ClimateCheck.com projects Vancouver, WA, to experience an increase in annual precipitation and hot days in the coming years.
Such changes underscore the importance of investing in quality roofing services, including maintenance and prompt repairs. They help keep your roofing system in good condition and reduce the risks of weather-related problems from worsening. For example, they can help you avoid massive roof leaks by immediately addressing minor issues, such as missing shingles or tiles.
But how do you find reliable roofers in the first place?
One way is to know the most crucial questions to ask residential roofing services. Asking the right questions can help you narrow your list of prospects and find the best contractor for your needs.
In this guide, the NW Remodeling Contractors LLC team will discuss what you should ask when choosing roofing services. Read on to discover what they are and why asking them matters.
1. Are You a Registered Contractor?
One of the most crucial roofing contractor questions to ask is regarding their registration. Per the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), all construction contractors, including those who wish to perform roofing work, must register with the L&I.
You want to work only with a registered Vancouver contractor because registration signifies that they:
- Are an actual legitimate business
- Have a general liability insurance policy
- Have a Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond
Let’s explore why the abovementioned matters to you as a homeowner/customer.
Actual Legitimate Business
Per L&I, a current business license is one requirement for contractor registration in Washington. Applicants must provide identification documents and proof of their insurance and bond to apply for this license. Once registered, their company’s names will become searchable through L&I’s online contractor registration verification tool.
With all those requirements, you can rest assured that if you hire a registered contractor, you’re dealing with a legitimate entity, not a “fly-by-night” company.
General Liability Insurance Policy
Experienced and trustworthy roofing contractors take all necessary steps to carry out work safely. However, roofing work is inherently risky; according to media site Quartz, it’s the second-most dangerous occupation in the country. For the same reason, DIY projects involving the roof are almost always a wrong move.
So, in the (unlikely) event a registered roofing contractor causes an accident and damages your property, they must be able to cover it. It’s during situations like this that their general liability insurance kicks in. It covers you for personal damages and your property from accidental damage.
Washington Continuous Contractor Surety Bond
The mandatory bond that licensed and registered contractors have protects you from shoddy roofing work. If they meet this requirement, you can take civil action if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with their work. You can’t do the same with an unregistered contractor because they’re unlikely to have a bond (or the necessary insurance).
2. What Type of Registration Do You Have?
There are two kinds of contractors in Washington: general and specialty. General contractors can legally perform most construction jobs, including roofing, home additions, and remodels. Specialty contractors can only work in the area they’ve registered for (e.g., if they’re a specialty roofing contractor, they can only do roof work).
If you need roofing services for a large home improvement project, consider hiring a general contractor. By doing so, you’ll only have to deal with one contractor, provided they also specialize in home remodeling projects.
3. Do I Need a New Roof?
Please remember to include this in your list of crucial questions for roofers, as it can help gauge their trustworthiness.
When interviewing roofing companies over the phone for a potential repair job, tell them a few things about your roof, such as some signs and symptoms of problems. Then, ask them immediately if they think you need a new roof. A trustworthy contractor will never tell you to get a new roof without first seeing and assessing your old one in person.
4. Will You Handle the Necessary Permits?
Many projects that add to or change a residential building require a permit, often issued at the local level. The need for permits helps protect you and your family by ensuring the additions or alterations meet building codes.
If your roofing project requires a building permit, your contractor must apply for and obtain it. So, if they ask you to do it, take that as a red flag and move on to your next prospect.
5. What Is the Best Roofing Material for My Home?
Ask this question over the phone. If a contractor doesn’t give you options and insists on just one material (e.g., slate, the most expensive roofing material, per The Spruce), feel free to move on to your next prospect.
While slate is undoubtedly an excellent investment, as it’s also the longest-lasting, your contractor should explain your other options. They should also thoroughly assess your roof first before making any recommendations.
6. Do You Provide Warranties?
Roofing systems are expensive, so you want to ensure they last. For this reason, the contractor you choose should offer a warranty if they install a new or replacement roof. A reputable contractor will also explain the warranty’s details, such as its length and what it covers and doesn’t cover.
7. Do You Offer Free Quotes?
Reliable roofing service providers offer free quotes because they know homeowners can be anxious about the cost of roofing jobs. So, by giving these estimates, they can help you determine your budget and, if you’re okay with it, move forward with the project.
The sooner your project starts, the sooner you can get your roof fixed or replaced, giving you peace of mind that it won’t leak when the rainy days come.
Questions to Ask Residential Roofing Services: Now You Know
Now that you know the most crucial questions to ask residential roofing services, it’s time to ask away.
At NW Remodeling Contractors LLC, you can expect all our answers to align with your needs. We’re a licensed general contractor with 18 years of experience, specializing in roofing, home remodels, dry rot repair, and siding. We serve customers throughout Vancouver, WA, Southwest Washington, and the Portland Metro area.
So, contact us today, and we’ll happily give you a free estimate!
