The first step in roof repair is finding the right contractor for the job. Your roof is an essential part of your home. Without it, everything and everyone inside would be exposed to the elements. Moisture would come in and cause damage to wood and other materials.
It’s easy to see why finding a reliable roofing company is so important. But how do you know if you are working with someone that you can trust?
After searching online for “roofing contractors near me” and asking friends and family for recommendations, it’s time to learn more about the professionals you plan to hire. Before you begin, make sure you ask your roofer these essential questions. Their answers will help you feel more confident or decide if it’s time to look elsewhere for services.
- What Experience Does the Company Have in the Roofing Business?
You need a roofing contractor who has years of experience. They will have the knowledge required to make sound recommendations and to do the work to the highest standards.
EA Homes roofing company was founded in 2019 by Elias Abodeely. Elias started the company after spending decades in the roofing industry. Elias’ expertise gives EA Homes’ clients the best results whether they need a minor repair or an entire roof replacement.
Knowing the company’s history will give you peace of mind when choosing the right roofing company for your home.
- What Safety Precautions Will the Roofer Take to Protect You and Your Family?
Roofing is a dangerous job. That’s why professionals take extra precautions. They must wear proper attire, use ropes and harnesses, and be mindful of ladder placement. While keeping themselves safe is important, roofing contractors also must look out for their clients and the surrounding area.
Find out what safety precautions are taken to avoid an accident. By using these measures, your roofing company will protect themselves and anyone in or near their work area.
- Does the Roofing Company Have an Active Insurance Policy with Proof of Coverage?
A professional roofing contractor should have insurance coverage. This protects them and you in case of an accident. They should have an adequate general liability policy. General liability will pay for property damage or bodily injury caused while working on a roof. It may also cover the same type of damages if they are caused by a faulty roof after construction is completed.
The roofing contractor you plan to hire should be willing to show you their certificate of insurance coverage to prove that they have an active policy. Make sure the valid dates cover the full duration of your project.
- Does the Roofer Hold the Necessary Licenses or Credentials Work In My Area?
Make sure the professionals you hire are legally permitted to do roofing work in your area.
Iowa roofers are not required to hold a state license unless they are working with asbestos. Any contractor who earns over $2,000 is registered in the Iowa Division of Labor. You should also check with your local municipality to find out if specific licenses or credentials are required for roofing work.
- Is a Building Permit Required and if so, Will the Roofing Company Handle It for You?
You will likely be required to obtain a permit when replacing a roof. Discuss this with the contractor to make sure this part of the job will be addressed.
This is something that the roofing company should do for you, but you should never assume it was done. A good local contractor will know how to pull a permit and should not require assistance doing so.
Do not overlook this step. Skipping the permit could lead to expensive penalties. Some areas apply a fine of up to three times the cost of the permit. Others may charge $500 per day for each day that you are in violation.
- Will a Detailed Written Estimate be Provided Before You Agree to Hire?
Requiring a client to agree to pay for services without a written estimate is a big red flag. The contractor you hire should be transparent about fees and details.
If they haven’t provided one yet, make sure to ask your roofing contractors for a detailed written estimate. Go over the document so you know what to expect. Project totals can fluctuate due to changes in roofing material costs or if you adjust the scope of the project.
Keep this in mind when budgeting for your roof repair or replacement. You should have more funds available than what the estimate says will be required.
- Is Checking for Proper Ventilation a Part of the Roofer’s Inspection Process?
A good roofer will want to see what they are working with before they agree to provide services. That means an inspection is required. Find out if ventilation is a part of the process. You may also need an insurance roof inspection if you are requesting services due to storm damage.
Your home’s ventilation has a direct impact on the longevity of your roof. If there isn’t adequate ventilation in the attic, it can heat up and cause damage to rafters, underlayment, and wood framing. Ventilation also prevents moisture build-up, which can cause rot and mold growth.
Proper ventilation will also improve your heating and cooling system’s energy efficiency.
- Are Project Timelines and Availability Clearly Outlined from the Beginning?
The time needed to complete a roofing project will vary based on what is required. A full replacement on an average home of 3,000 square feet or less can usually be done in one day. How busy your roofing company is can also cause delays to the start or completion of a project.
Know what to expect by discussing timelines and availability with the professionals you plan to hire. It’s important to be realistic because you don’t want your roofing contractor to cut corners or leave parts unfinished. But you also should not be required to wait for days or weeks to complete a roof repair or replacement.
- Can the Roofer Explain Shingle Options and Other Related Topics Confidently?
Ask the roofing contractor to share information about shingle options and other topics related to your project. Not only will this help you learn more before making decisions, but it can also help you gauge how much the contractor knows. Do they speak confidently? Do they make you feel like they know what they are doing?
This is also a good way to determine if you and the contractor communicate well with one another. You must be able to communicate and understand each other for work to progress smoothly.
- Does the Roofing Company Have a List of References?
Most contractors are happy to share their list of references. Get in touch with those references to find out how they felt about the work done. Ask if they would hire the company again and why. You can also ask for a general idea of what type of work was done so you can compare it to the scope of your project.
Hiring a roofing company is an essential part of maintaining your home. Make sure you ask the right questions, so your roof replacement or repair is done right.
