Roofing is a job that needs to be done right. You need a contractor you can trust with staying dry. To make the most of your business, you need both strategy and work.
Quick is often not the best option for a home improvement project. You might love the sound of drips on the living room floor as we desperately try to fall asleep. However, it’s likely that you’d prefer a reliable repair or replacement.
You may want to think about what kind of roofing company you need. You may want to start with a roofing company that has a good reputation and is in your area, Michigan specifically in this article.
You’ve arrived at the right place. You will be able to evaluate the quality of a roofing contractor without any research or personal conversations. You will know when you’ve found a roofing contractor you can rely on.
1) What Areas Do You Work In?
The first step to finding a roofing expert is to make sure that the company actually has some work experience in your area. You could end up talking yourself into working with a company that doesn’t work in your area.
Make sure you tell them your address and ask for specific work they’ve done in your area, Michigan specifically. It’s also the first qualifier you always need to ask. They might not like it, but it doesn’t mean they won’t work for you.
2) What Experience Do You Have with Michigan Roofs?
Next, you’ll need to get more specific. This question expands on the preceding one by getting to the heart of the situation. For instance, just because someone can potentially work in your sector doesn’t imply they have any experience doing so.
Detroit, Michigan is a city that’s difficult to work in. The weather and environment can be difficult to deal with all the time basis. The streets can be narrow. A roofer that hasn’t had any previous jobs in Troy city might not know what they’re biting off. That’s why it makes sense to choose a professional roofer who has experience in your neighborhood.
3) Are You Licensed, Insured, and in Good Standing?
If you’re thinking about hiring a roofer or an exterminator, you’ll want to make sure they’re licensed and insured. If they aren’t, you risk shoddy work and serious liability should something go wrong.
If you have an unlicensed contractor working on your house, you may be at risk of getting sued by the contractor for negligence. If you hire a roofing company without a workman’s comp, they could fall off the roof and sue you for negligence. And if you hire an unlicensed contractor, they could claim whatever expertise they want, without having any actual document to back it up.
To make sure you are working with a licensed, insured, and in good standing contractor, it’s a good idea to do your research. If you have any doubts, you can always do more research than necessary.
4) Can You Come Out for a Free Estimate on Our Roof?
Roofing contractors who are willing to look at your roof and what needs to be done are much more likely to do the job right. Avoid the contractors who don’t want to look at your roof and what needs to be done before doing the work:
- They give you the problem and an estimate on how much it will cost to fix your roof, based on your description alone.
- They want to include payment for evaluation and estimation, as part of the job.
It is not a good idea to get a contractor who will only charge you for work that they have actually done. Instead, look for a roofer that will give you a free estimate, no strings attached.
5) Will You Provide that Estimate in Written Form?
It’s natural to trust a roofer’s word when you first look for a partner. But a free estimate is worth little if it is independent of the final pricing.
That is why, if at all possible, you should always request a written estimate. To be sure, the ultimate price may differ caused by unexpected damage or further repairs. Nonetheless, before you sign anything, the estimate should be thorough enough to help you evaluate your budget.
6) What Materials Do You Recommend And Use For Roofing Repair/Replacement?
You may be able to trust a roofer’s or any contractor’s word after working with them for a long time. That isn’t the case when you’re looking for a partner. If the final price has nothing to do with the free estimate, it’s pointless.
When someone seems reluctant to tell you about the roofing materials they’re using, you should probably question whether or not they’re a good roofer. Even if you’re not an expert, their general reaction to this question can tell you a whole lot over whether or not you can trust them with your roof.
7) Will You Remove the Old Roof First?
Never trust a contractor who wants to put a new roof on top of your old, damaged one. That will only invite trouble, and you’ll be paying for their services more than once. If you really want a new roof, call a roofer who’s licensed and insured.
Instead, work with a roofing business that responds affirmatively to this inquiry. They might even explain why taking that step is so critical. At the absolute least, they’ll be impressed with your understanding of the procedure. Any good roof replacement should begin with the removal of the old materials.
8) How Will You Protect My Gutters While You Work?
This is the part of the job that is often overlooked, but is one of the most important. We hear stories from customers about roofing work that ends up costing double because, in the process of working on top of the house, the roofers destroyed the gutters. We suggest that you install them before you do any work on the roof.
With a ladder standoff, the worker won’t have to worry about damage to the exterior of your house. They will have to use a ladder, however. Look for roofing companies who use ladder standoffs, not their competitors who just want to get the job done quickly without regard for exterior damage.
9) How Much Do You Charge for Roofing?
The cost is important. It’s probably not as significant as you might believe, but it’s still a factor to consider. If two roofing businesses with identical quality and reputation offer you dramatically different rates for the same service, you’ll almost certainly choose the less expensive one.
Make sure you are getting the best repair job for the price. Quality work typically comes with a higher price than shoddy repairs that need a follow-up.
Remember that when you ask this question, your roofer may not be able to provide you with an exact estimate right away. To do so, they must come to your home. This serves a more general purpose; you’ll have a better idea of the price range and how they set price for the project.
10) Do You Have Testimonials and Referrals From Other Customers Like Me?
Don’t trust a business’s word. They will want to convince you how great they are. Instead, look for independent sources to back up these claims.
When you’re shopping for roofing, you can’t go wrong with a reputable company. There are several online resources you can use to find referrals from past customers, including Better Business Bureau (BBB) and HomeAdvisor. You should also check references from roofing contractors and home inspectors.
11) What Will You Do If the Weather Gets Bad While You Work?
Michigan’s climate is as unpredictable as ever. You probably won’t be able to wait for that warm and calm Michigan spring. When the weather occurs during the process of your roof replacement, what happens?
You need to be prepared to answer this question, as it will give you an idea of what you need to do to protect your roof. As a contractor with experience in this area, you will want to cover your roof as often as possible to avoid water and moisture entering the home and wood.
12) What’s the Warranty on Your Work and Materials?
A roofer should be able to provide a warranty on their work, and you should know what it is. This is one of the key conditions of any roofing work.
You want to be sure that the roofing warranty covers both the work and the materials used. If you get a preliminary yes, take it one step further by comparing warranties from roofing companies you’re considering.
13) How Can I Communicate With You During the Project?
If you have a simple roof repair to do, it can possibly be done in a few hours. However, depending on the weather condition, a complete roof replacement might take a couple of days to a week. If your roof is complex, you will need a contact person.
This person should be someone you have worked with on the project. It could be a foreman, or a person who should be on the job site throughout the project. You’ll need their contact information to be able to reach out to them after hours if something goes wrong.
14) How is Your Crew Trained to Work on Roofs?
Roofing is not a profession that requires a formal degree. There is no licensing exam or other licensing requirements. It is more difficult to find someone who is skilled in the job than it is for other professions that require formal training. However, it is not impossible to find quality workers in Troy, Michigan.
If you are asking about the quality of work you can expect from your potential roofing partner, you’ll want to find out how they train their workers to get the job done. Get them talking about it, and you’ll learn a lot about whether you can trust them to keep your house safe and dry.
15) Will You Protect My Property From Any Damage During the Work?
Yes, roofers are a special kind of construction worker who works in extreme weather conditions, and while they can be helpful, they’re not supposed to damage your property. That means they can’t just cut up your driveway, landscaping, or other features of your property.
In Michigan, if you live in an area where trees are surrounding your house, it’s probably time to get that roofing project underway. However, you can’t just throw the ladder up on your roof and climb up to work. By learning what you can do to protect your property, you’ll learn a lot about their dedication and style of working.
Get the Process Started
You will find the perfect roofer in Troy, Michigan for any job if you ask these 15 questions. You will be able to find a roofer who is not only right for the job, but will also do it right and at a reasonable price.
Why wait? Get your free roofing estimate today!
You should never delay getting roof repairs done.
Contact our Troy Roofing Repair Cost (RRC) service in Michigan for a free estimate on your roofing project.