Interview the Contractor

The first thing you should know is that you can not determine a professional roofer by looking at an estimate and comparing prices. Allow yourself time to speak with each contractor for at least 30 minutes or so to explore options and ask detailed questions. Good contractors take pride in their work and are more than happy to answer any questions that you may have about the product or the installation of the roof itself. Ask questions about the companys credentials. Are they approved certified contractors with the manufacturer of the shingle they are using on the project? Can they gurantee a warranty for the job? If so, is it a workmanship warranty or a manufactured warranty? The salesperson should be knowledgeable about the job and other similar jobs (this shows his amount of involvement in the actual work.) One very important thing to ask is if the company uses subcontractors to perform the work or do they have their own crews and applicators? This is very important in knowing which company is established and most professional. You will be surprised as you interview different contractors of how much you may be revealed about each contractor therefore making it easier for you to determine what contractor is right for your job.

Will the company provide references and referrals?
Ask for photos of completed work, if available. Request a list of 5 or more similar jobs to yours completed in the last 12 months.

Does the company specialize in roofing?
Everyone has heard the old saying "A Jack of all Trades-Master at None". It is extremely important to choose contractors they only specialize in the service you are seeking out. Alot of contractors do more than one skill, for example they do roofing, siding, painting, windows, etc. This is usually an indicator that the contractor uses many subcontractors and therefore is not as knowledgeable about your specific job as maybe he should be. To play it safe, choose a contractor that specializes in one trade. These are usually the most knowledgeable and will therefore give you the best job performance. They also usually have their own skilled crews who are most knowledgeable about your job.

How long has the company been in business?
Of course the longer the better. Under three years may signal an unstable business. The failure rate of small businesses in the first three years is very high. A newer business may have a bright future, but it is only reasonable to be careful when considering a newer business over an established one.

Is the company a licensed or credentialed contractor?
When you ask this question you are basically asking if the company is licensed by your state? A contractor who is not licensed may answer this question with telling you that he has a business license. However, a business license is a tax requirement only and is not relevant to the contractors competence. You may also want to ask if the companys license has ever been suspended or revoked. Several roofing manufacturers offer a variety of programs to professional contractors that establish their credentials as a knowledgeable and reputable company. You can certainly view these credentials as an indicator of the contractors degree of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the roofing trade.

Does the company carry insurance?
A reputable contractor should carry comprehensive liability and workers compensation insurance to protect you the homeowner in case of a roofing accident. Be aware that if a worker is injured on your property, the homeowner might be held liable for all costs unless the employee is covered by workers' compensation insurance. This can be verified by asking to see the contractors certificates of insurance. Be sure the certificate you see is for general liability and workers compensation. Roofers who do not carry insurance will most likely be cheaper to hire as they do not have large insurance premiums to pay. There are a wide variety of reasons while full insurance may not be carried by a contractor, such as:

• Not a full time contractor

• Operates as a partnership or self employed without employees

• New in the business

• Can't afford insurance premiums

• Doesn't stand behind work

It is up to you to determine if it is worth the risk to hire a contractor who does not carry insurance.

What is the full name and address of the Company?
The full street address of a company is essential in determining a companys time in business. If a post office box is given, ask for a full street address as well. Try to hire a contractor that has a physical office nearby. This will ensure the company is established and is most professional. This is also helpful when picking out colors, etc. You can stop by and visit their offices and discuss different options if neccessary.