When you’re looking to get a new roof put on to your Milwaukee home, it might not occur to you to shop around. But think about it: If you’re hiring for a new position at work, do you give the job to the first candidate to walk through the door?
So, how do you find the right tradesman to work on your house? We’re glad you asked. Read on to find out five of the top questions to ask a roofer before you hire them.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Do you really want to be your roofer’s first client? This can bother some people. For others, it could mean getting a great deal on their roof. Employing a new business is a risk and it can go either way.
If your risk tolerance is low, stick with a company who’s been around for a while. Do your due diligence and head to the internet for reviews. Ask around at work and your neighborhood to see if you can get the skinny on the best roofers in Milwaukee.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
If they aren’t, they’re probably just a handyman with a weekend side gig. This is your roof we’re talking about. It’s a job that not only protects your family from the elements, but it’s an expensive task.
Any contractor worth their salt will have a valid license and insurance to protect the homeowner in case of an injury on the job site. Under no circumstances should you do business with an outfit that isn’t properly insured and licensed.
3. How Long Will It Take?
Keep in mind, a new roof done right is going to take some time. This should be included in your estimate.
If you think their timeframe is too long, inquire as to why they think the project will go on for such a long period. If you’ve received other estimates with a shorter time frame, their answer could be a red flag.
4. How Much Will It Cost?
When it comes to questions to ask a roofer, this is something that has to be asked. It’s usually one of the first things these tradesmen hear.
The reason it’s so important is you will get a good idea of the quality of the materials that will be used on your house. Quality work with quality materials isn’t going to be cheap. If a contractor gives you an estimate that seems too good to be true, it could be because they’re using inferior products.
5. Is Your Work Guaranteed?
Professionals who take pride in what they do will usually offer some kind of guarantee on their work. This is something that should be done in addition to any warranties that come from the factory on parts and materials.
Final Thoughts on Questions to Ask a Roofer
Winter is here in Milwaukee. Now is the best time to start planning your roofing project. Since there aren’t many roofing gigs this time of year, you may be able to get a great deal.
On a related note, if you enjoyed this post and found it helpful, you should read this one on knowing how to tell if it’s time for a new roof.
