Your roof quite literally holds up your home. It keeps everyone safe and dry, giving shelter and making sure that your prized possessions are safe. By the time you trust anyone to repair or replace it, you have to make sure that the trust is well-placed and the job will be done right.
That starts with doing some research. Doing an online search for roofers near me in Northville, MI is a great start, but not enough. Instead, prepare yourself with a set of questions that you ask every potential contractor, helping you determine exactly who will be right for the job.
1) What Area Do You Service?
First, you have to take care of the basics. This question helps you weed out any roofing companies that may show up as servicing the Northville, MI area but don’t actually do so. Simply giving the roofer your address and asking for feedback should be enough.
As an alternative, ask about the general service area. That helps you determine some of the below questions already. Then, make a list of all roofing companies that can service your specific hometown, and eliminate the others. You now have a short list of roofers near you.
2) What’s Your Availability?
The second question serves a similar function as the first one. Roofing projects are not always emergencies, but they do tend to be urgent. When you have a leak, you will need it fixed before major water damage begins to threaten your home. When the entire roof needs replaced, you don’t want to wait until the weather gets bad.
That’s why it’s crucial to ask about availability next. Even the most credible roofers will be worth little to you if they don’t have time for your project. Try to understand how soon someone could come out for both an initial estimate and the actual job.
3) Are You Local?
You might think that this question is already answered by the first. That’s actually not quite true. Plenty of national companies will say that they’re able to repair your roof, even though their headquarters are hundreds of miles away. Here’s why you should prefer a local roofer:
- Better availability. If the commute is short, the changes of a fast turnaround that doesn’t hurt the quality of the work increase dramatically.
- Better local knowledge. The weather in Northville, MI gets some pretty tough swings between summer and fall. Your roofer should know these pattern as well as any local zoning laws to be credible and trustworthy.
- Better accountability. Local companies allow you to talk with management much more easily. Plus, the chances of subcontracting work declines – more on that below.
4) Do You Use Subcontractors, or Do You Work Yourself?
It’s always surprising to us how few homeowners ask this question. When they do, we’re proud to give the answer, because we know the difference it makes.
Avoid working with roofers who use subcontractors, because you don’t know what the quality of the repairs will be. Plus, when something goes wrong, the chances of blaming an unaccountable subcontractor get much lower. Always try to work with contractors who do the work themselves.
5) Is Your Company Fully Licensed and Insured?
This is an absolutely crucial qualifying question. In fact, it might be the single biggest determinant when trying to decide which roofer near you is the best and most credible contractor or contracting firm.
Insurance means that you are protected, no matter what happens. Hire a contractor without insurance, and you risk situations in which you could actually be held liable for damage or injury. Worse, they could leave without completing the job.
Meanwhile, all roofing contractors in the state of Michigan need a license from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to perform their job. Without it, their work could actually be illegal, so be sure to ask about this early.
6) Can You Stop By for a Free Inspection?
Don’t trust a roofer that tries to charge for the inspection. They typically try to just get some money out of the homeowner, which means they’re not the type of contractor you want to work with. Instead, limit your search for those who offer a free inspection.
Take advantage of that offer, even if you’ve already received an inspection. A second opinion is never a bad idea, and it will allow your roofer to get a first impression of the job at hand. Any questions about timeline, scope of work, and price will receive much more accurate answers.
7) Do You Have References From Recent, Similar Projects?
Every roofer talks about how great they are. The best among them are different in that they let their customers do the talking. Especially for major roofing projects, ask about references and don’t be afraid to call them. Focus on quality of work, timeliness, and overall satisfaction with the work.
8) Do You Offer Any Kind of Financing?
Roofing repairs, and especially complete roof replacements, can quickly get expensive. Because they tend to come at you fast, you might not have the money for them. Asking about financing, therefore, is never a bad idea.
Note that this should not be an absolute requirement, as you can get financing through your bank as well. That said, when you cannot pay in full, financing through your roofing company tends to be a good idea because you get better deals, fewer hoops to jump through, and a more streamlined process.
9) How Long Do You Think the Project Will Need?
This question is best asked after the inspection, when your contractor has had a chance to check out the site. It helps you get an idea about the commitment you have to make, not just financially but for the inconveniences (such as a blocked driveway) in the course of the repair.
Don’t trust contractors who refuse to give you an exact answer. They tend to work on other sites at the same time and might not prioritize yours. A credible and experienced roofer, after an inspection, should be able to give you a very accurate estimate on when they can start and how long the project will take.
10) How Will You Access My Roof?
We’re starting to get into the logistical aspects of the job itself. By this point, you’ve already identified a roofer who can do the job right, and you just need to make sure that you’re prepared for what’s about to come.
That means, among other things, understanding the roofing access. Will they need to climb through windows? Do they have ladders, and what are the best access points? What inconveniences do those access points cause for you as you try to live your normal life during the repairs? Asking about roof access can help you answer all of these questions.
11) Will You Clean Up the Job Site?
For many contractors, the job is done as soon as the repairs are complete. In and of itself, that’s not a huge issue; after all, the fact that the job was done right should count more than anything. Still, the best roofers near you go one step further.
They realize that, once they leave, you have to get back to your normal life as soon as possible. You won’t have time to haul away garbage from the driveway or completely redo your landscaping. Asking this question helps you ensure that once the job is complete, everything is exactly as it should be.
12) What Information Do You Need From Me?
The final question flips to the other side of the coin. You’ve gathered as much information as you can about the contractors about to repair your roof. Now, it’s time to give them a chance to get the information they need for the job.
Your roofers may ask anything from available start dates and times to which areas of your yard is a big no, or how they can access your attic. The more thoughtful and accurate your responses, the more smoothly the job will go. After all, this is a partnership between you and the roofer on a major project.
Finding a Roofer Near You in Northville, MI
It’s easy to ask a question like “How do I find a roofer near me in Northville, MI?” The more difficult part is the answer, which requires way more than just one question. You need research, time, and at least some knowledge of exactly what to look for.
The above questions can go a long way in helping you get there. They’re designed to find only credible, experienced roofers who will get the job done right. That’s why we’d love to have a conversation like this with you. If you’re in need of roofing help, contact Twelve Oaks Roofing. Let’s chat about the above, your situation, and more.
