Taking the time to choose your roofer can help save you from a lot of headaches down the line and find the right ones for your needs. One of the best ways to narrow down your selection is by asking the right questions. In today’s post, local roofing company Ken Morton & Sons shares the questions you should be asking while interviewing a prospective contractor.
1. What are your roofing services? Despite similarities in offered products, roofing contractors offer different services. This is an important criteria if you are planning on replacing your roof with a different type, such as from asphalt shingles to metal. Roofing systems have different requirements and installation methods, and you need a roofing contractor that is not only familiar with these systems, but can also explain their pros and cons to you.
2. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? While roofers in New Jersey are only required to register, it is generally a good practice to ask for a roofing contractor’s credentials. In some other states, a license is required before one can operate as a building contractor. A contractor’s bond is your assurance that the contractor will complete the roofing work and all permits and financial obligations will be fulfilled. Insurance must include general liability insurance (for accidental property damage) and worker’s compensation (for worksite injuries).
3. Are you going to remove the old roof? A roofing contractor may offer “reroofing” instead of a standard roof replacement process. Reroofing does away with removing the old roof. Rather, the new roof is installed over it, with the objective of saving on tear-off and removal costs. This may sound like a good deal, but it does not address underlying roofing problems and can later lead to early roofing failure.
4. Are you a local business? Working with a local contractor offers many advantages. Among these is they’re easier to get in touch with in case of roofing emergencies. Also, local roofing contractors know more about local building codes, which can help make sure that you won’t be encountering roofing problems related to code compliance.
Ken Morton & Sons is your leading provider of roofing and siding replacement services. Give us a call at (856) 582-8800. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Pitman, NJ, and the surrounding communities.