You wouldn’t be satisfied with a roofer who cuts corners on the job, so why cut corners when looking for a roofing contractor? Paying attention to the details of a roofing company’s certifications, reputation and method of operation could save you thousands of dollars and will provide peace of mind the next time you need a new roof or any repairs. Here are 10 questions to ask when choosing your next roofing contractor.
1. Is the company properly licensed for the job?
A legitimate roofing contractor will have an occupational license for the city or county in which they do business and be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation as a roofing contractor. Proper licensure and good standing with FDBPR indicates an acceptable, consistent level of quality on the job.
2. Does the company carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance?
Very few Florida businesses are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical expenses and lost wages of workers injured on the job. If a roofing company does not carry this type of coverage, they may be in violation of the law and make you, the homeowner, financially liable for any injuries that occur on your property. Avoid legal fees and weeks of needless hassle by hiring a properly insured contractor.
3. Are there more than three testimonials or references that you can check?
With the significant investment of time and money that roof installation and repair requires, make sure that you put your trust where it is due. Look online for reviews posted by customers. If you have friends or neighbors that recommend a certain roofing company, ask hard questions about employee behavior and punctuality, whether workers show up for the job consistently or disappear for long periods of time, the quality of the job done and the condition in which the crew left the job site upon completion.
4. Do their employees wear uniforms?
On its face, this may seem like a silly question. However, home invasions are becoming more commonplace, and knowing that the stranger who arrives at your house will be uniformed and easily identifiable provides peace of mind for you as a homeowner.
5. Does the company have a physical location?
Many self-proclaimed roofers work out of a truck, with no office or central location, making it rather easy for them to disappear. If you should experience any trouble during a job, there would be no office to call or place to go in order to find them.
6. Does the company offer a guarantee, and are they likely to still be in business when the guarantee expires?
When working with any legitimate roofing contractor, you should receive a lifetime warranty on workmanship and a manufacturer’s warranty on the roofing product. The 25- or 50-year manufacturer’s warranty you receive will only cover manufacturing defects, and the roof must be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. If your roofer cuts corners, your warranty becomes void.
When being offered a 20-year warranty by a relatively young company, consider that most new businesses fail within the first 10 years. When possible, it’s best to hire a seasoned, time-tested company to do the job.
7. Does the company undergo regular safety training?
The roofing business comes with unique risks. Before you hire a roofing company, make sure that they hold regular training meetings with all their employees, so your risk of liability is significantly reduced.
8. At what point during the process is the company requesting payment?
If a roofing contractor or handyman is requesting a large sum of money up front, even if they claim it is necessary for materials or labor, this is a red flag. An established business will be able to carry the cost of materials until the work is completed or, for larger projects, until the material is delivered to your property. For larger jobs, expect to create a draw schedule, in which you pay a portion of the total cost when specific milestones are reached.
9. Will the company be doing all of the work or subcontracting the work out?
If the company you hire cannot provide all of the staff needed to complete the job, make sure you find out who will be on your property and working on your home. It is essential that you obtain all of the previously mentioned insurance information from each subcontractor that is used. Also make sure that subcontractors are being paid. If subcontractors are not paid by the company you’ve hired, you may be liable and the subcontractors may be able to place a mechanic’s lien on your property. However, you can avoid the headache entirely by working with a reputable company that can fully staff the project.
10. Does the company offer a written proposal, including the cost of the work?
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous roofers out there who give reasonable quotes at first, then proceed to increase the price once the work has begun and your home is exposed to the elements by a partially completed roof, leaving you no choice but to pay the new price in order to have the job finished properly.
When trust counts, make sure you’re counting on the right people. Only work with a company that holds its technicians to a high standard of quality and safety that will prevent voided warranties, unforeseen expenses, injuries and legal skirmishes. To request an estimate or ask questions about having your roof repaired or installed, email us at office@tadlockroofing.com, or call us toll-free today at 855-964-7663.
