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I certainly recommend that you get several estimates. And I don't expect to get
every job.But I do want to give you a few word of caution about hiring your roofing contractor. Before you entrust your home
projects to the lowest bidder, check him out!
1.Expect a contract.
A contract should include the scope of
work and a price. If your contractor doesn't have one to offer, make your own. An written agreement with signatures will certainly
hold up in court.
2. Does he have insurance?
General liability AND workmans comp is essential. Someone falls
off your roof without insurance and you could pay for his injuries for a very long time. Proof
of insurance is necessary.
3. References
Look
at a job or two. Most pleased customers won't mind you looking at their roof.
Written or oral recommendations are also
helpful. (I keep letters on file. Some welcome calls and visits)
4. License
Does he have a business license?
He should be able to show you a copy of his business license and proof of insurance.
5. Warranties & guarantees
Can he give you a written workmanship guarantee of at least one year. If you are going to have problems, you will know in
a years time.
Watch for the manufacturer paint warranty. You need paper in hand from the manufacturer to ensure you
are not getting seconds.
6. Don't pay any contractor up front.
This is generally bad policy. If the job
is more than the contractor can finance, purchase the materials yourself. This way the material will be at your home even
if the contractor is not.
7. Does this price include all trim?
Yes believe it or not sometimes you will be
asked to pay more for trim.
8. Who cleans up the debris and scraps?
This should be included!
9. Who
will be doing the work? Will the contractor actually be doing the work or at the very least overseeing the work. Or will he
hire is out to someone else?
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