Are you searching for a reliable roofing company in South Jersey? When it comes time for a roof repair or replacement, finding the right contractor for the job can be challenging. Before you hire someone, you need to ask a few questions about their work and business practices. If you don’t know where to start, here are a couple of things to ask your roofer.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
Asking about the company’s history is an important question. You want to know that the company has the experience to handle the job and will stand behind its warranties. What good is a warranty if the company does not look to be in business in the future? Companies with several decades of experience know the industry and the local community. While you may want to give a shot to the new business in town, always stick with those roofers who have years of experience. Building the knowledge and skills to replace and repair roofs can take years. Look for a company or contractor with at least 10 years on the job and stable business history.
Are You Licensed?
If you want to hire a contractor, it is vital to find someone who is licensed. Unfortunately, many in the roofing industry work without the proper licenses. These roofing companies come into town after a storm and promise to deliver exceptional rates for your repairs or replacements. However, the end products fall short of those expectations. In most cases, the roof will need extensive repairs to fix its work. That leaves homeowners to deal with problems down the road. Working with a licensed roofing contractor can help alleviate some of those issues. A license means they have passed all the requirements in the state or city. Plus, if something goes wrong, you will have some legal protection.
Do You Carry Insurance?
There are two types of insurance policies you will want to check for the company. First, make sure the contract has workman’s compensation insurance. Some roofers and contractors will cut corners and avoid having this protection for their workers. Why is workman’s comp insurance important? You could be responsible for their medical bills if a worker gets injured on your property. If you want to avoid any problems, ensure that the company insures their workers while on your property.
Along with worker’s compensation, the contractor or company should have general liability insurance. That type of insurance covers your actual property. You want this insurance if the contractor accidentally damages your house or other property while on the job. If they don’t have the insurance, you could be responsible for those replacement costs and repairs. While you might want to take the roofer’s word for that, always ask them for proof of their insurance.
Are You Accredited By the Better Business Bureau?
You should ask if the company has an accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Companies get a score based on consumer feedback. The BBB also acts as a mediator to resolve disputes between the customer and the contractor. On BBB’s website, you can see all of the comments about the company. If the potential company has a history of unsatisfied customers, you should choose someone else for the job. When the roofing contractor cannot provide their BBB rating, you might not want to trust them with your roof replacement project. Most companies will proudly display their A+ rating on their website and all printed materials.
Can You Provide a Written Estimate?
If you want to protect yourself, always get a written estimate from the contractor. Don’t accept a verbal estimate either. When you don’t have a written estimate, it can set you up for potential problems, such as overcharging or not backing up their work quality. Anyone who balks at an estimate should be avoided. They might be trying to scam you out of money in those cases. With the written estimate, you can learn about the experience and skills of your chosen company. Any vague descriptions with no prices should be a red flag. Some unscrupulous companies will overcharge you and try to get more money from the insurance company. If the company cannot provide a detailed written estimate, chances are they are not a reputable roofing company. Stick with companies that work professionally, including providing a detailed estimate for the job. You don’t want to sign on the dotted line without an estimate.
Who Will Manage the Project?
Sometimes, the person you agree to hire is not the contractor who will do the work. A few companies employ a subcontractor for the job. You want to ensure that the roofing company uses its workers for the project. While subcontractors are capable of providing quality work, it can raise a few red flags for many homeowners, especially if something goes wrong. Along with that, you want to get the name and contact information of the project manager. This individual will be your “go-to” person for the entire project. They can handle any problems and address your concerns.
Let RGB Construction Help With Your Roofing Project
These are just a few questions you can ask your New Jersey roofing contractor or company. At the minimum, you want to know they have the qualifications to handle your project. When looking for reliability and experience, you can trust the team at RGB Construction. We are a veteran-owned business that pride ourselves on delivering quality workmanship to your job. Our roofing technicians are trained with the proper skills to complete roofing projects for your home or commercial business. You can schedule a consultation with us by calling 856-264-9093.
