A roofer will do more than just install your roof, which makes finding a good one an important piece of your roof replacement plan. The key to finding the right roofer is asking the right questions, so in this blog post, residential roofing contractor Dior Construction discusses the questions you should ask a prospective roofer.
- Are you licensed and insured? While a roofer-specific license is not issued in New Jersey, roofers are required to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. They also need to hold a general contractor’s or home repair contractor’s license issued by the Department of Banking & Insurance (DOBI), which also serves as proof of their insurance coverage. A prospective roofer should be able to provide verifiable information about their license and registration. License and insurance is your assurance of many things: proof of their legitimacy, coverage for accidental property damage or on-site injuries and compliance with building codes, to name a few.
- Can you provide a detailed estimate or quote? “Keep everything in writing” is a good rule to follow when engaging residential roofing services from a prospective contractor. A written estimate is essential for transparency and for avoiding any hidden costs down the line. A detailed estimate or quote should include labor costs, materials and a clear timeline for the project. It is also important to note the difference between an estimate and a quote: the former can still be revised, while the latter, once signed, cannot.
- Is your work warranted? Most roofs come with some level of coverage for factory defects. However, roofing problems are, more often than not, caused by installation mistakes. Ask your roofer if they have an installation or workmanship warranty. Some roofing manufacturers offer this as part of a comprehensive warranty coverage through certified contractors, while some roofers offer a separate quality guarantee.
- How will you handle unexpected issues that arise during roof replacement? Unexpected problems can happen during a roof replacement. The old roof structure may be out of date that it’s noncompliant with building codes, or perhaps there was hidden damage to the roof framing that will need to be fixed before installation can proceed. These circumstances usually cause delays, but a good roofer should have the foresight and experience that they have measures in place that will keep the project on track.
Learn more about our roofing services, including asphalt shingles installation, at Dior Construction. Give us a call at (201) 472-5462, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve Bergen County, NJ, and the surrounding communities in New Jersey.