If you are considering buying a new roof for your home, ask these 5 questions of every roofer you interview:
1. Can you provide local references - a few recent ones and a few from 3-4 years ago?
You want to know that they are local, that their customers will share an honest opinion about their roofing experience, and that the roofer has been in business long enough to have dealt with warranty-related issues.
2. Are you insured for residential roofing - both workers' compensation and general liability?
The important piece of information is IF you can receive a valid "certificate of insurance" directly from the agent's office, and never - ever - accept a hand-delivered certificate as a valid proof of insurance.
In addition, require the certificate contain a description of the work covered by the insurance, specifically that roofing is covered. If this cannot be provided, please do not move forward with this, or these, prospective roofers.
You are placing yourself, and your assets, at risk if you are not absolutely certain that all workers are covered by valid insurance, especially workers' compensation coverage. Accidents happen far too often in the roofing installation business, so do not take any chances.
3. Are you licensed to pull a permit in your company's name for a job this size?
If your roofing project is over $10,000, Alabama contracting law requires a Home Builders License, not a local business license. Please also ask for a copy of the Home Builders License and check the information on the licensing site (click).
4. Do you require a substantial deposit before you start my roof?
To be fair, paying a small deposit is fine, but even that should be withheld until the materials arrive at your home. Assume the materials will cost roughly 40% of the retail price, and if the roofer is solid, he/she will have a credit line with a local supply house.
The most you should even consider paying in advance is 25-30%, maybe a second payment as the installation is progressing, then the remainder (minus a 5-10% retainer) when the installation is complete.
Any roofer that requires more than 50% in advance should be avoided; should they ask for even more money, run away quickly.
5. Will you be able to provide a lien waiver from your suppliers and workers when my roof is complete?
Let's be clear - without a lien waiver signed by everyone involved in your project, you could be faced with having to pay for your roof TWICE. You need to know that the materials and labor costs have been paid by your contractor - very important to get this paperwork BEFORE you pay your remaining balance on your new roof.
CAUTION - CAUTION - CAUTION - CAUTION
Proceed with caution, but there are many great roofers in our area that will install a solid roof for you. Use your best judgment and take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
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