As a homeowner, roofing your home is one of the biggest investments you would make. As such it is important that experts and only professionals should help you with buying and installing siding and roofing materials.
How though can you tell if the contractor you are giving the roofing job to an expert? Here are some questions that would help you find out.
How many years have they been in this industry? How many roofs have they installed?
The answer to this question helps you to determine how experienced they are in installing roofs. This does not mean that you should immediately hire a contractor only because he has more experience. The answers to the next questions would help you choose wisely.
Does the contractor have all the necessary documents?
License? Insurance? The requirements for a license vary from one state to another and even from one city to another. Hiring a licensed contractor means that you are hiring a person who complies with local standards. Liability insurance may not be required in your state, but if the contractor is working in your home, it is best to make sure they have such a license. Ask for proof of insurance before signing any contract.
Where are their references?
Seeing is believing. Ask the contractor to provide you with a portfolio or a list of past projects. Visit these houses and ask previous clients if they are happy with the final product and how they liked to work with the contractor. If your contractor works with subcontractors, make sure they also provide references.
Who is working as their crew?
Who, specifically, will be at your home? How often? Who is in charge when the main contractor is not there? As the roofing or siding job goes on, these people will be part of your daily life for weeks or even months. Make sure you know as much about your new “roommates” as possible before signing a contract.
How do they expect payment?
Make sure you know in advance what your contractor’s pay expectations are and how they charge. Are there discounts? Is an installment payment program an option? Are you going to use Checks or Credit cards?
What is the schedule?
Ask what happens when the deadlines are not met. Under what circumstances can you expect to be compensated when the contractor does not fulfill his commitment to the calendar? In what circumstances will you have to bear the cost alone?
If possible, it is also good to know which days will have the greatest amount of noise or activities like when the hammering job on the roof is set to be done.
What will they do to keep my home and property safe?
Many roof renovations require parts of your home to be exposed for periods of time. If doors or walls are removed, how will your contractor protect your belongings? If something is stolen or damaged, who is responsible?
Ask the contractor about his concern on the project?
Get a better idea of the sincerity of your contractor, by asking what concerns him with your project. This is also a great way to know what aspects of the roof you really need to tune in to.
How will you communicate?
As in any other long-term relationship, communication is the key. Does your contractor prefers phone calls or texts? When decisions are expected to be made, how would they be conveyed? What is the protocol for an emergency?
Finally, you should discuss your mutual limits for communication outside of business hours especially if you are a woman working with a male contractor.
This is by no means all the questions you are expected to ask your contractor. It is possible you have more questions. Simply call us today at +1 (347) 951-8756 if you need answers to more questions or if you want to hire a roofing contractor in Brooklyn, NY.
