Your home is one of the most significant purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. Unfortunately, that investment doesn’t come without repairs and renovations. When it comes to prioritizing home repairs, your roof is at the top of the list.
When your roof needs a repair or replacement, you need to know that the roofing contractor you choose in Naperville, IL is reliable before you spend your hard-earned money. The trick is knowing exactly what questions to ask.
Keep reading this guide to learn the top seven questions to ask a potential roofing contractor!
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Ideally, you’ll want to find a roofing contractor that’s been in business for many years. If a professional roofing company has been around the block a few times, they will have experience with many different types of homes. They’ll also have experience dealing with different roofing materials and can better recommend what would work best for your home.
Additionally, an experienced professional roofing company will have customer testimonials and an online portfolio of their past work.
Be sure to check online for customer reviews and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Different states and cities have specific licensing requirements for roofing contractors. In Illinois, roofers are required to be licensed at a state level. As a homeowner, you’ll need to do your due diligence to ensure the roofer you hire has the necessary contracting licenses.
You’ll also need to ensure the roofing company you’re considering has the appropriate insurance coverage. It’s essential they have general liability insurance, which will cover you and your family if there are any injuries during installation.
Professional liability insurance is also important as it covers the cost of any negligence or undelivered services.
3. What Type of Warranty Do You Offer?
If you’re getting a roof replacement, you’ll need to check that the roofing company offers a good warranty. Be sure to get specific details about these warranties in writing.
Some companies offer a manufacturer’s warranty and a warranty that covers their workmanship. Many roofing companies offer warranties that range from 5 to 25 years.
However, other roofing companies offer a lifetime warranty that covers most of the materials and work they do. When you see a warranty like this, it’s a good sign that the company will stand by the quality of its work.
4. What Types of Roofing Services Do You Offer?
Whether you’re getting roof repairs or a total roof replacement, it’s best to choose a company that offers a variety of different roofing services. It’s also a good idea to check if they provide other services like gutter and siding installation.
You’ll need to check for services like:
- Roof repair
- Roof maintenance
- Storm damage repair
- Roof replacement
- Roof installation
- Roofing for new construction
- Roof inspections
Remember, you never know what will happen in the future. You may need a roof repair now, but later on, you’ll have storm damage and need an inspection.
On the other hand, you might get a new roof installed and will need a reliable company that offers quality maintenance services.
Be sure to check that free inspections and estimates are available. These services give you a solid idea of the overall cost. You’ll also know what the company can do to help you before you sign a contract.
5. Do You Use Subcontractors?
Some roofing companies outsource portions of the job to a team of subcontractors. Other companies have a dedicated team that will work on your roof throughout the process.
You’ll need to put together a list of questions to ask your potential contractor, which includes:
- Will the same team of people work on my roof each day?
- Are the subcontractors you work with covered by your liability insurance?
- Who is the project manager?
- How will the use of subcontractors affect the project timeline?
Remember, a reputable company will thoroughly explain what parts of the roofing projects they outsource and also answer any questions you have about this process.
6. Do You Work With Insurance Companies or Offer Financing Options?
Roof repairs and replacements aren’t cheap, and most people don’t have the money readily available to cover the costs upfront.
You’re left to pick up the pieces if a storm has damaged your roof. Unfortunately, insurance companies may not always cover all the damage. They can also be challenging to work with if you don’t know what to expect.
Be sure to ask the roofing company if they will handle your claims. Some roof companies have a lot of experience with this and can work with your insurance company until they pay for the claim.
You’ll also want to ask about financing options. Many roofing companies offer financing that allows you to make reasonable monthly payments instead of using a credit card.
7. How Do I Prepare My Home for Roofing Services?
It’s important to realize that roof repairs and roof replacements are big projects and require some preparation on your part. Typically you’ll need to take steps that include:
- Remove cars from the driveway to give the roofing company space to work
- Make arrangements for your pets to stay somewhere else
- Remove fragile items like mirrors and pictures from the wall
- Cover or remove belongings from your attic
- Protect your patio furniture
You might need to take additional steps depending on the type of work you’re getting done. Be sure to ask the potential roof contractor about any specific preparations you’ll need to do before the project begins.
Hire a Dependable Roofing Contractor Today
Now that you know what questions to ask a potential roofing contractor, you’ll be much more confident during your research.
The best news is that you won’t need to look any further than Amenity Roofing, Siding & Gutters for all your roofing needs. We have over 20 years of industry experience and offer roof inspection, replacement, repair, installation, and more. We also offer siding and gutter installation and replacement services.
Make sure you contact us today to find a roofer in the Naperville, IL, area and schedule a free estimate to get started!
