When it comes to roofing installation or repair, it’s crucial to have the right contractors on the job. As a Nottingham based roofing company, the team has been asked a multitude of questions over time. To ensure that homeowners have the confidence in their roofing contractors, it’s important to ask the right questions.
To help homeowners get the home of their dreams, we have pooled all our knowledge together and consulted with our contractors at Premier Roofing Solution to discuss all the essential roofing questions and answers. By providing this background information, homeowners can be confident in their ability to ask the correct questions and get the best roofing services possible.
1. How long have you been in business?
The length of time a roofing company has been in business is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a contractor. The longer a company has been established, the more experience and knowledge they are likely to have in the trade. A roofing company that has been in business for 20+ years, for example, is a good indication that they are experienced and trustworthy. However, if the contractor is relatively new, it’s important to check customer testimonials to ensure they are capable of completing the job.
2. Do you intend to use subcontractors?
Some roofing contractors may use subcontractors to perform the work. While this is not necessarily a red flag, it is important to ensure that the subcontractors are properly qualified and insured. Homeowners should ask for contact information and verify that the subcontractors are related to the company they originally hired.
3. Do you offer any guarantees or insurance?
One of the most common questions to ask a roofing company is whether or not they have insurance. It’s important to ensure that they offer general liability and workman’s compensation to cover any accidents or damages that may occur during the project. General liability covers any damage to your property during the project, while workman’s compensation covers any injuries suffered by the contractor on your property. It’s important to ask for proof of insurance before hiring a roofer to avoid any potential liability issues.
4. Do you have customer testimonials?
Customer reviews are a crucial aspect of selecting the right roofing contractor for your home. Reading reviews and speaking with previous customers can provide valuable insight into the company’s work quality, adherence to timelines, and reasonable costs. It is essential to check the contractor’s reputation before hiring them. One way to do this is to check if they have customer testimonials.
5. Are there various payment options?
When choosing a roofing company, it’s important to consider if they offer flexible payment methods, especially if the roof replacement is an unexpected cost. Look for a company that offers various payment options to ensure that you don’t go over budget but still receive quality service. Some payment options to consider include payment plans, credit cards, and financing options. Make sure to discuss payment options with your chosen roofing company before starting any work.
6. Does it cost to receive a quote?
Reputable roofing companies should provide customers with a no-obligation quote after surveying their property and listening to their requirements. If a company charges for an initial quote, it could be a red flag. Emperor Roofing, for example, offers free quotes with no obligation to customers.
7. How about surveying for property? Do you carry it out?
Before any roofing job, it is important to confirm that the contractors will visit the property and inspect it before quoting for the job. This is true even for minor repairs. If the contractors do not inspect the property, they may not be able to accurately price the job. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the company inspects the property prior to starting the work.
8. Do you offer guarantees/warranty?
It is important to inquire about the guarantees and warranties offered by the roofing contractor before hiring them. While most contractors complete high-quality work, not all do. In case anything goes wrong, it is crucial to be covered to get the damage fixed.
9. What type of materials do you use?
At Premier Roofing Solutions, our roofing contractors take pride in installing a wide range of building materials. It is recommended to research the roofing company’s website to determine the quality of materials they use before settling on a firm. Using premium materials ensures the longevity and durability of the roof.
10. Will they protect my garden?
During a roof installation, a lot of debris and materials are moved around, which can cause a significant mess. Homeowners who have invested time and effort into maintaining their garden may be concerned about the potential damage that could be caused. It is important to ask the roofing contractor if they will take steps to protect the garden during the installation process. This may include covering plants, moving outdoor furniture, or laying down protective tarps.
11. Do they remove the old roof?
As a standard practice, reputable Premier Roofing Solutions roofing contractors remove the old roof before installing a new one. This is necessary to ensure that the new roof is properly installed and will function as intended. However, it’s important to note that some businesses may charge an additional fee for this service, so it’s important to clarify this with your roofing contractor beforehand.
12. Will the gutters be taken care of?
When hiring a roofing company, it’s important to ensure they will take care of your gutters during the installation process. Leaning ladders straight on the gutter can cause potential damage to your drainage system. Always ask beforehand if the company will use ladder stabilizers or standoffs to protect your gutters. While you might end up with a new roof, you don’t want to have to replace your gutters as well.
13. What if there’s a damage to the deteriorated wood beneath the roof?
During the process of replacing an old roof, it is not uncommon to come across damage to the plywood underneath. In such cases, it is important to inquire about additional costs to remove all of the damage and ensure that it is safe to proceed with the work. It is essential to address any deteriorated wood to ensure the longevity and safety of the new roof.
14. Is tarping and covering done at the end of each working day?
To ensure protection of exposed roofs during the roofing project, it is important to ask the roofing contractor if they cover and tarp the roof at the end of each working day. This helps prevent damage caused by bad weather conditions and other external factors. Proper tarping and covering should be done to protect the homeowner’s property.
15. Will the pathways be cleared each night?
During a roof replacement or repair, contractors must keep all pathways clear to prevent injuries to their team or residents in the house. This includes clearing materials and debris each night to ensure safe passage. It is important to confirm with the contractor that they have a plan in place to keep pathways clear throughout the project.
16. Who will be the point of contact?
The individual responsible for providing the initial quote may not always be present on site. Therefore, it is important to obtain their contact information or email address in case any questions arise.
17. What’s the roofing companies physical address?
It is important to ensure that the roofing company you hire has a physical address. This allows you to visit them in case of any concerns or roof maintenance issues.
18. How long will the project take?
It is important to ask the roofing company for a timeline for the job, whether it is minor repairs or a new installation. If the company evades the question, it is important to ask why. Checking testimonials can also provide insight into whether previous customers have reported any delays or missed deadlines. It is important to have a clear understanding of the timeline to ensure the job is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
19. Any other unseen problems?
It’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your roofer before the project begins. Not all roofs are the same, so there may be hidden problems that arise when the job gets going. Ask your roofer if they foresee any issues that may incur additional costs or extend the project timeline.
Some common unseen problems include:
- Structural damage to the roof deck
- Water damage to the roof insulation
- Hidden leaks or cracks in the roof
- Mold or mildew growth
By discussing these potential issues with your roofer beforehand, you can be better prepared for any additional costs or delays that may arise. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced roofer who can identify and address any unforeseen problems that may arise during the project.
