay tile roof.

Does your remodel involve more than a roof?  Get your free preview of my book, Remodel Success: Home Remodeling Done Right, On Time and On Budget, here.