Roofing Quotes: What Question Should I Ask the Contractor?

July 22, 2013 - PRLog -- The best way to have a satisfied customer after completion of a roofing project is to have a lot of communication up front about the project, our company and how we will handle the job. A customer that has many surprises during a project is rarely happy at the end. A good way to start the communication is to know what questions to ask a roofing contractor. And why you're asking them.

How long has your roofing company been in business in this area?

There is a lot of competition in this business so any company that has survived for a number of years can probably be relied upon. Ask for a list of references in the area with projects that are similar to your needs. An established contractor should give you at least three references, including names and addresses. They should also offer to set up a visit for you to see the completed projects.

How much of your business comes from referrals?

Most successful contractors report that 50% or more of their business comes from referrals. This can be an indication of successful projects and satisfied customers.

How are supervisors and laborers assigned to the project?

Will they have an experienced supervisor that works for the company assigned to the project or will it be contract help? Will the supervisor take calls directly from the homeowner and who should be contacted if the supervisor is unavailable? Find out if supervisors are also hands-on workers or dedicated supervisors. A dedicated resource can more effectively respond to emergencies.

What is the company's current workload?

A large company with a lot of projects going on might be spread too thin. They may also have to rely heavily on contract labor or day laborers which can lead to resource issues on one or more projects. A small company with a dedicated work force that works on one or two projects at a time in the area might be a better bet.

What does the timeline for this project look like?

Find out when the company can actually start on the project and the estimated completion. What are the starting and ending hours each day? How will delays be communicated and by whom? If you live in an area where weather is a factor, such as heat or rain, how is that built into the timeline? If other projects in the area are also delayed, when will the crew be able to get back onto your project?

How is this kind of project managed by the company?

Have the contractor walk through their thought process for the project. You can tell if they have done this a hundred times or are making it up as they go. You'll get a sense of who is involved in the planning and preparation, how they manage their teams and who you can expect to see doing each task.

What makes this roofing project unique and what is the company's experience with this type of project?

If your roof is a special material, such as metal or terra cotta, or you have sections of flat roof, what experience does the company have with that? A contractor that works with special materials or slopes may be preferred over the general, full-service company with less experience.

What workers compensation and liability insurance do you have?

Ask to see proof of insurance. If you live in a state that requires special licensing or registration, ask to see those certificates as well. Make sure the licenses are current and haven't expired.

What certifications do any of your employees have?

There are different trade certifications that a roofing contractor can have. These indicate a dedication to the profession and willingness to continue learning. Most certifications require the person to meet certain standards to keep current when renewal time comes around.

What precisely will be done on this project?

Walk through each step with the contractor. This is especially important when comparing bids between contractors. Understand exactly how much of the old roof is being taken off and replaced. Is the roof deck being removed and replaced or simply swept off and recovered? This can explain big differences between bids.

Ask about the little things such as clean up. Will shrubbery near the house be covered when material is being removed from the house? Will the gutters be cleaned out when the project is finished?

Am I comfortable with this contractor?

This final question you should ask of yourself. Trust your intuition. If you have any "bad" feelings during the interview, try to pinpoint the particular question and go over it again. It could be a simple misunderstanding that a little more information will solve.

If you are still uncomfortable, then this may not be the contractor for you to work with. Creating an open line of communication and trust between you and the roofing contractor is what will largely determine your satisfaction with the finished project.

For more information on roofing contractors or other handyman services, feel free to visit: http://www.van-de-steeg.com/services/replacement-windows.