Searching for “roofing contractors near me” isn’t something that a homeowner does every day. You might be looking for somebody to fix a leak, replace some loose shingles, or replace your roof entirely, but either way, it’s a big deal – and often a significant investment.
With that in mind, you want to make sure that the person or company that you hire knows their stuff and won’t leave you hanging on the job. The best way to protect yourself (and your wallet) is by asking the right questions before you sign any contracts. To that end, read on below for a list of the key things you should ask a roofing contractor before you hire them:
Are You Licensed and Insured?
First things first – always as about licensing and insurance. A legitimate roofing contractor should have both. The license proves they’re authorized to work in your state or city and have met certain standards. Insurance, on the other hand, protects you if something goes wrong. You don’t want to know what happens if a worker falls off your roof while they’re on the job, or if there’s damage to your property. Without proper insurance, you could be left responsible for those incurred costs.
Some unscrupulous roofing contractors may tell you that they’re licensed and insured, but aren’t really. That’s why you shouldn’t just take their word for it: ask to see the physical documentation. A contractor that hesitates or dodges the question shouldn’t even be on your short list. A trustworthy pro will happily show you proof of their credentials.
How Long Have You Been in the Roofing Business?
Experience matters – especially when it comes to something as critical as your roof. Yes, everyone has to start somewhere, but you don’t want your home to be someone’s trial run. It’s important to ask how long the contractor has been in the roofing industry and whether they specialize in the type of roofing that you need.
Someone who’s been at it for a while is more likely to have seen a wide range of roofing problems and knows how to handle them. An experienced roofer will also have a more solid reputation in your area, which makes it easier to check references and reviews. Speaking of which…
Can You Provide References from Previous Clients?
Any roofing contractor that’s worth hiring should be able to provide you with references from jobs that they’ve worked on in the past. Ask for them, and when you do receive them, don’t just glance at the list of names – make sure that you actually reach out and talk to those homeowners. Some things worth inquiring about include: their experience working with the company, whether the job was completed on time or not, and if the work has held up over time.
Hearing directly from past clients gives you valuable insight into what to expect. If someone had a negative experience, they’ll usually be honest about it. Conversely, if a contractor consistently delivers great work, you’ll hear that loud and clear, too.
What’s Included in the Written Estimate?
Another thing to keep in mind when hiring a roofing contractor is to never rely on a handshake deal – a detailed, written estimate is absolutely essential. It’s also important to ask the contractor to break it down so that you understand exactly what you’re paying for. That should include labor, materials, disposal of old roofing, and any additional costs like permits or warranties.
If anything looks vague or unclear, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to be confident that there won’t be any surprise fees after the job has started. If the contractor can’t explain their pricing in a straightforward way, that’s a sign they may not be as transparent as you’d like or are trying to stick you with hidden charges.
Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Work?
The true measure of roofing work is how well it protects you over time. A solid, trustworthy contractor should offer a workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty for materials – this shows that they stand behind the quality of their installation, not just the products that they’re using.
Be sure to ask how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. Is it transferable if you sell your house? What happens if there’s a problem a few months down the line? Get all those details upfront so you’re not left in the dark later.
Your Search for “Roofing Contractors Near Me” Ends with Roof Masters & Exteriors
If you live in Indianapolis, IN or the surrounding area and have been searching for “roofing contractors near me”, we invite you to consider us here at Roof Masters & Exteriors. We’re experts at repairing and replacing roofs, with 35 years of experience under our belt and counting! To view what our previous customers say about us, you can check out our Google Reviews and our Testimonials page.
For a free estimate on your roofing work, contact us today by using the form on our homepage or by calling 317-364-9511.
