Kicking off a roofing project the right way with these must ask questions

By Metal Roofing Alliance. 

This essential list of questions should be answered by contractors before starting a reroofing project to keep everyone on the same page.  

A reroofing project is a big endeavor, and it’s one that many homeowners should only go through once or twice in their lifetime if done correctly. It can be intimidating, especially with the number of decisions that need to be made throughout the process. That’s why it's crucial to make sure both the contractor and homeowner are on the same page before any work starts. This ensures that the homeowner is confident in the investment they are making in their home, and the installer is armed with the information needed to make sure the job is done correctly.  

This can feel a bit uncomfortable for some, especially because the parties involved are probably just now getting to know each other. But Renee Ramey, the Metal Roofing Alliance executive director, says it's well worth the awkwardness. She shared, “It’s true that even the best quality roofing material is only as good as the installation. Credible pros will welcome the opportunity to answer questions and should be happy to provide as much information as you need to help you feel confident about your decision.”  

The first question that needs to be answered pertains to what roofing material will work best for the homeowner’s roof, given their regional climate conditions, performance needs and priorities (sustainability and energy efficiency, for example), style preferences and more. Trade organizations including MRA offer free guides and resources to help compare and learn more about different types of roofing materials and quality installation practices.  

Determining material preference is key because it helps narrow down the list of installers and contractors to choose from as some installers may only be experienced or prefer dealing with a certain type of material. Once a material is decided upon, the homeowner should talk to at least three installers to compare bids, experience, project details and claims.  

Here are some key questions to cover during that conversation:  

• How long has your company been in business?  
• What kind of licensure, bonds and insurance does your crew have?  
• What experience do you have working with the preferred roofing materials? 
• Can you show three project examples and references from recent jobs? 
• What processes are there for protecting the property, home and landscaping beyond the roof during the project? 
• What is the brand/manufacturer of the materials you use? How long have they been in business and how long have you been working with them? What is their track record? 
• What kind of product and installation warranties are offered, are they transferrable, and how long is the product guaranteed to last? 
• What verifiable safety, performance and environmental standards, testing and regulations does the manufacturer adhere to? 
• What type of performance ratings does the product have for conditions such as severe weather and fire protection? 
• What customer service support is available if an issue, problem or question arises? 
• Does the manufacturer have favorable reviews from other customers and credible third-party business rating organizations?  
• Are they members of industry-leading trade organizations, such as the MRA?  

For homeowners, it is important to beware of any contractor who demands cash or full payment upfront, has no physical address or identification, steers you to a specific lender or tries to act as the intermediary by asking to file insurance claims on your behalf or wants your personal financial information prior to starting the process. Verify their web and physical address, look up online reviews and ask for references, get cost estimates, schedules and other agreements in writing (in advance) and ensure they have the right permits.  

For contractors, make sure to check in with the homeowner throughout the process. This is important for helping them feel confident and secure. It is also the prime time to find out about things like HOA design rules and requirements before the project starts and problems crop up. 

Original article and photo source: Metal Roofing Alliance