Roof repairs and complete roof replacements are big jobs, and finding the right roofing contractor makes all the difference. Before your chosen contractor starts working, you should feel comfortable with their credentials, experience level, and customer service ratings. That starts with knowing the right questions to ask a roofer before hiring a company. Knowing that your roofing contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured and that they’re providing the level of service you expect is critical for getting the right value out of a job and for your peace of mind.
At Maupin Roofing and Construction, our family-owned and operated company has served Oklahoma City for over 35 years. We take pride in providing high-quality work, keeping our clients fully informed, and providing an excellent customer experience—and that starts by ensuring you have the answers you need before your next roofing project even starts. Read this helpful resource of essential questions to ask a roofing contractor before hiring them.
Essential Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
Roofs are expensive, so you want to be sure you’re choosing a company you can trust to get the job done right the first time. We recommend asking questions about three critical areas of a roofing job: credentials and experience, the scope of the job, and warranties and maintenance. By asking these questions, you’ll know if your potential roofing contractor is qualified to do the work and if they can service your exact needs.
Credentials and Experience
Thoroughly vetting your prospective roofing contractor is important to ensure they have the right experience for your project. This includes checking if they are licensed, bonded, and insured, as well as browsing online reviews to see what past customers thought of their services. It’s essential to hire a roofing contractor who has the expertise to handle your specific needs, whether it’s a commercial roof that can support solar panels and survive heavy winds, or a residential roof that adds lasting curb appeal to your home. Additional inquiries about the qualifications and experience of the roofing contractor may include:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- Can you provide references for your previous work?
- Have you ever worked on a project similar to mine?
- Do you have any awards or certifications that distinguish you from other roofing contractors?
- Can you explain your team’s experience and qualifications?
- What is your safety record?
- Can you provide proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance?
When a contractor is licensed, it means they are registered with the state’s board of licensing contractors, and they have the appropriate level of license based on the size of the job. Being bonded means that there is an additional layer of protection for customers in case something happens with the company during the middle of a job or if there is a problem with the workmanship after completion that has to be fixed. Lastly, all contractors should be fully insured with general liability, workers compensation insurance and they should also have vehicle insurance on all vehicles owned and unowned. This helps protect not only clients but also employees in case of any accidents.
Project Details
Every roofing project is different. Are you looking for repairs and maintenance? Do you need a new roof, or should your entire roof be stripped down to the studs and replaced? Not only do you need a roofing expert who can make an objective call, but you need to be sure your expected scope of the project matches your contractor’s expected scope. That means having a detailed conversation, getting a contract that establishes the scope in writing, and making sure all the details from permits to cleanup are clear.
Ask these essential questions about the project details:
- What is included in your estimate or quote?
- Can you provide a written contract that outlines the project scope, cost, and timeline?
- Are there any potential issues or concerns that may arise during the project?
- Will you handle obtaining any necessary permits or inspections?
- What are your payment terms and options?
- Who will be in charge of the project, and how can I communicate with them?
- How long do you expect the project to take, and what factors may affect the timeline?
- Will subcontractors or third parties be involved? If so, how will you ensure their work meets your standards?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or changes that arise during the project?
Warranty and Maintenance
The months and years following your roof project matter. Vet prospective roofing contractors by making sure their work is built to last. You want crystal-clear guarantees about warranties, repair policies, and resolution policies. Also, different roofing services may offer different additional services, such as maintenance. By asking these questions ahead of time, you can feel more confident about the company’s quality of work and what your options are if something goes wrong.
- What type of warranty do you offer for your roofing work?
- How long does the warranty last, and what does it cover?
- Are there any exclusions or limitations to the warranty?
- Will you provide a warranty in writing?
- Do you offer any ongoing maintenance or inspection services for the roof after the project is complete?
- If so, what is included in those services, and how often are they performed?
- What should I do if I notice a problem with the roof after the project is complete?
- Will you be responsible for any repairs needed during the warranty period, or will I need to contact a separate company?
- What is your process for handling disputes or complaints related to the work performed?
- If repairs are needed, what is the process for requesting them?
- Are there any additional costs or fees associated with warranty repairs or maintenance services?
Protect Your Property With Maupin Roofing and Construction’s Reliable Roofing Solutions
Knowing the right questions to ask a roofer before hiring them can streamline the project and save you a lot of time, money, and hassle. At Maupin Roofing and Construction, we have detailed answers to all of your questions, and we’re standing by to get to work on your Oklahoma City Roofing project. Contact us today for a conversation and to schedule an appointment.
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