What to Ask a Roofing Contractor
Choosing a roofing contractor can be a tricky task, but you should know what questions to ask. The best questions are not yes-or-no ones, but open-ended questions. You will learn more about the contractor’s background, experience, and services by listening carefully to their answers. Here are some common questions to ask a roofing contractor: roofing supply near me
How long do you need a guarantee or warranty? You can find out about these things by connecting with several roofing contractors and asking them for testimonials. You can also find out if the contractor has a standardized complaint procedure. Make sure you understand which channels to go through if you are not satisfied with the work. Ask about their experience and if there was any confusion. This way, you’ll be sure to make an informed decision.
The contractor should explain how and where they will store debris and waste materials. A contractor shouldn’t leave waste materials outside, as this can damage gutters and the surroundings. Ask about the weight of the trash container, too. The weight of a dumpster on your property can ruin the driveway and other areas. Moreover, a dumpster should be easily accessible to the roofer, as it may end up being difficult to move it if the contractor doesn’t know where to put it.
You can avoid storm chasers and fly-by-night operators by confirming the company’s address. Most roofing services have an address that you can search, but some of them operate under a P.O. box address. If you can’t confirm the address, look for another company. Be sure to check their website for a business card or confirmation email. You can also use Google to check the location of the roofing contractor’s office. If the company doesn’t have a storefront, it’s likely a fly-by-night operation and won’t have a way to reach you.
Finally, ask for an itemized quote. Even though an itemized bid may seem to save you a lot of time, it doesn’t mean that you won’t encounter surprises later. Oftentimes, the roofing contractor will find a hidden black mold under the shingles that wasn’t discovered before the roofer began working. You don’t want to be stuck with an outrageous bill if you can’t find the hidden problem.
When asking for a quote, make sure the contractor provides a written estimate of how much the entire project will cost. An accurate estimate is important for budgeting purposes, and the best roofing contractors send a project manager to your job site for the entire estimate. They also use accurate roofing estimate tools to ensure that they have provided an accurate estimate. A good estimate will allow you to plan your budget accordingly. If you have any doubts, ask your roofing contractor about their payment options.
When shopping for a roofing contractor, ask which types of roofing systems he or she uses. This way, you can discuss which roofing material is best suited for your home and which will be more durable. A roofer who offers several asphalt shingles is better suited for you if you have a limited budget. A variety of asphalt shingles will give you more design options, and dimensional shingles are becoming increasingly popular.
