7 Secret Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors Over the Phone

When it comes to getting a new roof, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right roofing contractor. Your roof is one of the most significant investments in your home, so it’s essential to ensure that the contractor you hire is credible, ethical, and capable of delivering a high-quality installation.

While there are many factors to consider when hiring a roofing contractor, a simple pre-screening process over the phone can help you save time, money, and potential headaches down the road. In this blog, we’ll outline seven secret questions that you should ask roofing contractors when speaking with them over the phone. These questions will help you determine if the contractor is the right fit for your project, ensuring a smooth and successful roofing experience.

Checklist Step #1: Determine A Roofer’s Credibility With These 3 Simple Questions

Before getting into the details of pricing and services, you need to ensure that the roofing contractor is credible and legitimate. Asking these three questions will help you determine if the contractor operates within the law, carries the necessary insurance, and follows best practices in the roofing industry.

Question #1: What Is Your Legal Business Name?

It might seem like a simple question, but it’s vital to ask this one upfront. Reputable roofing contractors will be able to provide their legal business name without hesitation. A legitimate roofing company should have an official name registered with the state, and they should be able to verify this information.

Why is this important?

• Accountability: A roofing company with a registered legal business name is more likely to be accountable for their work. If something goes wrong, you’ll be able to track down the company’s information and hold them responsible.
• Avoiding Fly-By-Night Contractors: Unregistered or unlicensed contractors are often “fly-by-night” operations that might disappear once the job is done. It’s better to steer clear of these contractors to avoid dealing with unfinished work or subpar results.

Question #2: What Level of Roofing Insurance Do You Have?

Roofing is a hazardous job. Accidents can happen, whether it’s a worker falling off the roof or damage to your property during the installation. That’s why it’s essential to ask about the contractor’s insurance coverage. Specifically, you want to know if they have both general liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.

Here’s what you need to know about these types of insurance:

• General Liability Insurance: This protects you in case the roofing contractor damages your property during the job. If a contractor doesn’t have this insurance and accidentally damages your roof, walls, or landscaping, you could be on the hook for repair costs.
• Worker’s Compensation Insurance: This covers medical expenses if a roofing worker is injured while working on your property. Without this coverage, you could be held responsible for any medical bills or injuries that occur during the installation.

If a contractor cannot provide proof of adequate insurance, this is a red flag. Always ask for a certificate of insurance before agreeing to any work.

Question #3: Who Will Be on the Job Site During My Roofing Installation?

It’s crucial to understand who will be working on your roof, as not all contractors perform the installation themselves. Some roofing companies hire subcontractors, and the quality of the subcontractors can vary greatly.

By asking this question, you get insight into the contractor’s team structure and the level of expertise they bring to the table. Ideally, you want to work with a company that employs experienced, skilled roofers who are directly employed by the contractor. This ensures that the crew on your roof is trained to the contractor’s standards.

If subcontractors will be working on your roof, ask the following follow-up questions:

• Are the subcontractors experienced and fully insured?
• Do they have a long-term working relationship with your company?
• Will the subcontractors be supervised during the installation?

Having clarity on who will be working on your roof is crucial to ensuring that you’re getting a qualified, reliable crew.

Checklist Step #2: Pre-Screen for Ethical Roofers Using These 4 Questions

Once you’ve determined the contractor’s credibility, it’s time to dig deeper into their practices and ethics. These next four questions are designed to help you identify a roofing contractor who operates with integrity and transparency.

Question #4: Can You Leave the Roof Estimate in My Mailbox?

When scheduling an estimate, be cautious of roofing contractors who insist on scheduling an in-person meeting to provide you with an estimate. While some situations may require a contractor to inspect your home, you should be wary of contractors who push for an in-person meeting just to provide a simple estimate.

Ethical roofers understand that providing a roof estimate doesn’t always require a physical visit, especially if you’re looking for a ballpark price. If a contractor offers to leave the estimate in your mailbox or send it to you via email, this is usually a good sign that they respect your time and are not trying to pressure you into an in-person meeting.

If they insist on visiting your home first, ask yourself why. Are they pushing for a hard sell, or is there a legitimate reason they need to visit in person? In many cases, an initial estimate can be made from a phone call or a quick discussion about your roof’s specifications.

Question #5: What Is Your Roofing Price Per Square Foot?

Pricing can vary depending on various factors like materials, labor, and the complexity of the installation. However, a reputable contractor should be able to give you a general price per square foot for roofing services.

This question will help you gauge whether the contractor’s pricing is reasonable and competitive. If the contractor is hesitant to provide a price or if they give you a vague answer, it may indicate that their pricing structure is not transparent, or they may be trying to hide hidden costs.

A reputable contractor will typically provide a range of prices based on the materials and services you request. For example, asphalt shingles will generally be cheaper than metal roofing or slate, but the price per square foot should still be relatively consistent across the industry. If a contractor’s prices are significantly lower or higher than others in the market, it’s worth investigating why.

Question #6: Can You Do a Layover Instead of a Full Roof Replacement?

In some cases, homeowners may wonder if a full roof replacement is necessary or if a “layover” (installing new shingles over the old ones) is an option. While a layover can be a cost-effective solution, it’s essential to understand that not all roofing companies are willing to perform a layover.

A layover can be a convenient and inexpensive way to extend the life of your roof, but there are some potential drawbacks. For instance, if your roof has underlying issues such as rot or significant damage, a layover won’t address those problems, and it could shorten the lifespan of the new roof.

By asking this question, you’ll gain insight into whether the contractor is willing to offer this option and whether they believe it’s a viable solution for your roof. A reputable contractor will give you an honest opinion and recommend the best solution based on your roof’s condition.

Question #7: Does the Roof Estimator Really Need to Come Inside My House?

A common practice among unethical or high-pressure sales roofing contractors is to insist on entering your home during the estimation process. This is often a tactic used to try and upsell services or make you feel obligated to sign a contract.

A trustworthy roofing contractor should only need to inspect the roof itself. The only reason the estimator would need to enter your home is if there’s an issue with the attic, insulation, or ventilation that could affect the roof. If the estimator is trying to convince you that they need to enter your home for any other reason, it may be a red flag.

Ensure that the estimator is focused on the roof and not trying to sell you other services or products that you didn’t request. Transparency and respect for your home’s privacy are signs of a reputable contractor.

Conclusion

Hiring the right roofing contractor is critical to ensuring that your roof installation goes smoothly, stays within budget, and lasts for years to come. By asking these seven questions over the phone, you can easily screen potential contractors and identify those who are credible, ethical, and trustworthy.

As a homeowner, you have the right to ask these questions and expect honest answers. If a contractor hesitates to provide clear responses or makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s a sign to look elsewhere. At S&K Construction And Remodeling LLC, we pride ourselves on being transparent, ethical, and committed to delivering top-notch roofing services to homeowners in Northeast Ohio. Our team of certified professionals is here to guide you through every step of the process, from the initial estimate to the final installation.

Ready to get started on your roofing project? Contact us today for a consultation and see how we can help you with your roofing needs.

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