You need a roofer in California and you need one now. There are plenty out there, so how do you decide who to hire? You need to make sure they are professional and legit so you get the safest and most reliable roofing care. That is why there are a few questions you need to ask a California roofer before you sign on the dotted line.
Questions to a Roofer before Hiring
1) Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
You want a roofer that is licensed, which means they meet all the minimum requirements to be a roofer within the state. Choosing an unlicensed roofer could lead to problems such as a voided warranty and it will be much harder to get resolutions to any problems. You want a bonded roofer because this means they have the type of insurance that provides you compensation should they not complete the project as stated in the contract. An insured roofer will have the appropriate insurance to cover workers on the job so that you will not be held responsible for any medical bills should an injury occur. You also want to make sure that the roofer’s contractors and subcontractors are also licensed, bonded, and insured.
2) How does payment work?
One of the first questions with projects as big as roofing is usually “How much is this gonna cost me?” instead of this, you really should be asking “How do I pay for this?” It is important to set out the payment terms before the job starts. This protects you from having people take advantage of you. Some acceptable guidelines for payment include:
- Paying with check or credit only and never cash. This way you have a paper trail and proof of payments made.
- Don’t pay the full amount upfront and do not choose a roofer that asks for payment upfront in cash.
- Paying a deposit for larger projects is acceptable.
- Check if there are any financing options so you can pay over time.
3) How long have you been in business?
What happens if your new roof has a problem? You got the warranty and a maintenance plan, so you call the roofer that installed your roof. But, the business is closed and they are gone. What does that mean for your warranty and repairs? It means you are out of luck. You can avoid this by hiring a contractor that has a well-established business in the area. 50% of small businesses fail within three years, so if you find a contractor that has been around for 10 years, it is likely to be a good choice.
4) Who takes care of the roofing permits?
Large roofing projects will most likely involve a building permit. You need to get permission from the local government to make changes or additions to your property. A permit allows these changes so that you are safe and that any work done is within local building codes. A professional roofer will always get the permit for you whenever it is required.
5) Are you a current member of any roofing associations?
Contractors that are part of local or national associations have taken additional steps to stay current with roofing trends so they can maintain a high standard of service, This is recommended when choosing a roofer. You can use sources such as the National Roofers Contractors Association (NRCA) to help search for a roofer in California.
6) Will there be a written contract?
Every professional roofer will provide a written contract for both parties to agree upon and sign. It should include payment information, services to be provided, expected completion dates, and total price. A contract helps keep a roofer accountable and also can be used to compare roofers when choosing who to hire. For a trustworthy roofer in California, we are licensed, bonded, and insured, and ready to help you today!
