You know that you need to have your roof repaired or replaced and you have contacted some local contractors to obtain quotes.  Now, how do you decide which roofing contractor is the right one for your project?  How do you ensure that the installation of your new roof goes as smoothly as possible?

It is important that you ask questions of a potential contractor so that you can feel confident that you have chosen the right contractor for the job.  Getting answers to your questions will also make sure that you know what to expect so you don’t face any unpleasant surprises.  Here are a few questions that will enable you to make a more informed decision when choosing a roofing contractor (link to http://www.roofmaster.net).

1. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.  A roofing contractor should have liability insurance in case they cause any injuries or damages to your neighbours or their property.  They should also have insurance for their workers in case someone is injured on the job. 

2. Ask what warranties you will receive for both materials and labour.  Ask what the contractor has done in the past when a problem has arisen with work done by his company.  Make sure that you will be satisfied with the customer service you can expect if something goes wrong.

3. Ask if they intend to use subcontractors or employees to do the job.  You want to know who is going to be doing the work. 

4. Ask about the qualifications of the contractor and the employees or subcontracors who will be performing the work to your roof.  Ask about what certifications, licenses, training and experience they have. 

5. Learn about the type of roof you are having installed and ask as many questions about it as you can.  Your contractor should take the time to fully explain the roofing system that will be installed.  

6. Ask about the timing of the project.  You want to know when they will begin work and approximately when they intend to have the work completed.  You also want to know what time to expect them in the morning and when they will leave in the evening.  It is a good idea to ask to be notified of any changes to the work schedule.

7.  Ask the contractor for references.  Make sure that you get names and phone numbers so that you can speak to the references.  Driving by a house isn’t going to tell you whether the work was done on time, whether the new roof leaks or what the contractor did to fix any problems that arose after he installed the roof.  Make sure that the work done for the references is similar in scope to your project. 

A good roofing contractor (link to http://www.roofmaster.net) should be proud of past work and more than willing to answer any questions you have.  So ask as many questions as possible and be confident that you have chosen the best contractor for your project.

(About the Author: Roofmaster / Rooftek (link to http://www.roofmaster.net) is an award-winning Ottawa roofing company.  We specialize in the identification and repair of stubborn leak problems but offer a wide array of services to ensure that your roof is maintained to the highest standards.)