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Having a roof installed or replaced is an expensive task. Choosing a roofing contractor is an important decision that requires you to think things through. Choose a roof designed to last for many years so that you do not need to frequently replace and install a new roof. Consider the following questions to ask a roofing contractor before you make a commitment to a contract.

EXPERIENCE

You need to ask the roofing company how long have they been doing the job. They could also tell you how much experience their crew has. Since it is the crew that will be doing most of the work, especially the hands on jobs, they should have experience as well.

DO THEY HAVE A LIST OF REFERENCES THEY CAN SHARE WITH YOU?

Most of the great contractors who are good at their jobs will supply you with a list with names and addresses of a few previous customers. However, keep in mind that even a poor contractor may have a few good jobs he has done over a period of ten years, therefore the list of references should be current preferably done within a month. Do not put all your stock in the words of past references. If the references offered are located in close proximity to you do not hesitate to drive by their homes and have a firsthand look at the job the company has done. Get feedback of whether the previous client can hire the company again or not.

DO THEY HANDLE CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS WELL?

Pick a contractor in a company where they will respond fast ad immediately to the concerns about work they have performed before. This way you will know if you can work well with them without stepping on each other’s toes.

DO THEY PROVIDE YOU WITH A WARRANTY OF THE MATERIALS USED OR A WARRANTY FOR THE LABOR?

This is an important question since most roofs; especially those with shingles, shakes, tiles or metal roofing come with a manufacturer warranty meant to cover any defects in the material. However, the manufacturer warranty will not cover the problems that result from improper installation, therefore you need to ask for the clarification first. A written warranty from the roofing contractor you are working with that will cover for the labor is essential before you start the roofing project.

HOW DO THEY HANDLE THE PAYMENT

You are required to ask about the deposit – if there is any and how much it is. Typically, the final payment is done upon your inspection of the final work. Do not hire a contractor who is quick to ask for the full payment in advance. The deposit you will give should only be enough to cover for the materials and the supplies. Ask for the receipts for any payments you have made as this will act as a reference in future or even as evidence in a court of law if things do not go as planned.

ARE THERE ANY SUB CONTRACTORS INVOLVED?

If the roofing contractors are ones who use sub-contractors then this should be a warning sign. The sub-contractor is generally a second contractor who has been hired by the roofing contractor to do the work he or she should be doing. It is very difficult to find out about the quality of the sub-contractor work ahead of time or even if they are bonded or insured.

An added advantage of a good roofing company is that they will offer roofing maintenance after they are done with the installation job. Be sure to notice the signs that will point you towards a good company to hire. The quality of the roof contractor and the laborer who will be the installer is just as important as the quality of the material that will be used. Be sure to ask these questions and the answers that you will get will help you decide which roofing company you will entrust to do a good job for you.

Written by True Son Exteriors, the best contractors for roofing in Columbia, MO.