As with any home repair, you might be tempted to hire the first roofing company you find or accept a friend’s recommendation. But too many homeowners have been burned by not doing a little due diligence before hiring.
Prior to agreeing to their terms or signing a contract, you should vet the roofing company you’ve considered with a few upfront questions.
We compiled five questions you should ask any midwest roofing company you’re considering hiring to roof your home.
5 Questions to ask a prospective roofing company
1. Do you have a license and insurance?
It might sound like an obvious question, but unfortunately, it’s not always the case. There’s the possibility they could be a fly-by-night company operating illegally without a license or their contractor’s license could have expired.
2. What’s your business address?
You want to work with a reputable contractor and avoid anyone who is here today and gone tomorrow possibly leaving you in worse shape than you started. Choose a roofing company with a physical address just in case you need to follow up with any issues that could arise.
Checking the company’s website will often provide a lot of this information, but it never hurts to ask. If they do have a website, you can review it for additional information such as company history and additional contact information.
3. How long have you been in business?
As we previously mentioned, you want to engage a company with a good reputation. You want to work with a roofing company that has plenty of experience and can handle any roofing issues they may uncover.
4. Do you have a list of completed projects and references?
An important part of vetting a potential residential roofer is to read their reviews and testimonials. You can ask the prospective roofer for a list of customer reviews and past projects they’ve completed. But it’s important to go beyond the list they provide. After you’ve read the reviews provided by the company you might consider calling your local Better Business Bureau Department to see if any complaints have been filed against them.
Speaking to past clients will also provide valuable insights. In addition to speaking with them in person, this could include checking review sites and social media pages.
5. Will you provide me with a detailed proposal in writing?
The written proposal provided by the prospective roofing company should provide details such as the scope of work, when it will start, approximately how long it will take, and the payment terms.
The proposal is a safeguard for both parties involved. Signing a written proposal can eliminate many potential headaches in case there are problems.
Choose the right Midwest roofing company for your job
Your roof is one of the most important parts of protecting your home. Before entrusting its care, have a list of questions to ask the roofing company to ensure they are qualified and reputable professionals.
If you’re in central Iowa or the greater midwest and in need of residential roofing services, then give JB Roofing & Gutters a call today at 515-554-1964
About the Author
Joe Burkhart, the driving force behind JB Roofing, has been a trusted roofing expert in Ankeny, IA, since 2006. Joe’s passion for quality craftsmanship and personalized service comes from over 20 years of hands-on experience, starting his journey in the roofing industry back in the early 1990s. JB Roofing is more than just a business to Joe—it’s a reflection of his commitment to providing reliable, long-lasting roofs that protect homes and families across Iowa.