So, you need a new roof, or maybe just some repairs, and suddenly you're stuck figuring out who to trust. It's tough, right? Especially with all the contractors out there claiming they're the best. I've been doing this for a good 25 years here in Bristol, and believe me, I've seen it all – the good jobs, the bad ones, and some truly awful messes. So, let's chat about how to cut through the noise and find someone who'll actually do things right.
Questions to Ask Every Roofing Contractor
When a contractor shows up at your door, don't be shy. You're thinking about letting them work on one of your biggest investments, after all. Here are the questions I'd be asking, plain and simple:
- Are you licensed and insured? And can I actually see proof of both? Don't just take their word for it. You want to see current certificates for general liability and workers' compensation. If they don't have these, you're really opening yourself up to huge risks if something goes wrong on your property.
- How long have you been in business? And, more importantly, how long right here in Bristol? A contractor who's been around for a while locally usually means they've built a reputation and aren't going to disappear overnight.
- Can you give me references from recent jobs in the area? I'm talking about actual names and phone numbers of homeowners I can call, not just a list of addresses.
- What kind of warranty do you offer on your workmanship? This is separate from the manufacturer's warranty on the materials, mind you. A good contractor stands behind their work.
- Who will actually be doing the work? Is it your employees, or do you subcontract everything out? If they use subcontractors, ask how they vet them and if those subs are insured too.
- How do you protect my property during the project? What about my landscaping, the driveway, and clean-up? You definitely don't want nails in your tires or flowerbeds trashed, do you?
- What's your plan for unexpected issues? Sometimes you pull up old shingles and find rotten decking underneath. How will they tell you about that, and what's the process for approving extra work?
What to Look For in a Quote
A quote isn't just a number, you know. It's a detailed breakdown of exactly what you're paying for. Here's what a good one should include:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly state what's being done. Is it a full tear-off? How many layers are they removing? What type of underlayment, flashing, and ventilation will they use? Don't settle for ---