Choosing a roofing contractor can be a cumbersome task, especially in the aftermath of a storm. Roofers will show up from just about anywhere wanting to sell you a new roof, but the question remains: which one to choose? Asking questions can help you feel secure in your choice.
Is the roofing company local?
This can be one of the most important questions to ask. After a significant weather event, contractors and roofers come from all over the place. This does not always mean they will provide inferior work; however, it does mean that if you need them in the future, they probably won’t be around. This is important when your warranty comes in to play. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but if you do, you want a local company that can be there when you call.
Do they ask for money up front?
Sometimes roofers will ask a customer for money up front. It could mean they don’t have the creditworthiness to efficiently operate their business, or they could take off with your money before the job is completed. Again, this is not always the case but it is something that you should question and review the scenario as a whole.
Are they registered and/or licensed?
The State of Oklahoma requires a registration for residential work and a license for commercial work. This is to ensure residential roofers and contractors are legitimate companies with basic insurance and that commercial roofers and contractors have the necessary knowledge to perform commercial work. Checking the Construction Industries Board to verify a company is licensed is always a good idea. Their status should say “In Good Standing” for residential and “Valid” for commercial. If the company is not in good standing or suspended with the CIB, that raises many red flags.
Do they have adequate insurance?
Part of being licensed with the State of Oklahoma entails they have a minimum general liability limit and either a minimum workers compensation limit or they are excluded. Nevertheless, these are bare minimums. Ask for a copy of the roofing company's insurance to make sure they have ample coverage in the event you need to use it.
Will they provide references and do they have an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau?
These are also good inquiries to make and will tell you a lot about the company you are considering. You can also do some of your own research. You can visit the Better Business Bureau website to check their rating and see if any complaints have been filed. You can also check for reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook, just to name a few. Your internet browser is your friend when looking for this kind of information.
How much do they value education and certifications?
As with any industry, roofing is constantly changing. Staying up to date with new laws, building codes, products, and manufacturer recommendations is vital to the industry. Certified contractors are able to offer better warranty packages than those that are not certified.
Will they provide a detailed estimate?
It is important to know exactly what you are going to get with your new roof, especially if you are trying to get discounts on your insurance premiums.
