If you’re in the market for a new roof, there are some questions you should ask your potential contractor before making any decisions. When looking for a roofing contractor in Southgate Michigan, it’s important to ask a few questions in order to gauge their quality and legitimacy. Here are just a few of them.
Uncommon Questions You Should Ask Your Roofing Contractor in Southgate Michigan
The length of time a roofer has been in business is a good indicator of their experience and reputation. Finding the perfect contractor for your project is not a hard decision but there are some things you should look for. Asking them questions about their business can give you a much better idea of how you should proceed in the project. Here are just a few questions that can help you get a better idea of the roofing contractor you are considering.
Do they have insurance?
Your contractor should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Are they licensed and bonded?
In most states, roofing contractors are required to be licensed and bonded. Check with your state’s licensing board to see if your contractor meets the requirements.
How many roofs do they install each year?
The experience level of the roofer is important. By finding out their experience you can better make a decision for your roofing project. You may also want to check out some of their previous work on homes that are similar to yours.
Do they use subcontractors?
Some roofers subcontract the work to other companies. This can be a red flag, because you may not be able to hold the contractor accountable if something goes wrong. It is a quite a common practice in the industry but unless the roofing company uses project managers it may be best to avoid these contractors.
What is their average customer rating on Google reviews or Yelp?
If your contractor has good reviews, it’s a good indication that they provide quality work. However, if most of their reviews are negative, it may be best to steer clear. Keep in mind, online reviews can be posted by anyone even if the company never did any work for them. This can leave the entire system compromised due to negative review attacks on businesses. Always take online reviews with a bit of distrust.
What percentage of jobs completed were with customers who had other contractors quote the same job first but chose to go with this company instead?
This question will help you understand the competition that this contractor is up against. If they are the company of choice, it’s a good indication that they provide quality work. However, if they are only chosen after other contractors have quoted the job then it may be worth looking into those contractors as well.
Have any of their employees completed an apprenticeship program and if so, which one(s)?
Some states require roofers to have completed an apprenticeship program. Find out if your contractor has their employees complete one and if so, which one.
What type of warranty do they offer on their work?
A good contractor will offer a warranty on their work, typically anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Do they offer financing options and how much does it cost to finance through them (with all fees included)?
If you need to finance your roofing project, find out what the contractor’s financing options are. Some contractors will charge interest, while others may not. Be sure to ask about any fees associated with the financing, such as application fees or annual percentage rates.
Does this company offer a warranty that covers labor costs if something goes wrong during installation or within the warranty period?
Most roofing warranties do not cover labor costs if something goes wrong. However, some contractors offer a warranty that covers labor costs if something does go wrong. Be sure to ask about this before signing any contracts.
By asking these questions, you’ll be able to get a good idea of whether or not a roofing contractor is right for you. Keep in mind, the answers to these questions may vary depending on the contractor. Be sure to ask them directly about their experience, insurance, and licensing. One of the best contractors we recommend in Southgate Michigan is Downriver Roofers. Give them a call today at (734) 548-9919 for a free quote on your roofing project.
