Choosing a roofing contractor is no small decision. It can have a major effect on the look and feel of your home, as well as its resale value in the future. The wrong choice could cost you time, money, and peace of mind. So it pays to do your homework before making an important commitment like this one. But how do you know who’s best for the job? These eight simple questions should be enough to help you make a good decision.

1. Are They Insured?

A reputable roofing contractor should be willing to provide you with a copy of their insurance policy, and they should also let you know what it covers. It’s not uncommon these days for companies to take out extra policies like errors and omissions insurance that cover them if someone makes a mistake on your roofing job which results in poor workmanship. It’s worth asking about this if you think there is any chance there could be such an issue.

2. Do They Have References?

You can easily find out what previous customers thought of the service they received by asking for the contractor’s references. During this process, you should get the names and contact details of at least three past clients, the approximate date the job was completed, and an overall rating from each customer.

3. Are They Registered?

If your state requires roofing companies to register with a government agency, then it’s worth double-checking that all their paperwork is up to date and correct before signing anything. You can also find out if your state has any specific requirements regarding how long they have been in business, training courses taken, or licenses acquired when contracting work like roofing jobs.

4. Do They Provide Layperson-Friendly Explanations of Their Work?

If your contractor speaks in confusing technical language or tells you that not understanding all the details is normal, it’s time to start asking questions. A reputable roofing contractor will readily explain what they are doing in terms that are clear and easy to understand.

5. Do They Have Any Add-on Services?

Some contractors offer additional services along with their main products and services. For example, some companies might do roofing repairs while others specialize in doing only replacements. Asking about these extras should give you a good picture of what the company does as a whole. Even if you don’t think these extra items are important for the job at hand, they might come in handy in the future.

6. What Are Their Payment Terms?

Some roofing contractors will require a deposit immediately and then ask for the remaining balance once the job is complete. Other companies will offer a discount if you pay in full upfront or might insist on smaller payments spread evenly throughout the duration of the project. Make sure that your payment arrangement won’t be an issue for you in the future.

7. What Is Their Warranty?

If something goes wrong and your roofing job needs to be fixed or replaced, a good contractor should warrant their work for a reasonable amount of time. The exact length of time you should expect varies from job to job, but it’s always worth asking about this beforehand so there are no surprises. It’s not uncommon for some companies to guarantee their work for up to 10 years.

8. How Does the Company Handle Customer Complaints?

While it is unlikely you will find a roofing contractor with a completely spotless record, a good one will always take their customers’ concerns seriously. Just because someone has had an unsatisfactory experience with them in the past doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be taking care of your job properly. But if there are too many reports of problems, then you should think long and hard before using such a company.

Reliable Roofing Services in Abington, MA

If you are looking for a new roofing contractor, do your research and find the one that suits your needs best. Hiring Cycle Carpentry will not only get the job done well but also at the right price.