If this is your first home and your first time dealing with a roofing company, it makes sense that you are a bit daunted. Yet, the roof is an essential part of your home, so you need to choose an experienced and reputable roofing company in Delaware before doing anything else. Finding a roofing contractor you can trust will make the rest of the process less stressful. To help you find the best match, here are 10 questions to ask before hiring roofing companies in Delaware.
1. Do You Have Experience With This Kind of Project?
Roofing is one of those jobs that requires training and experience. Should a roofer have neither of these, it could spell trouble for the outcome of your project. Therefore, it is crucial to ask roofing companies in Delaware about their experience, such as when they opened, how long they have been working with various roofing materials, and if they have ever handled a situation like yours in the past. Knowing that the roofing contractor you choose has dealt with a similar project will give you peace of mind. Plus, they may know what to expect in terms of common issues.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
One of the most important questions to ask any roofing company is whether they are licensed and insured. Why? Because licenses and insurance tell you that the roofing contractor is legitimate. First and foremost, a licensed contractor has demonstrated that they have the knowledge, skills, and experience to perform roofing work in a safe and professional manner. Additionally, a licensed contractor has undergone background checks and has provided proof of insurance.
Speaking of insurance, it is also an essential consideration when hiring a roofing contractor. An insured contractor will have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance, which protects both you and the contractor in case of any accidents or damages that may occur during the roofing process. Liability insurance covers any damage to your property that may occur as a result of the roofing work, while workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for any injuries or accidents that may occur to the contractor’s employees while they are working on your property.
So what happens if the contractor in question doesn’t have insurance? You could be held responsible for any damages or injuries that occur during your roofing project. For example, if a contractor slips and falls, hurting themselves, you may end up paying for their medical bills.
3. Do You Offer a Warranty or Guarantee?
While licenses and insurance are a guarantee that roofing companies in Delaware are legitimate, a workmanship warranty or guarantee tells you that they take pride in their work. Reputable roofers in Delaware will also offer a warranty of some sort as assurance that if something goes wrong with the installation or repair, the company will fix that issue, no questions asked.
A workmanship warranty also demonstrates the roofing contractor’s confidence in their work. If a contractor is willing to offer a warranty, it shows they are committed to quality workmanship and stand behind their work. This is a good indication that they will take the time and effort to ensure that the roof is installed correctly and to the highest standard.
Furthermore, workmanship warranties can also add value to your home. If you decide to sell your home, having a workmanship warranty in place can be an attractive selling point. Potential buyers will appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the roof was installed correctly and is covered by a warranty.
4. Can You Provide References or Customer Reviews?
A good roofing company will be happy to provide references or customer reviews upon request. Ask for a list of past customers and their contact information so you can speak to them directly about their experience with the company. You can also check online reviews on sites like Yelp or Google to get a sense of the company’s reputation.
Another thing: Look at how the business responds to any negative criticism. A roofing company that you want to deal with is going to answer harsh words with grace. They will also seek to amend any problems that the unsatisfied customer had as constructively as possible. Therefore, look for these kinds of exchanges to see the extent of professionalism. Sometimes this form of communication tells you more than numerous 5-star ratings!
5. What Kind of Roofing Materials Do You Use?
Roofing materials come in a variety of styles and quality levels. Ask the roofing company what types of materials they use and if they offer a range of options to fit your budget and preferences. A reputable roofing company will be knowledgeable about the different types of materials available and can help you choose the best one for your needs.
At RGB Construction, you can find a selection of roofing materials made by the industry leader, GAF. Top-selling options include GAF Timberline and Camelot asphalt shingles. Timberline is a high-performance line of shingles that features multiple layers for added durability and protection against the elements. The shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, including architectural and natural shadow effects. Timberline shingles also feature Advanced Protection technology that helps reduce the use of natural resources while providing superior protection to the home.
Camelot is a premium line of shingles that are designed to mimic the look of handcrafted slate. The shingles are thicker and heavier than traditional asphalt shingles, and they come in a range of colors that complement the look of different types of homes. Camelot shingles are also backed by a lifetime limited warranty for added peace of mind.
Our team can help you decide which type of asphalt shingle is right for your home.
6. Can You Provide Me With a Written Estimate?
Never opt for a contractor who does not give you a written estimate. Having a written estimate not only ensures that you understand the full terms of the project but also clears up misunderstandings. Furthermore, when you have a written estimate in hand, you can compare the cost from one roofing company to another to see which one fits your budget. It is important to remember that estimates should be within the average range when considering the cost of the project. Anything that is below the average may be a scam.
Here are some things that a written estimate should include:
- Scope of Work: The written estimate should clearly state what work will be done. This includes the type of roofing materials that will be used, the number of layers of roofing to be removed (if applicable), the size of the roof, and any additional work that needs to be done, such as the installation of new flashing.
- Timeline: The estimate should include a timeline for the project, including the start and end dates, as well as any milestones or important dates.
- Materials: The estimate should provide a list of all materials that will be used in the project, including the type of roofing material, underlayment, flashing, and any other materials that may be required.
- Labor Costs: The estimate should include the cost of labor, including the hourly rate or the total cost for the entire project. This should be broken down into specific tasks, such as removing the old roofing, installing new roofing, and any other work that needs to be done.
- Permits and Fees: The estimate should include any fees or costs associated with obtaining permits or inspections required by the local government.
- Warranty: The estimate should outline the warranty that the roofing company provides for their work. This should include any guarantees or warranties for materials and workmanship.
- Payment Terms: The estimate should outline the payment terms for the project. This may include a deposit or upfront payment, as well as any additional payments that will be required throughout the project.
- Contact Information: The estimate should include the contact information for the roofing company, including their name, address, phone number, and email address.
7. Do You Have Any Certifications or Affiliations?
Certifications and affiliations with industry organizations are a sign that the roofing company is committed to quality work and staying up to date with the latest industry standards. Ask if the company has any certifications or affiliations with industry organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or the Roofing Contractors Association of Delaware (RCAD).
You should also consider any credentials given by shingle manufacturers. For example, RGB Construction holds the highest level of GAF Master Elite accreditation. The certification is only given to a small percentage of roofing contractors who meet certain qualifications, such as having a good reputation, being properly licensed and insured, and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional training and development.
To become a GAF Master Elite certified contractor, a roofing company must meet several requirements, including:
- A proven reputation: The roofing company must have a proven reputation for providing quality roofing services in the local community.
- Proper licensing and insurance: It is requisite that the company holds all required licenses and insurance coverage, including liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Continuous training: Participation in ongoing training programs to stay up-to-date with the latest roofing techniques and technologies is mandatory.
- Commitment to quality: The roofing company must demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality roofing services and excellent customer service.
- Financial stability: A strong financial history and stability to ensure that they can stand behind their warranties and guarantees is also required.
GAF Master Elite certified contractors are authorized to offer special warranty programs, including the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, which provides a lifetime warranty on materials and a 25-year warranty on workmanship. This warranty is only available through GAF Master Elite certified contractors.
Choosing a GAF Master Elite certified contractor can give you peace of mind by knowing that you are working with a reputable, experienced roofing professional who is committed to providing quality services and using top-of-the-line roofing products.
8. Do You Use Subcontractors or Your Own Employees?
It is important to ask if a roofing company uses subcontractors for a few reasons. Firstly, if the roofing company uses subcontractors, it can be difficult to know who will be working on your roof and whether they are qualified and experienced enough to do the job properly. The roofing company may not have control over the quality of work provided by the subcontractor, which could potentially result in poor installation or repair.
Secondly, if a subcontractor is injured while working on your property and the subcontractor is not properly insured, you could be held liable for their injuries. This is why it is important to ask if the roofing company carries workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance to protect both you and the employees.
Finally, working with a roofing company that uses subcontractors can lead to communication issues and delays in completing the project. If the roofing company is not directly responsible for the work being done, it can be difficult to coordinate schedules and ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner.
In short, always inquire about who will be working on your roof. The best choice is a roofing company with its own team that has been trained and certified according to strict standards.
9. How Will You Protect My Property During and After the Roofing Process?
Roofing can be a messy job, and it’s important to ensure that the roofing company will take steps to protect your property during the process. This includes things like covering landscaping and outdoor furniture, using tarps to catch debris, and cleaning up thoroughly after the job is done.
Ask the roofing company how they will handle the disposal of old roofing materials and debris, and if there are any additional costs associated with the cleanup. Sometimes, you may be expected to provide a dumpster or clean up the mess yourself. If you do not want to go through that stress, consider hiring one of the best roofing companies in Delaware, RGB Construction. Our team will leave your property looking spotless.
10. What Safety Measures Do You Have in Place for Your Workers?
Repairing, replacing, or even inspecting a roof can sometimes be dangerous. This is why it is important to ask how the company protects its workers. They should have proper safety protocols in place to keep everyone safe, such as wearing harnesses and other safety equipment. Additionally, the employees should have received proper training on various safety regulations.
A business that does not have safety measures in place may not be the wisest choice, as it may also mean they are not fully licensed and insured.
Looking For a Roofing Contractor in Delaware?
Choosing the right roofing company is crucial to the success and longevity of your roofing project. By asking the ten questions listed above, you can ensure that you are hiring a reputable and experienced roofing contractor who can provide high-quality workmanship and materials. You should also consider contacting the professionals at RGB Construction. We have been serving the area since 2008 and have an outstanding crew who are experienced and highly skilled. Not only are we with a GAF Master Elite roofing company, but we are also highly committed to giving you the best results at an affordable price. Get in touch with RGB Construction today by calling 856-264-9093 or filling out the contact form.
