Where do you start when you want to hire a roofing contractor? According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of employed roofers is set to increase by 2% between 2019 and 2029. This likely means you will have many options to choose from when looking for a professional to work on your roofing project. Although that's a good thing, knowing how to choose the best roofing contractor for you can be a difficult process. To get around this problem, we recommend that you ask the right questions, starting with the following ones.

Are You Licenced And Insured?

A reputable roofing contractor should be licensed and insured. Having licensing simply means you're working with a contractor who's fully compliant with the state's regulations and requirements. In most instances, roofers can only operate if they are licensed. Knowing that your contractor is licensed should give you peace of mind since it offers protection against unscrupulous, unethical, and unlicensed contractors that have no intention of providing quality workmanship. In addition, the right roofing contractor for you should be fully insured with general liability and workers compensation insurance in case the unexpected happens.

Do You Have Any References I Can Speak With?

If a roofing contractor is as experienced as they say and has a good track record, then they should have references that you can reach out to get more valuable information. So, in addition to asking your roofing contractor questions, you should also prepare a few questions to ask the references you were supplied with. Questions to ask include whether the contractor provided timely service and if they did a satisfactory job. This is the best way to corroborate some of the answers you would have received from your contractor.

Where Are Your Offices Located?

The answer to this question will tell you whether the roofing contractor is local or not. If the contractor gives you a physical office location that's close by, give them a visit if you can or check if the local number they supplied is valid. It's better to work with a local roofing contractor because you know exactly how to reach them in case you need an issue fixed down the line. The problem with a roofing contractor that moves from state to state is that they will be nowhere to be found should you need them to fix future issues.

Do You Offer A Workmanship Warranty?

A contractor's workmanship warranty can help protect your roof in case of failure down the line. For instance, if your roof starts having problems because of an installation error, the workmanship warranty should be able to cover it. Be sure to find as many details as possible about the warranty, such as how long the warranty is and what it covers.

Can You Tell Me About Your Pricing Information?

The cost of your roofing project will depend on the scope and how labor-intensive it is. While you can get a verbal quote over the phone, always ask for a roofing quote that's in writing. Here, you can use a series of questions to ensure that the pricing information you receive is as accurate as possible. For instance, you can ask for a detailed breakdown of each expense. You can also ask about the inspection process and which areas the roofing contractor looks at when setting their price. This gives you a better idea of the right budget to set so you can plan ahead.

How Long Will It Take To Complete The Job?

When a roofing contractor is confident about the reliable service they offer, they should have no problem giving you a rough estimate of how long it will take to get the project completed. Remember, you need the job done so that your roof can provide the best protection for your home. If your roofing contractor doesn't commit to the project right from the start, the whole process might take several months, for all you know. So it's best to get a satisfactory answer that helps you manage your expectations.

Hiring a roofing contractor is a big decision to make as it can impact your home and your investment. Fortunately, asking these questions will help keep you on track to finding a pro that will install or repair your roof properly. The good news is you can receive the answers you need to these critical questions by simply giving us a call. So, don't hesitate to get in touch if you need an experienced and reliable roofer that's willing to provide the information and quality workmanship you're looking for.