It may be time to start looking for a professional roofing contractor if you’re noticing a few shingles missing from your roof or a leak on your living room. But you can’t just call the first person in the phone book!
It can be difficult to avoid the less reputable companies. Questionable companies can mean costly repairs or shoddy work. Don’t base your decision just off of the estimates — just because the work is fast and cheap doesn’t mean it’s good. Ask the following questions before hiring a roofing contractor in Thousands Oak, CA:
Do you have proof of insurance?
A reputable roofing contractor should always have workman’s compensation and commercial liability insurance. This is crucial because liability insurance will protect you from paying for any unforeseen events that could occur during the job. Without workman’s compensation you may be held responsible for medical bills if an employee is injured during the repair process.
How long have you been in business?
Longevity can be a good indicator of quality and service in the roofing business. New businesses may also do some great work, but they don’t have years of work and experience to substantiate their claims. A company can’t stay in business for two decades unless they have developed a great reputation through quality and cost-efficient work.
Can you provide references?
Most business owners are only going to provide references from customers they know are satisfied with their work. Ask for a list of the contractor’s last three clients to get an honest answer. It’s important to talk to recent clients because their experiences are the often the most honest reviews you can get. Online review sites are another great option to find customers from a few years ago. These reviews will provide you with an unbiased opinion of how the long-term quality of their work.
What’s the warranty?
Ask the contractor for a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty on any roofing materials they used. The warranty will detail what rights you have if a roofing product is defective. It’ll also tell you what can void the warranty, such as not performing regular maintenance. The contractor may also offer an additional company warranty. Find out how long the warranty lasts and what exactly it covers. A reputable contractor will offer a company warranty that covers the cost of any issues stemming from the workmanship.
Do you provide a written estimate?
Selecting a contractor without receiving a detailed written estimate could lead to some big issues later on. Make sure that the company provides you with a detailed description of what needs to be done and for what price before you sign any contract. The estimate should include the cost of removing the old roof, installing the new roof, cost of labor and materials in additional provisions for change orders that could result in extra charges.