If you’re having roofing work done on your home, and you want to hire the right contractor, it’s important to ask the right questions before signing on the dotted line. These questions can help you decide if the company you’re considering hiring is actually the best option to have your roof replaced or repaired. In Massachusetts, here are eight questions to ask a roofing company before hiring them for any project. For further insight into how to hire a roofing company in MA, please visit our company website.
How long have you been in business?
While it’s not uncommon for businesses to fold within their first year, or even before they get off the ground, you want to avoid hiring an unreliable roofer. Look for one that has been in business for at least a few years. Asking how long your potential company has been in business is one of many questions you should ask before signing a contract. You also want to find out whether or not there have been any complaints against them. If so, how were those issues resolved?
What kind of projects do you typically work on?
Some roofers specialize in commercial projects, others handle residential only. Find out what kind of projects your prospective contractor is used to working on and make sure that’s in line with your goals. This can save you money in the long run as well. A contractor who typically works on large-scale commercial projects may not be equipped to handle smaller repairs or upgrades at home—which means you could have to hire someone else for small jobs while they take care of your larger needs.
How long will it take?
If you’re on a tight deadline, make sure you ask about how long it will take for your roofing company to do their work. You might not be in a rush, but it’s important information—and if they can’t meet your timeline then you might need to consider hiring someone else. A good roofing company should be able to give you an idea of how long it will take them to complete your project. And don’t forget, the more specific you are with what needs to get done and when, the better prepared your contractor will be. For example, if you want all new shingles installed by June 1st and would like a one-day turnaround time (i.e., your contractor has until June 2nd to finish), let them know that up front so they can plan accordingly. The last thing you want is for your contractor to show up without enough manpower or materials because he didn’t realize he needed both until he arrived at your house!
Do you handle cleanup?
Roofs aren’t just flat. They have many crevices and recesses, which can be used for storage. If your roofer isn’t willing to clean out these areas or has no experience with it, you may want to look elsewhere. Some roofers charge extra for cleanup because they use special equipment and hire additional workers. It never hurts to ask if that is something your roofer offers at an extra cost. Or maybe there are hidden costs associated with hiring a professional roofer. Either way, always get all of your questions answered before making any decisions about hiring someone to work on your home.
Can I choose the brand of materials used?
The most important part of your roof is its materials. Without high-quality components, you can’t expect a long-lasting roof. Be sure to ask what types of materials they use and if there are any limitations on your brand selection. You may be surprised by how much power you have in these situations, but it never hurts to ask! Also consider asking about warranties. Some companies offer better warranties than others, so make sure you know what you’re getting into before signing on with a company for good. If a warranty seems too good to be true, it probably is. A little extra time spent investigating could save you thousands down the road.
Do you provide a warranty on your work?
Nationally, the average homeowner spends about $8,684 to install a new roof. Whether it’s a $5,000 repair or a $20,000 re-roofing job, it’s always important to know what comes next. If you don’t get everything in writing – and signed by your contractor – there’s no way of knowing whether or not you have coverage. Will there be other expenses? What will happen if your roofer isn’t available when needed? What if your roof leaks after installation? These are all things that should be covered before starting any project with your contractor. You want to make sure they provide a warranty on their work.
Is there anything that I should know before starting this project?
Never work with a roofing company without knowing that you’re dealing with professionals. The first step in any roof project is getting an estimate—and before you hire anyone, it’s important to ask them all of your questions. Asking these questions will ensure that you have thought through every detail before starting any project. And if there are any red flags, now is the time to find out about them. For example: If they don’t have insurance or take credit cards for payment? If they say no? Or if they can’t answer certain questions? It may be time to look elsewhere for help.
How can I reach you if I have questions or concerns along the way?
If you don’t feel comfortable with a contractor who won’t let you reach them if there are issues, then it is probably best to find someone else. Communication is critical in any business relationship, especially when you are trusting an individual or company with something as important as your home and your family. If they don’t have time for you when there are problems, what will happen when things go wrong? How will they react? The only way to know is by asking these questions up front.
When dealing with Massachusetts roofing companies, keep in mind that not all of them offer emergency services 24/7. When looking at companies that do not offer emergency services, make sure that they can recommend another company if you need help after hours. This will help ensure that you always have someone to call if there is an issue that needs immediate attention. You should also look into making sure that whoever does offer emergency services is properly licensed and insured before hiring them on your roof repair project.
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