Expert Advice: What You Need to Ask Your Roofer Before Signing the Contract

There are many options available when choosing a roofer. A roof is a large investment and an important one! A solid roof covering fulfills a basic human need- shelter.

When in the market for a new roof, it is important to know that all roofing estimates are not created equally, and it is equally important to know exactly what you are paying for. iGreen Solutions offers free quotes for your project. While you may be able to find a contractor that is significantly less expensive than others, there are several questions to ask before signing a contract.

• How long have you been in business? It is important to consider contractors with experience in multiple roof disciplines- metal, shingle, slate, tile, etc. with a proven track record.
• Do you have an office? What is the name and address? You will want to know that your calls will be answered and that there will be someone to whom you can address your concerns.
• What training/licensing do you have? While some states do not require a state license, it is important to know what credentials your roofing professional possesses. Georgia doesn’t have a state license for roofing, but the inspector should be HAAG inspector certified, and the roofers should have OSHA safety training, at a minimum.”
• Can I find reviews online? A well-established business should have reviews on multiple platforms including Google and social media
• Who will my point of contact be for my project? There should be a project or site manager assigned to the jobs. This will be important for project updates as well as service requests and change orders if they should arise.
• What is your payment structure? A down payment is customary when signing a contract but beware of contractors that insist on advance payment in full.
• When can you start, and how long will my project take? There should be a timeline associated with each project, and a reputable contractor is qualified to estimate this, barring weather and other uncontrollable factors.
• How do you ensure the safety of your workers? This is important, especially in cases of steep and/or high roofs. Contractors should have safety procedures in place to protect all parties.

If I have a problem after the work is complete, who do I call? Always make sure that there is a point of contact, in case of leaks or any other concerns once your project is finished.

• What kind of warranties do you offer? A roof replacement should contain a complete system, which carries a warranty. There should be a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty provided by the contractor.
• Do you have verifiable General Liability and Worker’s Compensation insurance policies in place? Always verify these items before signing a contract. A contractor should be protecting themselves, their customers, and their employees in the event of an unfortunate incident.

When asking these important questions, you should receive confident and full responses from your contractor before you hire them. The answers provided will help you to differentiate between a professional and an amateur.