But there’s a fine line between trusting your roof replacement contractor and blindly diving into a renovation. This is a major investment, and it’s up to homeowners to ensure their needs are met.
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably aren’t an expert in roof replacements. That’s okay. Every homeowner can talk to their roof replacement contractors like a pro if they know the right questions to ask.
Here are 4 questions you should ask before starting a roof replacement project.
The majority of states require roof replacement contractors to be licensed and insured. However, you don’t want to look up a potential partner online and simply trust that they have workman’s compensation and liability insurance.
Always confirm that these protections exist. They’ll save you from liability in the case a worker gets injured or damage is caused during the project.
Without insurance and licensing, you may be held responsible for medical bills or additional home repairs. And when you’re already spending thousands of dollars on a roof replacement, additional cost is the last thing you want.
In the age of online reviews and social media, it’s easier than ever to determine whether a contractor is worthy of your trust. But at the same time, it’s easier than ever for contractors to craft an online presence that serves their needs.
Don’t rely on your research to form your whole opinion. Ask your contractor for homeowner references. At the very least, you might hear a story about a successful project. And in some cases, you could even get in touch with someone to hear about their negative experience. Either way, it’s worth your time to get this feedback.
When you’re investing thousands of dollars in a roof replacement, it’s important to understand the protections that come with that investment. Keep in mind that not all roofing warranties are created equal.
There are two main types of roof replacement warranties to ask about. Manufacturer warranties (both materials and enhanced) and contractor warranties. Whether your contractor offers one or both, you want to have a complete understanding of the coverage and how to maintain it.
First off, there’s nothing inherently wrong with using subcontractors for roof replacement projects. They help speed up delivery and keep homeowners happy.
The problems arise when subcontractors are mismanaged or simply not managed. So, you want to know whether or not subcontractors will be used. And then you want to follow that question up by asking about the management process. Will there be an on-site project manager coordinating the subcontractors? Or will subcontractors be left on their own?
Answers to these questions will give you more insight into the trustworthiness of a roof replacement contractor.
Even when you’re in a rush to start an emergency roof replacement project, it’s important to work with a contractor you trust. Asking these questions will give you baseline insight into what it will be like to work with a certain partner. And as the conversation continues, you’ll be able to form an informed opinion about their services.
That foundation will help you make sure you find a roof replacement contractor you’re comfortable with.