When you’re having work done on your roof, you’ll want whoever handles the job to have the skills necessary to do the project well. You need to protect your investment, so take all the time you need to make a smart decision about which roofing contractor to use. Asking roofers these five questions can help you determine which company might be best for the task.
1. What Type of Insurance Do You Have?
A professional roofer needs adequate insurance to protect all of the parties involved. What if something tragic happens to an employee while working on your roof? If the roofing company does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you could be responsible for part or all of the costs associated with the employee’s injury. Medical bills and related costs can get extremely high over time, so this is definitely a situation that you want to avoid. Liability insurance is another type of coverage that you should inquire about. Liability insurance will protect you if your property incurred any damage during a roofing project. In addition, it will provide coverage if a non-worker is injured on your property during the project.
2. What Type of License Do You Have?
To be fully qualified to do your project, a roofing contractor must possess a roofing license. Specific licensing requirements may differ by region, but in general, roofers must complete designated education requirements, pass a regulated exam, and commit to continuing education activities before receiving their license. These steps ensure a contractor has the necessary training and skills to safely perform quality roofing work. Local licensing offices exist that can verify your chosen contractor’s information. Someone from your local licensing office may also be able to tell you whether a particular contractor has any outstanding violations and if their license is current.
3. Do You Offer Any Warranties on Installation?
Many roofing material manufacturers offer warranties on their products. However, those warranties only apply to the roofing material. They do not apply to the installation work. For example, if your shingles weren’t put on correctly, the manufacturer would not cover any damage resulting from installation errors. If a roofing contractor provides a separate warranty on their service, damage caused by installation is likely covered by that policy. Most manufacturer warranties last between 25 and 30 years, however, roofing company warranties vary widely.
4. Can You Provide Me With a Written Estimate?
Any reputable roofing contractor will provide you with a comprehensive written estimate. At a minimum, your estimate should outline the start and end dates for the project, expected materials, required permits, cleanup and removal procedures, and payment terms. It should include itemized pricing information and the total cost with no hidden fees. Have a discussion with your prospective contractor about what will happen if something unexpected were to arise during installation, and have these potential costs reflected in the written estimate.
5. Who Will Oversee the Project Each Day?
If you select a small, family-owned business, the owner may directly supervise your job. They may be at the job site for part of the day or the duration of your project. A larger enterprise might have project managers who oversee everything and would be your main point of contact. Some organizations use subcontractors. In this case, inquire about the subcontractor’s licensing and insurance, and determine who will supervise the work so you know who to contact throughout the project.
Reach Out for Help
If you would like to learn more about roofing services in the Spokane, Seattle, Portland, or Coeur D’Alene regions, you can turn to Jimmy's Roofing. We were founded in 2001 and have grown into an organization with a wide reach. When you enlist our services, you can expect our team to treat you like family and to handle your job professionally. Count on us to take care of your roofing needs, whether they are big or small. We assist residential and commercial customers with installations, replacements, maintenance, repairs, leaks, coatings, cleanings, and inspections. We have experience with a wide variety of roofing styles and materials, so we can customize our work according to your preferences. In case of emergency, we’re available 24 hours a day. Call Jimmy's Roofing to make an appointment to discuss your next roofing project!
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