Questions To Ask Your Roofing Contractor
by Cascade United Roofing
Hiring a Roofing Contractor – Questions to Ask:
Selecting a suitable Commercial or Residential roofing contractor is an important decision and one that often requires a considerable investment. An experienced roofing contractor can help you choose the right material and installation for your home or business. When you schedule your meeting with your roofing estimator, don’t forget to ask lots of questions. We’ve listed a few good ones below.
Before hiring a roofing contractor, it’s worthwhile to spend some time researching the possible candidates. Spend at least one hour with each contractor in order to explore any problems and solutions that may arise during the project. A comprehensive proposal will save you endless hours of frustration during the reroofing project.
1. How many years has the Contractor been in the roofing business?
Many roofing problems crop up a few years after the completion of the project. The best and safest approach is to select a well established contractor. If a contractor is new to the area or just a recent start-up, his telephone may be disconnected even before the warranty expires.
2. Is the Contractor properly licensed?
Most states have a set of licensing and permit requirements. This information can easily be obtained online from the Contractors Licensing Board of that particular state. Moreover, you can also check to see if any complaints have been filed against the contractor.
3. Does the Contractor have current certificates showing insurance coverages for Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Liability Insurance and a Performance Bond?
Make sure that the insurance coverage will be applicable till the end of the contract. Business owners, remember to ask for a coverage certificate that lists your commercial project specifically. Remember Residential and Commercial owners, that in the absence of proper insurance coverage, you can be liable for accidents or damage that take place on your property.
4. Will the Contractor use his own employees or are subcontractors involved?
If your roofing contractor intends to use subcontractor on your project, then you must take the time to make sure that every subcontractor who is involved in the project also has the above mentioned insurances. The less number of subcontractors involved, the better.
5. How will you be protected by the Contractor against a lien that might be placed against your property?
The best way to protect your property against a lein is to request a waiver of lien in writing directly from any suppliers involved. Don’t make any final payment until all subcontractors have acknowledged payment in full.
