Eight Things to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Because picking a roofer at random is just asking for trouble

Storm season is right around the corner. If you need a roof repair or replacement, it’s tempting to take the easy way out by picking a random roofing company found through Google or hiring the first one that knocks on your door. While that “strategy” may be the fastest, it’s certainly not the best way to get high-quality roofing work that will stand the test of time. Roofers are not all created equal. Choosing the wrong company could leave you with inferior construction, inflated costs, a poor customer experience, or all of the above. Like any major home repair or renovation, it is wise to do some research. Be sure to get multiple estimates and conduct some due diligence on the companies you consider. 

Get thorough answers to these eight questions: 

1. How much experience do you have in Texas? After a big storm, out-of-state roofers and fly-by-night companies often flood the area looking for work. But with the combination of extreme heat, ice storms, hail, and wind, roofing in Texas requires specialized expertise. An established local company will be your best bet. 
2. Are you licensed and insured? While a license is not mandatory to operate in Texas, most reputable roofers have licensing through the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. Likewise, ask the roofer to provide a certificate of liability insurance. This will give you peace of mind that you won’t be responsible for any accidents or further damages to your property that occur during the job.
3. How does my roofing system work? There’s a lot more to roofing than slapping on new shingles. Ask the roofer to help you understand the different options for materials, and how the components work together to protect your home. Their answers may give you a sign of their knowledge and experience. 
4. Are you certified by the manufacturer? Some professional roofers have certified installers for particular brands of roofing materials. This means the roofer has met the manufacturer’s requirements for training, reliability, customer service, and other factors.
5. Do you offer a warranty and guarantee? Ensure the roofing company stands behind its workmanship with some level of consumer protection beyond the material manufacturer’s warranty. Then compare their offerings against other bidders.
6. Do you have references? Ask the roofer to provide a list of contacts who can attest to their quality of work. Ideally, they will have references for recent jobs in your neighborhood. 
7. What’s your timeline for installation? Don’t sign with a particular roofer until you’re sure they will actually be available to perform the work within a reasonable timeframe.
8. Can you provide financing help? Paying a significant deductible out of pocket can be difficult for some homeowners, so be sure to ask the roofer about options to help spread the expense over time.

The Process: 

Beyond the specific answers to the questions themselves, just going through this process can reveal a lot about each contractor’s level of communication and professionalism. Based on your decision on complete information, you can be confident you’ll get a high-quality roofing system that will protect your home for many years to come.  

Remember, we’re always here for you. And just a phone call away.

Jeff Riss,

President, Peak Roofing & Construction