Getting roofing replaced or repairs done can be difficult. After all, your home is your most significant investment you want done right.
Our top 5 questions to ask a roofing contractor:
1. Are they licensed & insured roofing contractor?
Washington State has a website where you can input a contractor’s license number and check their status. If a roofing contractor fails to give their license, you need to think twice before hiring them.
There will always be a risk of injury in any home improvement and repair work, but even more so in roofing projects. Ensuring that the contractor has the necessary insurance protects both you and the contractor should an accident happen during the job.
- Ask if the roofing contractor has general liability insurance and workers’ comp insurance.
- General liability insurance protects you in case your property is damaged while workers’ comp insurance ensures that you will not be liable for medical expenses in case the contractor is injured on the job.
2. Do they have Brick & Mortar location?
Might sound silly but investing into a physical office location shows long term commitment, financial strength and willingness to be available at any time for customers.
This is a big separating factor that few roofing contractors have in Kitsap. We highly suggest meeting the staff, experiencing the environment and deciding if a salesman presented well at your home or if there is an organization able to support any issues you may have.
3. References?
Do they have references, do they roof in Kitsap? Ask the roofing contractor to provide a list of their previous clients.
Some of the questions you can ask previous clients include:
- Was the Roofing job finished on time?
- Were there any mistakes? How were they addressed?
- Were there any changes from the initial price?
- Were you satisfied with the work?
- Do you recommend the contractor to others?
- Do they work locally?
4. Do you hire subcontractors for the work?
Some roofing contractors may hire subcontractors for the roofing labor. If this is the case in your project, then you also need to ask the subcontractors if they have the necessary license and insurance.
Most importantly, inquiring if they will use subcontractors is important in case payment issues arise between the roofing contractor and the subcontractor they hired.
5. Payment Terms?
Unclear payment terms can be a real headache at the end of a project. So before any payment issue arises, ask the roofing contractor about the payment structure they prefer. Ask the roofing contractor how much the project will cost and the amount they want to be paid upfront. Additionally, ask if they want to be paid based on time or based on milestones. Clarify all of these before the roofing project starts.