If you need to hire a roofer to repair or replace the roof on your SWFL home, you’ll want to take steps to ensure you’re working with an experienced, reliable, and professional contractor. Below are just a few of the questions you should ask a roofer before hiring them.

Are you licensed and insured?

This is a point we’ve covered numerous times in the past. You should never, ever hire an unlicensed/ uninsured contractor to perform work on your home, regardless as to whether you need to hire a plumber, an electrician, or a roofer. If you hire an unlicensed company (or individual) and they either 1) don’t complete the work 2) perform the work incorrectly or 3) take your money and run, you won’t have any recourse. Second, if an unlicensed worker gets injured while performing work on your property. You could potentially find yourself on the hook for paying their medical expenses. If they don’t carry medical insurance, their injury could potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars, if not more.

Can you provide me with references?

References are a good way to gauge the level of customer care and customer service that a company has provided to prior clients. For this, it’s always best to ensure you get a random sampling (as opposed to a list of a contractor’s top 3 clients that are guaranteed to give rave reviews).  Most experts suggest asking for references whose last name begins with a certain letter, such as the letter “B.”

What type of materials do you use, and do you have experience working with the specific material I want to use?

This is also an important question to ask. Why? Because if you need help repairing or replacing a tile roofing system. You want to make sure you hire a contractor that has experience in working with tile roofing systems. Repairing / re roofing a home can be expensive. So you’ll want to make sure you do everything you can to ensure you’re hiring the best company for the job.

Can you provide a written estimate?

Never, ever hire a roofer that won’t provide you with a written estimate. The estimate should be on company letterhead and include the company’s logo, contact info, and state license number. It should also include a full breakdown of costs, including labor and materials costs, and other fees (such as permitting fees), if applicable. An estimate that’s scribbled onto a piece of notebook paper should not be accepted.

Do you need to hire a reputable roofer in SWFL? We’re here to help. Contact Us or Call our office today to speak with a local expert.