In this article, we’re going to be covering – What to ask when hiring a roofing company. 

As a homeowner, whenever you’re considering hiring a roofing contractor, you must place quality first. 

Here’s the deal: I don’t think it’s any secret that investing in a new roof can be quite expensive. 

So you want to make sure whoever installs your new roof does it “right” the first time.

That’s why spending some time on due-diligence and researching a qualified roofing company is so critical.

If done properly, it will ensure the investment you’ve made in your roof offers the level of value and quality relative to the price you’re paying.

Here at HC Roofing, it’s all too often we speak to homeowners who thought they were getting a bargain on their new roof but instead ended up with a lemon. 

And any pleasure they took from snagging such a great deal is quickly doused by costs associated with fixing the poor quality workmanship or lack of warranty, which accompanied the bargain roof they ultimately purchased. 

That’s why doing your due diligence before hiring a roofer isn’t something that should be glossed over.

Therefore, when conducting your research and due diligence, getting quotes and checking out the marketplace to see which roofing contractor stands out, there are several things you want to keep in mind.

1. Take Your Time Selecting a Roofing Company

Take your time when selecting a roofer; don’t allow yourself to hurry during the decision-making process. That means not rushing in and hiring the first contractor you come across (or worse, the first roofing contractor who knocks on your door.)

Take your time and definitely DO NOT allow ANY roofing contractor to hurry you. Moreover, if any roofing contractor is attempting to push you to hire them faster than you feel comfortable, it’s a serious red flag. 

Listen, any legitimate roofing contractor isn’t going to be worried whether it takes you a few more days or an additional week to make your selection.

Furthermore, any real roofing contractor who offers high-quality service isn’t going to be worried whether you hire them now… or in three weeks.

2. Request Quotes from a Few Different Roofing Companies

After you’ve received a few quotes from different contractors, compare them and see how they differ and vary.

Look at the difference in price, the materials they’ll be using, the level of service they offer, unforeseen costs you hadn’t anticipated etc.

Seeing the proposals will allow you to get a far more in-depth understanding of the value each roofing contractor is bringing to the table.

3. Communication with the Company

How a roofing company communicates with you from the beginning is often an excellent representation of how they’ll complete the job. 

• Are they professional, what are their phone skills like?
• Do they communicate with you consistently through the process, always keeping you in the loop of what is happening?
• Do they meet all the commitments they make? Regardless of how small and potentially insignificant, they are?
• Are they hard to get a hold of? Do you feel like you’re chasing them?

All the answers to these questions will provide you with surprisingly accurate insight into what this company will be like to deal with throughout the roofing project and beyond into the warranty period.

4. Do Some Background Research Into The Companies You’re Considering

Make sure you look into each of the companies. Check them out online, read their reviews, ask your friends, and check the company’s business address.
That last point is a significant one. Make sure the company you choose is a company that is based in your area.
In the roofing industry, there is a term we use for opportunistic travelling roofers who pass through an area, sell local homeowners’ new roofs at a bargain rate, and then disappear as quickly as they showed up.
The term is “Storm Chasers,” and after they’ve left the area, so do the homeowner’s chances of getting any after purchase support or warranty assistance.

5. How Quickly Can They Schedule Your Roof Replacement?

Although not always the case, inquiring about how quickly a roofing contractor can schedule your installation date could tell you more than just the potential day you could have a new roof.
Good roofing contractors are almost always extremely busy during the roofing season. That’s why receiving a quote with an available job date within a day or two might be cause for concern.
Good roofing companies are busy for a reason – they’re good! Although not always the case, this is something to keep in mind.

6. Is Your Roofing Company Properly Licensed?

Before you start working with ANY roofing contractor, ensure they are properly licensed, certified and insured to be doing the project in the first place.

For instance, if the province or state you live in requires contractors licensing, make sure the roofer you’re considering has the proper license. 

Here’s the thing: Any roofing company that has the proper licenses and insurance will have no problem showing them to you, so don’t be worried or scared to ask for it. 

It’s crucial that as a homeowner, you make sure you’re working with a qualified contractor for your own protection.

Keep in mind that in some provinces and states, no license is required. One of those areas is actually Ontario, Canada, where HC Roofing is located. 

The problem is that this leads to fly-by-nighters and hucksters praying on unaware homeowners to make a quick buck.

But because there are no rules, regulations, or governing body, there is little recourse and very few options for the homeowners who hire an outfit like this. 

Here are some things you should request of any roofing company you’re considering hiring (and make sure you visually see each of them.)

• Contractor License in line with the area’s requirements.
• Certificate of Liability Insurance
• Insurance of workers’ safety (i.e. WSIB certificate)
• Working at heights certification (This might not be required in all areas)

But keep in mind, the contractor’s license does not mean the work completed by the contractor will be of high quality. 

It only provides proof the contractor is licensed to be working, which will be very important for your property in case of an accident.

Now you know some of the most critical steps to take when hiring a roofing company. This isn’t by any means an exhaustive list, but will dramatically increase the likelihood you hire a qualified expert. 

But let’s go a little further.

Roofing Project Job Site Clean Up

When you receive a quote from a roofing contractor, make sure the post-job cleanup is included.
As a homeowner, you want to be certain your home, lawn, garden and property are protected throughout the project. Also, your property and the job site are thoroughly cleaned up after the new roof has been installed.
To avoid any issues or headaches related to property damage and job site cleanup, etc., make sure you hire a contractor who can clearly explain how they will protect your property and complete the project cleanup. Ensure you get assurances (in writing) about how they will protect and clean up your property and home, so they’re looking like they did before the project started.

Dumpster / Refuse Container Placement

During a roof replacement, the old roof must be torn off. That means a lot of material will be coming off your roof and will need to go somewhere. 

Some roofing companies use dump trucks and trailers, while others have a dumpster or rented bin dropped off at your home before the job begins. 

I can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard about homeowner’s driveways, walkways, and gardens being destroyed because of these heavy dumpsters being placed haphazardly on the homeowner’s property. 

Ask each roofing company how they remove the material from the roof tear-off and what precautions they take to protect your home and property. 

Roofing Project Weather Protection

Any roofing contractor you’re considering should have a strategic plan in the event unpredictable weather forces them to stop roofing mid-project. Also, what will happen in the event bad weather doesn’t allow them even to begin the project? How quickly can you expect for your roofing project to be rescheduled?
Although these questions might not seem “that” important, you can also learn how organized your roofing contractor depends on whether they have plans for unforeseen circumstances like these.

THE ROOF WARRANTY

As a homeowner, you want to make sure you have a crystal clear understanding of how your roof’s warranty coverage and protection works.
How long is it? What does it cover? What can void it? All of these are important questions you’ll want to have answers to.
Furthermore, make sure you get it all IN WRITING! If it’s not in writing, it not real. Regardless of how nice the company seemed, make sure everything important to you is written down and signed off on by the company representative and by yourself.
This goes for EVERYTHING, not just the warranty. Make sure your estimate and agreement include every detail that is of high importance to you.

PRO ROOFING TIP

In some cases, the roofing company may offer (or you may request) a “cash job” to save money on taxes. Outside of this being illegal, if you decide you’re going ahead with a cash job, you need to get complete clarification on how this will impact your warranty. Since no taxes are being paid, the company cannot provide you with any purchase documentation. The problem is, purchase documentation is required by the roofing material manufacturer to offer a warranty. Plus, purchase documentation is required from the consumer to claim their warranty protection. Make sure you understand how a “Cash Job” could impact you later down the road.

Below are steps to follow when hiring a contractor who is a professional during the roofing quote process.

• When selecting a contractor, be careful and complete your due diligence.
• Check your contractor’s licensing and insurance
• Pay attention to how your roofing contractor communicates with you
• Ask the contractor about those other aspects of the roofing project you may not have initially considered
• Get crystal clear on the details of the warranty your roof comes with

Now you have a set of guidelines to follow to not only help you select a reputable, qualified roofing company but also a roofing company that can offer you a high level of quality and craftsmanship.

Are you searching online for a “roofing company near me,” and you’re in our service area here at HC roofing Brampton? If so, we invite you to contact us to request a complimentary, no-obligation roof inspection and estimate. 

We primarily offer roofing in Mississauga, Brampton, and the surrounding areas. 

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