Whether you’re looking to get a roof for your newly constructed home or your existing roof needs a replacement, hiring a reliable roofing contractor can make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Unfortunately, finding a good roofing contractor starts with understanding what to ask. Checking their customer reviews is a good first step, but you should go deeper in your research. Below, we’ll discuss some of our top questions you’ll want to ask any potential roofing contractor to determine if they’re the right choice for your needs.
How Many Years of Experience Do You Have?
A great question to start with is asking the contractor about their experience. Roofing companies with a decade or more of experience have often built a solid reputation in the community. Fly-by-night roofers who cut corners and do bad work don’t last long before their bad reputation runs them out of business.
Do You Have Insurance?
Another great question to ask any potential roofing contractor is whether they have insurance. While no one expects problems during a roof replacement, accidents can happen. To protect your home and avoid unexpected liability, it’s important to confirm that the contractor carries both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
General liability insurance covers damage to your home or property caused during the project, such as broken windows or landscaping damage. Workers’ compensation insurance covers the crew in case someone is injured while working on your roof, helping ensure you aren’t held responsible for medical bills or lost wages. A reputable contractor should be able to provide the name of their insurance company and the coverage limits so that you can verify that adequate protection is in place.
What Services Do You Offer?
Take time to learn what roofing services a potential contractor provides. Most companies offer standard services such as roof replacement, new installations, inspections, and ongoing maintenance. However, choosing a roofer who also provides additional services can simplify future projects and reduce the need to coordinate with multiple contractors.
Some roofers also handle gutter installation and cleaning, siding services, and even solar panel installation. Working with a company that offers a broader range of services allows you to rely on a single trusted provider for all your roofing-related needs.
What Types of Roofing Do You Install?
Another essential question is what types of roofing materials a contractor installs. Common options include asphalt shingles, metal panels, tile, slate, and composite roofing. Choosing a roofer with experience installing the type of roof you have or want is important, especially if it’s a material like metal or tile. These materials require specialized tools and techniques that not all contractors are trained to handle correctly.
You may also want to ask whether the company offers more environmentally friendly options beyond standard asphalt shingles. Some contractors provide energy-efficient roofing systems, recycled materials, or cool roof coatings that reflect sunlight and help reduce your home’s energy use. Choosing a roofer who understands both the technical and environmental aspects of roofing can make a meaningful difference in the long run.
Do You Provide Free Replacement Quotes?
A reputable roofing contractor should be able to inspect your existing roof and provide a clear, written quote for a replacement at no cost. Having a written quote gives you something to refer back to once the work is complete, helping ensure the final invoice aligns with what was originally agreed upon.
Be cautious of any contractor who wants to charge a service fee just to provide a replacement estimate. This charge is often a red flag and not standard practice among trustworthy roofing professionals.
Do You Offer Financing?
There’s no doubt that putting a new roof on your home can be quite expensive. In fact, many homeowners find they need to finance the purchase of their new roof to fit it within their budget. One great question to ask any roofing contractor is if they offer financing for the roof installations.
This will help to simplify the financing process as roofing contractors that offer financing (on approved credit) work directly with the financing company on your behalf to make the process as hassle-free as possible.
How Do You Dispose of Old Roofing Materials?
Before your new roof is installed, the old materials need to be removed, which produces considerable waste. Reputable roofing companies have a plan for collecting and disposing of this debris, typically using their own dumpsters or dump trucks. However, it’s a good idea to ask how the contractor handles disposal and whether they recycle any of the materials.
Many roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, can be recycled into useful products like new pavement for roads or even new shingles. Metals, such as copper or aluminum flashing, are often melted down and reused in other industries. Some companies may partner with recycling facilities to ensure that as much material as possible is diverted from landfills.
If sustainability is important to you, inquire about the roofer’s approach to recycling and reusing old materials. Knowing that your old roofing materials are being repurposed can give you added peace of mind that the job is being done responsibly and with environmental considerations in mind.
Do You Handle Permitting and Inspections?
Depending on where you live, you may be required to get a permit from your local municipality to do a roof replacement. Part of this permitting process usually requires submitting an application and getting inspections by the building inspector.
A quality roofing company will handle all the permitting and inspection processes for you. Be sure to ask what permitting is necessary in your area and whether or not the roofing contractor will take care of it.
Do You Require a Deposit?
It’s common for roofing contractors to request an upfront deposit before beginning a project. This deposit typically covers the cost of materials. You should be able to confirm the deposit amount as part of your written quote.
However, if a contractor asks for the full payment upfront, it’s a red flag. Reputable roofers only ask for a portion of the payment before work begins, with the remaining balance due upon completion. Never pay the entire cost in advance, as this leaves you vulnerable if the job isn’t finished properly or on time.
Expert Roof Installation Service
At KPost Company, we have been serving the residents of Dallas, TX, and the surrounding areas since 2004. We install, maintain, and repair residential roofs. You can also count on us for all your gutter, solar panel, commercial, and roofing insulation needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced roofers.
