Important Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor

When it comes to roofing, you want to make sure that you hire a reliable and trustworthy contractor. A good contractor will not only provide quality workmanship but also offer a reasonable price for the job. It is important to ask the right questions before hiring in order to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some of the key questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor before you mae your choice. We sat down with Liam Carter from Pro Roof Restoration Brisbane who helped us compile this list of helpful questions.

What is your company name and physical address?

Knowing the company name and physical address of the business you’re considering hiring is crucial. A reputable contractor should have a permanent address that is easy to find online. This gives you a way to contact them if you have any issues after the job is completed. It also indicates the business is serious and is committed to providing quality services to their clients. Knowing the company name also allows you to check their reputation online. Look for reviews and feedback from previous clients to have a better idea of the quality of their work.

How long has your roofing company been in business?

The experience matters when it comes to providing quality services. A contractor who has been in the roofing industry for several years has a track record of success. They are more likely to have the knowledge and expertise to do the job right. This also means that the contractor is likely to be more familiar with local building codes and regulations. Hiring an experienced roofing contractor is a good investment as it ensures that the job is done right the first time. It will end up saving you time and money in the long run.

Can I see your current license and are you a member of any trade organisations?

A licensed roofing contractor has met the necessary qualifications and standards to do the job right. This means that they have the necessary training, experience, and expertise to complete the job to a high standard. A membership with trade organizations such as the QBCC indicates that the contractor is committed to providing quality services and staying up to date with the latest industry standards and practices. This is also an indication that the contractor has the required insurance coverage, which is important to protect you from any accidents or damages that may occur on the job. It also conforms they are a legal business operating within the law.

Can I see a copy of your liability insurance cover?

A reputable roofing contractor should different types of insurance to cover any damages or accidents that may occur on the job. This insurance should cover both the contractor and you as the client. It’s important to ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy to ensure that you are protected from any liabilities or damages that may occur on the job. This is a standard practice that any reputable contractor should follow to protect their clients and their business.

What type of roof warranties or guarantees do you provide?

A warranty or guarantee is important when hiring a reliable company. Some contractors provide their own warranty, while others rely on the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s important to know what kind of warranty you’re getting before hiring the contractor. A roofing company should provide a written warranty or guarantee that outlines the scope of the warranty, what it covers, and how long it lasts. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re protected in case something goes wrong with the workmanship or materials used in the project.

Are you certified with any Australian roofing manufacturers?

Certification with roofing manufacturers is an indication that the contractor has the expertise and training to install the products properly. This is important as it ensures that the roofing system is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which is necessary to maintain the warranty. It also means that the contractor has access to high-quality roofing products and can provide advice on the best roofing options for your specific needs.

Can you provide written referrals or references from previous jobs?

Referrals and references from previous jobs give you an idea of the quality of the contractor’s work and their level of customer service. A business with a good reputation should be willing to provide you with written referrals or references from previous clients. This information allows you to check the contractor’s reputation and provides you with peace of mind knowing that they have a track record of providing quality services to their clients.

How long will it take to complete the job? And what happens if you take longer?

Knowing the timeline for completing the roofing project is essential to planning and making sure you’re not inconvenienced by the work. An experienced roofer should be able to give you a realistic estimate of how long the job will take. So you to plan your schedule accordingly. It’s also important to know what the contractor will do if the project takes longer than originally agreed to. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that the job will be completed within the agreed timeline. A good contractor should have a plan in place to ensure that the project is on time, which may include allocating more resources, working longer hours, or using project management tools to track progress.

Do you use roofing subcontractors?

Some roofers use subcontractors to do the work. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, you should know who will be doing the work and make sure they are qualified and licensed. If the contractor uses subcontractors, make sure that the contractor is responsible for the quality of the work and that they have the necessary insurance coverage. This is important because if something goes wrong, you want to know that you’re covered and that the contractor is responsible for any liabilities.

Do you provide free written quotes and an onsite roof inspection?

A reputable roofing contractor should provide a free written quote and an onsite roof inspection. Then they can offer an accurate estimate of the cost and identify any issues that need to be addressed. A written quote provides transparency. It prevents any hidden surprises or fees. The onsite inspection can identify any issues that may not be visible from the ground. Then they can provide recommendations on the best course of action. A fixed price quote also ensures that you’re not charged extra if the project takes longer or if unexpected issues arise. This is an important aspect of the hiring process that can save you time, money, and headaches.

Extra list of questions

Do your quotes include GST?

It’s important to know whether the quote you receive includes GST or not. This will ensure that you know the exact cost and prevent any surprises when it comes time to pay.

Do you recycle old roofing material?

Recycling old roofing material is an environmentally friendly practice. This reduces waste and helps protect the environment. If this is important to you, make sure to ask whether they recycle old roofing material or dispose of it in a landfill.

Will you clean up after the project?

A good contractor should take care to protect your property during the project. Cleaning up after the job is complete shows they care. Check what steps they will take to clean up after the job is complete. Also ask if they will protect your lawn and garden during the project.

What time will they start and finish each day?

Knowing what time the they will start and finish each day is important to plan your schedule.It also helps avoid any disruptions. Make sure to ask them what their schedule will be like and whether they will work on weekends if necessary.

Do you have experience with a particular type of roof?

Roofing contractors often specialize in certain types of roof installation. Ask the roofer what experience they have with a particular type of roof. Such as asphalt shingle roof, tile roof, metal roof, or clay roof. Some roof companies may only specialise in roof repairs and roof replacements. This may not be suitable if you needed a complete roof restoration.

Wrapping It Up

When you’re looking to hire a reputable company, it’s important to ask the right questions.

Asking these extra questions will help ensure that you have all the information you need. It will help you make an informed decision when hiring a professional roofing contractor. Remember to ask as many questions as you need. Don’t be afraid to ask. A reliable roofing company should be happy to answer your questions. If they aren’t this could be red flag and warning sign not to go ahead.

Helpful Online Tools

Before signing a contractor check if the roofer has valid licenses. You can use the tools before to search.

Check if a roofer is lciensed with QBCC: https://www.onlineservices.qbcc.qld.gov.au/OnlineLicenceSearch/VisualElements/SearchBSALicenseeContent.aspx

Check their ABN ststus here: https://abr.business.gov.au/