Germantown Roofing: Article About Questions To Ask A Roofing Contractor
Roof inspections are thorough roof examinations performed by a licensed inspector that can take place during, prior to or after roof repair and replacement. Inspections for insurance, real estate and quality purposes are usually performed by an inspector independent of any contractor performing work.
Question for Germantown roofing experts Seneca Creek Home Improvement: Do contractors remove old roofing materials?It depends. Most roofing companies do include cleanup and removal in the default cost. Roofing contractors that offer economy services may not include cleanup and removal as a way of reducing costs. Additionally, some contractors may refund the price of cleanup and removal if the homeowner desires an unsupported service such as shingle recycling.
When considering a Germantown roofing company, first determine the reliability of that company. Note that roofing is a high-turnover industry, and the average company fails within the first five years. Ask the contractor how long the company has been in business, how much experience the company has and the physical address of the business. Companies without physical addresses are best avoided.
The next phase is to acquire verification of valid insurance and a valid contractor license. Contractors must have liability insurance as well as bonding and workers' compensation insurance for their employees. Keep in mind that if a contractor does not have workers' compensation insurance and a sub-contractor or employee gets hurt on the job, then the homeowner may be liable for medical and other expenses.
At this point, ask the contractor for references, and make sure that some of the references are more than a year old. Homeowners should request at least three or more references if they have the time to follow through on them. Following through is very important. Be sure to ask every reference if they are satisfied with the work done and would hire again and recommend the company.
The roofing experts at Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Germantown MD can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, doors or gutters.
Once the homeowner is satisfied with the reliability of the contractor, the focus should turn to the services provided. Ask the contractor about the type of warranty included. Note that there are two kinds of warranties: material and labor. A material warranty only covers manufacturer defects, but coverage provided by the contractor itself can cover installation errors as well as any damage resulting from it.
Ask the contractor to describe the process used. If the roofing materials come with an extended warranty, ask whether that process meets the specifications of the extended warranty. Compare material prices direct from the company and those that can be achieved locally. It is also important to know up front whether cleanup and removal of old materials is included in the cost and whether the contractor takes materials to a landfill or a recycling center.
If satisfied up to now, the homeowner should allow the roofing company to perform a roof inspection. The homeowner should tag along and ask questions during the review. The contractor should end the inspection with a full written estimate. If the estimate is acceptable, then the homeowner should ask the contractor to accept no more than 50 percent of the total cost, and if the company agrees, then that agreement should be made formal with a written contract.
