When you’re hiring a contractor for your roofing work, you need to know that they’re professional and reliable. You also should know the details of the job they’re going to do. Here are the 7 key questions you should ask them before you get started.

Hiring a roofing contractor can be tricky. How do you know they’re good and reliable? What exactly are they going to do up there? Here are 7 key questions to ask before you hire them.

  1. What’s the full name of the company and where is its office located? Make sure you get a full street address from them. You might want to do an internet search on their name to make sure they really exist. This is also a good way to find out if there’s any negative information about them, like bad reviews or complaints from former customers.
  2. Can you give me references of former customers who I can contact? This is a really important thing to ask because former customers who are happy with the work will be happy to give you the news. If they refuse to give you the name and contact information of any former customers, they’ve either got something to hide or they don’t have any happy former customers!
  3. Is your company listed in the Better Business Bureau? Membership in the Better Business Bureau is better than any certification, guild or trade society. It shows that they’re a reliable and professional company that does a good job. It can also tell you if there have been any complaints lodged about their services, which is something important to know.
  4. When is the payment due and is there a deposit? Flesh out all the details on the money first and foremost. There shouldn’t be any vagueness about this and it should all be in writing. They may have interim payments if it’s a big job, and a final payment when it’s all finished.
  5. How long will the job take? Ask them for a time schedule and also make sure they can stick to it. Most contractors will overestimate the time a little so that they’ll be done sooner than expected. Also make sure you know exactly when they’re going to start the job.
  6. Does your company have workers compensation and liability insurance? Here is the reason this question is so important – if their workers get hurt up there and they don’t have insurance, you’re paying all the medical costs. Every reputable roofing contractor will have this, but you shouldn’t take it on faith. And don’t take their word for it – have them send the certificates to you.
  7. What exactly are you going to do up there? A good roofing contractor will explain in detail what they’re doing. For example, are they tearing off all the old shingles? Usually, it’s best to replace everything and not leave any of the old ones up there. Are they going to fix the flashing? This is important for keeping leaks out of the house. They should fully explain what they’re going to do and why they’re going to do it.

Ask your contractor these 7 questions and you’ll have all the details you need. You’ll also know that you’re working with someone you can trust. And if they do a good job, tell all your friends about them. Spreading the word will help them get more business and also help your friends find a great company for their roofing work.