What You Should Know About Your Roofer: 6 Questions to Ask

Hiring the right contractor is imperative to guarantee that the roofing work is done correctly the first time. There are many residential and commercial roof repair contractors available, so if you don’t know what to look for, it might be difficult to select the best one. When doing your research, be sure to ask the following questions to sort out the bad roofers from the real, experienced ones.

1. How long have you been in business? You wouldn’t want your roof to be some sort of a “guinea pig” for every prospective roofer. Ask your roofers how long they’ve been in business to determine if they have the necessary experience. Many homeowners have fallen prey to handymen who provide services at too-good-to-be true prices, only to leave behind substandard workmanship.

2. Do you have proper licensing and certification? Find out what kind of insurance your roofer has. Professional roofers usually need liability insurance to protect you in case they damage your property as well as workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees in the event of an accident.

3. Do you offer a workmanship warranty? A seasoned and skilled contractor will guarantee the quality of their work and stand behind it. Ask the roofer how long the warranty on your new roof will last since you can expect shingles to endure for 15 to 25 years.

4. Can you give me references? Ask every roofing contractor you interview for a list of recent references. Contact each one on that list, and ask about their experiences with the roofer they hired. This will give you a glimpse of the contractor’s level of expertise and customer service. If the roofers won’t give you references, don’t consider hiring them, and move on to the next prospect.

5. Do you use roofing subcontractors? Ask the roofers if they use subcontractors. Make sure they have insurance and licenses to do the job. Ask for the subcontractors’ actual address and name, and then check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and social media for red flags. A reputable organization will clarify what duties it outsources and why.

6. Is your business local? Choose a contractor who’s locally owned and operated. Always ask roofers where their office is and if they have a local number. This assures you can get in touch with them if your roof needs repair. A professional local roofing company is also aware of the local installation codes, paperwork and everything else needed to install your roof correctly and in conformity with state laws.

With years of experience and an unbeatable track record, you can be confident in making The Badger Company your residential and commercial siding and roofing company of choice. When it comes to the outside of your property, we can do it all. Give us a call today at (608) 850-6282, or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.