When you hire a contractor to repair your roof or install a new one, it is important that you get as many details about the company as possible to help ensure that you will end up with quality results. There are several questions that you should ask any contractor before you hire him or her. These questions will provide you with plenty of information regarding the contractor’s experience level and his or her knowledge of the industry. Here are some of the most important questions that every homeowner should ask before he or she hires a roofing contractor.
Is the Contractor Licensed?
In many states, a roofer is required to be licensed to offer his or her services. But you should keep in mind that every state is different. Therefore, the requirements are going to be different from one state to the next. You always want to hear that the roofing contractor that you plan on hiring is licensed. This will help to ensure that he or she has the skills and knowledge required to do the job correctly.
Does the Contractor Have Worker’s Compensation Insurance?
When hiring a roofing contractor in Des Moines, you should always choose a company that has worker’s compensation insurance. There are some contractors that may try to get out of this requirement just to save a little money. The problem with that is if someone from the roofing company is injured on your property, you could be held liable for his or her medical expenses. To protect yourself from this type of loss, always make sure that you hire a contractor that insures every worker that will be present throughout the course of the project.
Will the Contractor Remove Your Old Roof?
It is always a good idea to choose a Des Moines roofing contractor who will remove your old roof. Some roofers will attempt to save time by claiming that your old roof is still in good enough condition and will simply place shingles on top of it. However, unless your old shingles are pulled up to be disposed of, you will never know if there are soft or rotten areas lying beneath the shingles. If the bad areas remain, you could be faced with more expensive issues in the future. Don’t allow a roofing company to put a new roof on your home without removing the old one first.
