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evaluating roofing contractors
Charleston RoofingMay 12, 2022 10:53:58 AM7 min read

The Most Important Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor

Are you in the market for a new roof? If so, it's important to ask the right questions of any roofing contractor you might be considering for your roofing job. Not all roofers are created equal, and you want to make sure you're hiring a reputable contractor who will do quality work and stand behind their product. So what should you ask potential roofers before making your decision? Read on for the top questions to ask!

What are the different types of roofing materials?

Asking about the roofing materials a contractor uses is important for a few reasons. First, you want to make sure they're using quality roof materials that will stand the test of time. Second, you want to make sure they have experience working with the type of roofing material you're considering. And finally, you want to make sure they can get the materials you want in a timely manner.

Roofing materials

Can you provide a list of references?

All good roofing companies should have no problem providing you with a list of references from past clients. These references can provide you with valuable insights into what it's like to work with the contractor and whether or not they're likely to do a good job on your roof.

What is the roofing contractor's experience?

When it comes to roofing, experience matters. You want to make sure you're working with the right contractor who has installed roofs for many years and has a good track record. The last thing you want is to be the guinea pig for new roofing companies!

inclement weather

How will they handle unforeseen problems that arise during the project?

No matter how well you plan, there's always a chance that problems will arise during a roofing project. That's why it's important to ask potential contractors how they would handle unforeseen problems. You want to make sure they're the type of company that will work with you to find a solution rather than just walking away from the project.

What is the warranty on the roof?

Most roofing companies will offer some sort of warranty on their workmanship and materials. It's important to understand what the roof warranties covers and how long they last. Otherwise, you could be left footing the bill for repairs down the road.

Most manufacturers' warranties will cover defects in materials for a certain period of time, usually 20-25 years. Workmanship warranties are usually shorter, around five years or so. But some roofing companies will offer their own extended warranty on top of the manufacturers'.

Be sure to ask about any warranty before making your final decision on a roofing company.

workmanship warranty

Are you licensed and insured?

When you're considering hiring a roofing contractor, one of the most important things to look for is whether they are licensed and insured. A licensed contractor has completed the necessary training and exams to be able to perform roofing work, while an insured contractor has financial protection in case something goes wrong during the job. Having both a license and insurance protects you as the homeowner in case something goes wrong during the roofing process, so make sure to ask potential contractors if they have both.

If a contractor is only licensed and not insured, that means they aren't legally allowed to perform roofing work in your state. If they're only insured and not licensed, that means they could technically do the job but if something goes wrong, you as the homeowner will be on the hook for any damages. So when you're looking for a roofing contractor, make sure to ask if they are both licensed and insured before hiring them. It could save money and headaches in the long run!

Are you a bonded roofing company?

Another important question to ask potential roofers is whether they are bonded. A bond is a financial guarantee that the roofing company will complete the job as agreed upon and will pay for any damages that occur during the job. This protects you as the homeowner from having to foot the bill if something goes wrong during the project.

save money

What homeowner insurances do you work with?

If you have homeowner's insurance, you may be wondering if it will cover the cost of a new roof. The answer is maybe! It all depends on your specific policy and what caused the damage to your roof in the first place. If your roof was damaged by a covered event, like a severe storm, then your insurance should cover at least a portion of the cost to repair or replace it. But if your roof is simply old and needs to be replaced due to normal wear and tear, then your insurance probably won't cover the cost.

That's why it's important to ask potential roofing contractors what homeowner insurances they work with. Some roofers only work with certain insurance companies, while others will work with any insurance company. It's important to know this before hiring a contractor, as it could affect whether or not your insurance will cover the cost of the job.

What is your better BBB rating?

The Better Business Bureau is a great resource for finding out more about a company before you do business with them. You can check their website to see if the roofing company you're considering has any complaints filed against them, and what their rating is. This can give you a good idea of what to expect if you do decide to hire them.

In general, you should look for a reputable company with a rating of A+ or higher. Anything lower than that and you might want to consider another contractor. The last thing you want is to hire a company that has a lot of past customers complaining about poor service.

experienced roofer

How long does your average roofing project take?

Another important question to ask a roofing contractor is how long they expect the project to take. A good rule of thumb is that a roof replacement will take around two to three weeks from start to finish. But of course, this can vary depending on the size and complexity of your roof, as well as the number of workers on the job.

If a contractor tells you that they can replace your roof in just a few days, be wary. It's possible that they're cutting corners or using lower quality materials in order to get the job done quickly. And while it might save you some time in the short run, it could end up costing you more money down the line if you have to replace your roof again sooner than you would if it had been done correctly the first time.

What does your average roofing project cost?

Finally, you'll want to ask potential roofing contractors for a detailed estimate of what the overall cost of the project will be. Of course, the exact price will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your roof. But it's still important to get an idea of what you can expect to pay before hiring a contractor.

Don't be afraid to ask for a few different roofing quotes before making your decision. This will give you a better idea of what the going rate is for roofing services in your area, and help you avoid being overcharged.

Now that you know some key questions to ask roofers,

You're one step closer to finding the perfect contractor for your project. Just remember to do your research and ask around before making your final decision. With a little effort, you can be sure to find a roofing company that will do a great job at a fair price. Thanks for reading!

We hope you found this article helpful. For more roofing tips and information, be sure to check out our blog! And If you're in the market for a new roof, Charleston Roofing and Exteriors is a great option to consider. We are licensed and insured, work with all major insurance companies, and have an A+ rating from the BBB. We also offer free estimates, so you can get an idea of what your project will cost before making a decision. Contact Charleston Roofing and Exteriors today to get started on your new roof installation!

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