11 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring Them

If you’ve never needed a roof replacement or repairs before, finding a roofing contractor for the first time to handle the job can feel overwhelming. Before making any final decisions you should speak with a few different contractors to find the best one for your project. But how do you narrow them down? Well, here are 11 questions that you should ask before hiring a roofing contractor:

1. How long have you been in business?
2. What types of roofing projects have you completed?
3. What is your experience with this type of roofing system?
4. What is your licensing and insurance status?
5. What is your policy on working with insurance companies?
6. Do you have any references I can contact?
7. What is your warranty policy if you offer any?
8. What is the estimated cost for the project?
9. What is the timeline for the project?
10. Are there payment plans available?
11. Do you have any other questions for me?

By asking these questions, you can get a better understanding of the roofing contractor’s experience, qualifications, and the services they offer. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to hire them for your project.

Things to Look for When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

When you are in the process of hiring a roofing contractor, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for to ensure that you are hiring a reputable and experienced company. Here are some of the things to consider:

• License and Insurance: Make sure that the roofing contractor you are considering is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong during the project.
• Experience: Ask the roofing contractor how long they have been in business and how many roofs they have installed. You should also be able to ask for references from past work to see what they’re capable of.
• Warranty: Make sure that the roofing contractor offers a warranty on their work. This will protect you in case there are any problems with the roof down the road.
• Price: Get at least three quotes from different roofing contractors before making a decision. Be sure to compare the prices of the materials and labor, as well as the warranties offered.
• Timeline: Ask the roofing contractor how long they expect the project to take. Make sure that this timeline works for you.

During your search, if you feel you’re not getting a thorough response from the contractor or sales rep, leave. Don’t feel pressured into purchasing a roof from a company that you don’t feel comfortable with. 

What To Look For In a Roofing Quote

When preparing to hire a roofing contractor, it’s critical to scrutinize the roofing quote or estimate they provide. This document is not just a price tag—it’s a blueprint of what services you’ll receive, the quality of materials to be used, and the project’s scope. 

A Comprehensive Breakdown of Costs: Ensure that the estimate includes a detailed breakdown of all the costs. This breakdown will help you understand exactly what you’re paying for and make it easier to compare with other quotes. Ask for specifics about the cost of materials, labor, and any other expenses. 

Material Details: The type and quality of materials significantly affect the lifespan and performance of your roof. Confirm what materials are being used, including the type of shingles, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation systems. Ask about the brands, warranties, and why they recommend these specific materials for your home.

Scope of Work: The quote should clearly define the scope of work. It should specify what will be done, including removal of the old roof, repairs, installation, and cleanup. You’ll want to check at this time to see if there is any preparatory or finishing work included, like gutter replacement or landscaping repairs.

Timeline: A professional roofing contractor should be able to provide an estimated timeline for the project. This includes the start date, duration of the project, and any factors that might affect this timeline, like weather conditions.

Warranty Information: Look for details about the warranty offered on both materials and workmanship. Understand the length of the warranty, what it covers, and the process for addressing any issues under the warranty.

Payment Terms: Review the payment terms carefully. Understand the payment schedule, including any deposit required, progress payments, and the final payment. Be cautious of contractors asking for full payment upfront, as they might be scammers.

Signature and Date: Ensure that both parties’ contact information is included and that there is a place for both you and the contractor to sign and date the quote. This signature signifies an agreement to the terms and protects you from any legal repercussions. 

Remember, when comparing different quotes from contractors, a lower price might not always mean the best deal if it compromises on material quality or workmanship. Understanding and checking the roofing quote thoroughly will lead to a better-informed decision and ensure that your investment is protected.

Roofing Contractor Reviews

When you are looking for a roofing contractor, it is important to read reviews from other homeowners who have used their services. This will give you a good idea of the quality of work that the contractor does, as well as their customer service skills. You can find reviews of roofing contractors online at sites like Google, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and Yelp.

When reading reviews, be sure to pay attention to the following factors:

• The overall rating of the contractor
• The number of reviews that have been written
• The date of the reviews
• The specific details of the reviews

A high overall rating and a large number of reviews is a good sign that the contractor is reputable and experienced. However, it is also important to read the reviews carefully to ensure they are recent and provide specific details about the contractor’s work. If you see any negative reviews, be sure to contact the contractor to get their side of the story.

How to Avoid Roofing Scams

Scammers are out there, even when it comes to roofing. Shady companies looking to take advantage of a bad situation are rare, but they do exist. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to avoid being scammed by a roofing contractor. Here are a few:

• Get at least three quotes from different contractors
• Check the contractor’s license and insurance
• Read the contract carefully before signing it
• Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the company has any complaints
• Pay with a credit card, so you can dispute the charges if necessary

If you suspect that you have been scammed by a roofing contractor, you should file a complaint with the BBB. You can also file a complaint with your state’s attorney general’s office.

How to Get Insurance To Cover The Cost Of  Your Roof Repair Or Replacement

If your roof is damaged by a storm or another event that’s covered within your policy, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced by your insurance company. Here are the steps to take:

1. File a claim with your insurance company.
2. Provide your insurance company with proof of the damage, such as photos or a damage estimate.
3. Work with your insurance company to determine the scope of the repairs or replacement.
4. Once the repairs or replacement are complete, submit the final bill to your insurance company for reimbursement.

If you have any questions about how to get your roof repaired or replaced by insurance, you should contact your insurance company directly.

Are You Looking For A Reliable Roofing Contractor In The Tampa Area?

SouthShore Roofing & Exteriors is the premier roofing contractor in Tampa Bay. We have a proven track record of providing our customers with quality roofing services, are fully licensed and insured, and offer a variety of roofing services, including:

• New roof installation
• Roof repairs
• Roof replacements
• Gutter cleaning and installation
• Siding installation & more!

We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us today at (813) 400-3329 to speak with one of our experts and get a free estimate!