How to Vet a Home Roofing Contractor?

[geopiper]

What are some real world, down to earth questions to ask or methods to vet a potential roofing contractor for a home? I've read what's online about licensure, bonding, insurance, warranties, guarantees, subcontractors, expense breakdown, material pricing.

The roof currently has a single layer of nearly 30 year old shingles on it.

 

[Old School 3319]

Look at their past jobs ask for references and call the BBB in your area

 

[unadoptedlamp]

If they ask for a deposit of more than 5-10%, I would tell them to get stuffed.

A legit company will most often not need a large deposit to cover costs. If you're paying a large deposit, it's most likely because they are either on the edge of solvency or will use it as leverage to keep you tied to bad work.

That goes for any contractor. Beware of large deposit requests.

 

[warren]

Get three estimates and then check with previous customers with regard to the quality of work. If a roofer is passing the work on to "subcontractors" or involving "subcontractors" instead of employees well, that would disqualify them with regards to working on my roof.

If you are going to go "in-depth" check with the state for a business license, perhaps the Better Business Bureau, get references, view bonding and insurances paperwork, etc.

 

[ChuckMijo]

Alcohol free breath..... and everything mentioned above

 

[sablebrush52]

Laugh all you want, but I've used Angie's List for years and every one of the firms I've employed, or I've referred to friends where they live, has been excellent.

 

[3rdguy]

@hoosierpipeguy

 

[rajangan]

Recommendations from friends.

 

[BROBS]

Does he wear Oakley blades? If not, look elsewhere

 

[kcghost]

Roofinf contractors can leave a bad taste in your mouth. I would want one that will sign a contract saying when they will start and finish, with appropriate penalty charges if they don't meet those dates.

 

[edger]

I would endorse pretty much all of the above. Sometimes it's a good idea to talk to the employees at the contractors desk at your Lowes or Home Depot. You can hang out in the roofing aisle early in the morning too. Getting a personal reading on people helps.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I own a Construction company with permanent offices in three states. We do 300 to 500 roof replacements per year, mostly insurance funded. Check out the following:

Must have General Liability and Workman's Compensation insurance. Require them to provide a cert, make sure they're listed for roofing.

Google reviews and Angie's List. Check local BBB to see if they've had many complaints.

Ask for five local references who they've done work for in the past six months.

Did they have someone get on the roof to look it over? Unless it is an incredibly simple roof, disqualify those who didn't.

It would be rare for the cheapest to be the best.

Ask them about code items and how they'll address that. Valley lining, drip edge, cricket for chimney if needed and ventilation. If they go "huh?", disqualify them.

How long have they been in business? Beware of anyone less than 2 years old.

Minimum of 5 year workmanship warranty.

Most roofing companies use subs these days. I wouldn't worry about that. Ask how long their sub had been working for them. Sub should also have GL and WC insurance.

A deposit of 50% is fine and customary. If concerned, offer to give it to them the day of the job when the materials have been delivered. A decent company shouldn't require your money to buy materials.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck.

 

[BROBS]

Plus this guy wears Oakley blades so yeah....

 

[rajangan]

I own a Construction company with permanent offices in three states. We do 300 to 500 roof replacements per year, mostly insurance funded. Check out the following:

Must have General Liability and Workman's Compensation insurance. Require them to provide a cert, make sure they're listed for roofing.

Google reviews and Angie's List. Check local BBB to see if they've had many complaints.

Ask for five local references who they've done work for in the past six months.

Did they have someone get on the roof to look it over? Unless it is an incredibly simple roof, disqualify those who didn't.

It would be rare for the cheapest to be the best.

Ask them about code items and how they'll address that. Valley lining, drip edge, cricket for chimney if needed and ventilation. If they go "huh?", disqualify them.

How long have they been in business? Beware of anyone less than 2 years old.

Minimum of 5 year workmanship warranty.

Most roofing companies use subs these days. I wouldn't worry about that. Ask how long their sub had been working for them. Sub should also have GL and WC insurance.

A deposit of 50% is fine and customary. If concerned, offer to give it to them the day of the job when the materials have been delivered. A decent company shouldn't require your money to buy materials.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck.

I recommend @hoosierpipeguy

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I recommend @hoosierpipeguy

If he's local to Indianapolis, Raleigh or Birmingham, I'd be happy to help. But I won't be the cheapest, just the best.

 

[rajangan]

@hoosierpipeguy, would putting a roof top deck over a (~1/8) sloped roof require a roofing permit or a renovation permit? Is this a pipe dream?

 

[BROBS]

@hoosierpipeguy, would putting a roof top deck over a (~1/8) sloped roof require a roofing permit or a renovation permit? Is this a pipe dream?

You’re in Canada so laws are different.

just do it so no one can see for 7 years and you’re good. No permit required ?

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Permitting requirements vary municipality to municipality. Check with your local building department. Putting a deck or balcony over a roof can be tricky and a PITA. Make sure you consult someone competent.

 

[ashdigger]

If they ask for a deposit of more than 5-10%, I would tell them to get stuffed.

A legit company will most often not need a large deposit to cover costs. If you're paying a large deposit, it's most likely because they are either on the edge of solvency or will use it as leverage to keep you tied to bad work.

That goes for any contractor. Beware of large deposit requests.

In Nevada it’s illegal for a contractor to ask for more than 15% up front.

 

[mso489]

From experience, I'd opt for a large well established and regarded local company. They will send a crew and will get it done in about two days for an average size residence. As a young couple, my late wife and I hired one guy who worked like crazy and did a good job, but it took him a while, and on hindsight, I doubt he had medical insurance or was bonded, which could have been a problem if he'd been hurt. Admirable worker, but probably not a good idea.