There’s no more denying it or putting it off. There are water stains on the ceiling. You’ve found a few shingles in your yard. There are birds, squirrels, or raccoons in your attic (or maybe all three, yikes!). Whatever the case may be, the signs are clear: it’s time for a new roof.
First thing you need to do is find the right roofing contractor for the job!
It’s important to find a contractor that has certified roofers and prioritizes their commitment to the customer!
Here at Panda Exteriors all our roofers are certified and insured! We first and foremost want to create a positive and quality experience for our customers.
Other standards that we meet that are important to look out for when hiring your roofing contractor include:
Carrying all required state and local licenses.
Liability insurance.
Outstanding customer reviews.
Roof repairs and replacements are big jobs and investments for your home. Working with a team of qualified and trusted roofers will create ease within the process and peace of mind knowing that the job will be done correctly!
The Checklist for Choosing Your Roofing Contractor!
It is common to start with a list of roofing contractors before deciding on who to hire! Most homeowners have a list of about two to five contractors in mind, then meet with about half of them to help narrow it down to who suits the jobs best for their needs.
Doing an online search for qualified roofers in your area or even receiving recommendations from friends and family can get you started on creating your list of potential roofers. This is a great start, but it is important to remember that this might not be all the information you need.
15 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Deciding on a roofing contractor before knowing all the facts can be risky! Here are 15 questions to ask that will help you find out what you need to know to make an educated decision on who you hire as your roofing contractor:
Can they provide an in-depth understanding of the company’s experience level in the roofing business?
Like a job interview, you are considering your possible candidates, and it is important to get an answer to the questions you need to know before hiring! One of the most important questions is to find out how much experience the team has in the roofing business. The company’s website might say when they started, but remember, the company owners and roofing specialists may have begun their experience with other companies, so you’ll need to ask for the total experience.
Does the contractor have insurance coverage?
Your contractor should carry insurance to help protect your home from accidental damage. Professional contractors will share with you the certificate of insurance coverage.
Does the contractor have a license, or other credentials as required by the local municipality or state?
The contractors can and should provide you with a copy of their license.
It also doesn’t hurt to check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if the contractor has a clean record with no outstanding issues. From time-to-time all contractors can have issues with the customers, but it is important to see if these issues are resolved.
Will the contractor provide you with a written estimate?
An estimate should be provided by your roofing contractor. The estimate should include an accurate description of the work that is to be done and the products selected for your project.
If there is work to be subcontracted out, be sure to check that this is included in the estimate.
Does the contractor perform a thorough inspection of your roof?
When your roofing contractor is performing a thorough inspection of your current roof, this should also include the deck, attic, flashing, chimney, soil stacks, valleys and other roof penetrations. This will allow for a full scope of what the reroofing job will require.
Does your contractor check for adequate ventilation? Do they explain it to you?
Your roofing contractor should not only check the existing attic ventilation, but also take the time to explain the importance of proper ventilation. Improper ventilation can lead to future damage to your shingles which can potentially cause dangerous mold.
Will the contractor take the time to explain how a proper roofing system works?
Your roofer should want to make you aware of all the components that go into creating your roof.
Is your contractor able to explain performance differences in ice and water barrier needed for your roof deck?
Depending on where you live, your roof might need ice and water barriers! These barriers protect your home against ice or snow! The roofing contractor should be able to explain the difference between the products and give you a recommendation which would provide the best protection for your roof.
Does your contractor adequately explain your shingle style and color choices to you?
With so many shingle lines and price ranges to select from, your contractor should always provide you with plenty of options to choose from!
Does your contractor explain the difference between their workmanship warranty coverage versus the product manufacturer’s warranty coverage for defective products?
There is a difference! The roofing contractor should be able to explain to you whom you should call with a problem.
Will they provide references for this contractor’s work?
Most professional roofing contractors are happy to share their reference list. Call a few of them!
Is the contractor clear about when they can do your project?
Naturally things do happen that can delay your project, such as bad weather, but you should have a general idea of when your project fits into the contractor’s schedule.
Do you feel the contractor has a good communication style? Do you feel he/she takes the time to answer your questions and listen to your concerns?
Regardless of the price differences between contractors, it is important to trust your intuition and go with the contractors that feel like the best fit for you. Having good communication with your contractor is significant! If you feel like you’re already struggling with communication before the project, it is good to consider other options, as the communication most likely won’t get better after signing the contract.
Can they provide clear payment terms in writing?
Always make sure you are comfortable with the payment arrangements and NEVER pay for the roof in advance. On most average roofing jobs, the contractor won’t expect you to pay a deposit, but they will expect payment in full upon project completion. A different pay schedule may be required for very large, complex projects.
Does the contractor offer financing?
Two incredible benefits you get when considering a contractor who can offer financing include: securing funding for your project and the indication you’re the contractor is financially stable. Contractors that can offer financing are typically required to be vetted through an application process before offering financing options.
Check out the no-interest financing options we offer at Panda Exteriors!
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