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Whether you are interested in having a new roof installed or in need of urgent roof repairs, it’s always important to work with a professional roofer whom you can trust.
But that can be tricky for many homeowners. Most people don’t already have a relationship with a roofer, so they often just start calling around and choose the one who quotes the lowest price. This can end up being a huge mistake that costs you more money in the long run. Instead, you’ll want to take your time and choose the right roofing contractor for your needs.
We’ll try to help you do exactly that by explaining some of the key questions that’ll help you find a reputable roofing contractor below.
There are typically multiple roofing contractors working in most major metropolitan areas, so the first thing you’ll want to do is whittle down the list of potential roofing contractors to two or three. From there, you can start asking the following questions to choose the right roofing contractor for your project.
It is absolutely vital that any roofer you choose carries at least $1 million in comprehensive liability insurance. General liability insurance protects you if the roofing team causes any damage to your home or property while completing the work. The contractor should also be able to provide proof of the policy – don’t simply take their word for it.
In addition to liability insurance that protects you in case your home or property becomes damaged, you’ll also want to ensure that the roofer carries workers’ compensation insurance. This type of insurance will help pay for the medical bills of any employee or contractor who becomes injured while working on your roofing project. If the roofer lacks this kind of coverage, you may be held responsible for the medical bills.
Some types of roofing work will require that you obtain a building permit before work can begin. But professional roofers should be willing to do all of this work for you. They’ll fill out the necessary paperwork, file it with the relevant agency, and address any issues that may arise. Be wary of any roofer who requires you to obtain the permit yourself.
Because the costs associated with having a new roof installed are sometimes significant, many companies in the roofing industry offer flexible financing plans. This allows you to pay for your roof over time, rather than having to come up with thousands of dollars in advance. You may not even need or want financing from the roofer, but it can be helpful for distinguishing professional roofing companies from amateurs and startups.
One of the very best ways to ensure that a roofer is professional is by considering the experiences of other homeowners. In the modern world, this is pretty easy to do by searching for reviews on Google, Yelp, and other review platforms. If this is not possible, the roofer should be able to share the contact information of other homeowners they’ve worked for in the past.
A verbal estimate isn’t worth very much — shady roofing companies may use them as a way to secure your business before inflating the price of the work drastically. Instead, you should insist on obtaining a written, itemized estimate, which outlines all of the work to be completed and materials necessary for the job.
A variety of building codes are applicable to roofing work, and you’ll always want to make sure that the roofing company you choose is familiar with the relevant codes in your area. Roofers who fail to follow the current building codes may make mistakes that’ll put your family at risk or force you to have roof repairs completed before you can sell the house in the future.
Most homeowners will have a number of questions about the roofing work they need, and professional roofers should have no problems answering these questions honestly and directly. If the roofer seems to be avoiding any of your questions or being dishonest or evasive in any way, look for another contractor.
Although the specific requirements may vary from one state to the next, roofers must be licensed to perform work legally. You can contact the relevant agency in your state (here in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees licensing) to ask what licenses are required and verify that your chosen contractor has obtained them.
Potential contractors should promptly return your phone calls or emails and remain in touch throughout the initial stages of the process. For example, most high-quality roofers will have an automated customer management system that notifies you when they are on their way to your home and sends you regular updates about their progress.
Many homeowners don’t realize that ensuring proper ventilation is an important aspect of roofing system repairs and replacement. Without sufficient ventilation, moisture or high temperatures may build up in your attic and lead to problems down the road. While low-quality roofers may ignore the ventilation needs of your roof, a professional contractor will always factor in your roof’s ventilation needs.
Not all asphalt shingles, metal panels, or tiles are created equally, so you’ll always want to ensure your roofer plans on installing high-quality materials. That doesn’t mean you have to spend top-dollar on every roofing project, as many premium roofing material brands — including Atlas and Owens Corning, among others — offer budget-friendly product lines.
While busy roofers may have limited availability, they should always be willing to try to schedule the work when it suits your family’s needs. Perfect timing may not be possible, but the roofer should understand that roofing work can be disruptive to your family’s routine and be eager to find a date and time that works for you both.
Exceptionally high-quality roofers often obtain certifications or other types of recognition from materials manufacturers, which helps demonstrate that they have the experience, knowledge, and skill needed to provide truly professional results. For example, Schoenherr Roofing is one of the few roofers in the country to obtain Atlas Pro+ Platinum Select Contractor status.
Unscrupulous roofers may try to pressure you into making choices that benefit the company, such as encouraging you to select products that help the company’s bottom line. But professional roofers will do everything possible to ensure that you end up with the roof of your dreams, regardless of the specific products you’d like or goals you have.
The last thing you’ll want to consider is whether or not the roofer simply seems like the kind of person you want to do business with. There are no hard-and-fast answers here; you’ll simply want to listen to your instincts. Has the roofer treated you with courtesy and respect? Do you feel like you can trust them? Do you feel comfortable having them around your family for days or weeks at a time?
You’ll want to be able to say “yes” to all these questions before signing on the dotted line.
We understand that Michigan residents can choose from a number of local roofing contractors. That’s why we go above and beyond every single day, with every single customer, to ensure that we rise above the crowd and emerge as the clear choice.
But don’t just take our word for it — see for yourself! Contact Schoenherr Roofing today. One of our customer service representatives will be happy to schedule a free on-site roof inspection and consultation for you. You’ll not only get to learn more about your roof, but you’ll also have the chance to ask the professional roofing technician any questions you may have about the process, as well as the 17 questions we recommend you ask above!