Questions for Your Syracuse Roofing Installer About A New Metal Roof
Jun 25, 2022When the time comes to decide to replace the roof on your Syracuse New York home, you’ll want to do your research to select the best roofing company for the job. As you’re calling around town to get quotes, you will likely speak to numerous representatives who will try to sell you on the services they offer, but how can you actually be sure they are the right team for your installation?
You must take the time to ask the company some questions to help you decide on the best one for your roofing needs. Here are six of the top questions you can ask.
How Long Has Your Company Been in Business?
A legitimate roofing company should provide an answer to this question as it is verifiable information about their business. Additionally, anyone working for the company should be able to easily say, “we’ve been in business since XXXX.” You should also be able to verify how long your roofer has been in business by looking on their website because they should have it listed. For further confirmation, you can check your local Secretary of State’s Business Search website and check with the Better Business Bureau to verify the business.
Do You Have Current Licensing and Insurance for Business?
A roofer’s license is what grants a company permission to do business, and it must be valid for them to do installations, replacements, and repairs in their town or municipality. A roofer’s insurance is the policy that covers costs for the company if anything should anything go wrong with the service they provide. Licensing and insurance are both essential documents for every roofing company to carry. Verifying a roofing company’s licensing and insurance is the best way to avoid potential scams.
If a roofer in Syracuse cannot provide you with valid proof of these documents, then you should not do business with them. As the property owner, checking for valid credentials is the best way for you to protect yourself from problems pertaining to worker injuries, or lost, damaged, or stolen materials.
What Materials Are Available for My Installation?
Before speaking to roofing companies, you will want to look up the major types of roofing material to check for price differences between materials on the high-end and the low-end of the price spectrum. Go a step further and compare the warranties for the different types of roofing materials — such as shingles, shakes, tile, or slate.
This work is being done on your home, and you don’t want to end up paying premium prices for bargain-basement materials that will need to be replaced again in a short amount of time. Protect your financial interests and ask questions about the quality and durability of the materials you wish to have installed.
Which Members of Your Team Will Be Doing My Installation?
You have a right to ask to know about the team of workers who will be working on your home. Workers are going to be showing up at your home for major construction, so you should have information on the following details from your contractor:
- The number of expected members on the installation crew
- The project manager for the installation
- Whether or not crew members will change throughout the installation process
As the homeowner, you should always be aware of the people on your property, and you should always feel safe or comfortable when workers are present.
How Long Will the Installation Take?
When asked about the length of time it will take to complete your installation, your roofing company should be able to have realistic expectations for how long the job will take. The installation of a new roof is a major home improvement project, and it can potentially disrupt the flow of your day-to-day life for you while it is in progress. Your roofing company should be able to give you a clear estimate when you ask the following questions:
- When will construction begin on my home?
- How long will it take to complete the installation?
Of course, things can happen during construction that is beyond a roofer’s control. But keep in mind that such occurrences should be rare. Your roofer should be able to reestablish a new timeline for the completion of your roof if a delay does take place.
How Do Your Prices Compare to Those of Your Competitors?
Asking this question can give you valuable information about how your potential Syracuse roofer compares to its competitors in terms of pricing. Furthermore, listening to your roofer speak about their competition could also show any unprofessionalism on their part, which is also important to note. Conversely, a company that takes the high road when describing the competition gives them a chance to show you a high-quality mindset, and the professionalism you want to see in a company you plan to hire for a major home improvement project.
Remember that you are looking to hire a roofing contractor because you need a well-built roof that’s appropriate for your home. Your new roof needs to last and serve its purpose for a reasonable length of time. By asking potential roofers this question, you give them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and expertise as competent contractors that can complete your roof’s installation on time, within your desired budget. When you allow a company to explain why their service prices are more, or (less) than the competition, at a minimum, you may learn useful information that you can use to narrow your choices down and ultimately get the most bang for your buck.
The installation of your new metal roof is a large financial investment and a major home improvement upgrade. It should only be entrusted to a roofing company that offers professional service and uses high-quality materials. Asking the right questions in your search for the best roofer for your installation will help you find the best company to hire. These questions can help you make a decision that gets you top service at a price that works best for your budget.