8 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Your home is your most valuable investment. So when it comes time to find someone to care for it, you don’t want to entrust it to just anyone! Here are 8 essential questions to ask any roofing contractor before hiring them.

1. DO THEY OFFER DETAILED INSPECTIONS?

Don’t let a roofer simply look at your roof from the ground and give you an estimate. It’s crucial to choose a roofing contractor that can perform a detailed inspection by getting on top of your roof and into your attic space. At MHI Roofing, we never want to miss a thing. A detailed inspection with aerial measurements will ensure we address every issue and have the right amount of materials to complete the job.

2. HAVE THEY BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR A MINIMUM OF 15 YEARS?

Did you know that, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 96% of ALL contractors fail within their first three years? This means that only 4% of roofing contractors can actually fulfill their workmanship warranties! By choosing a roofing company that is well-established and has years of experience running their business, you are ensuring that you have someone you can depend on to take care of any future roofing problems that arise.

3. DO THEY HAVE GOOD RATINGS AND REVIEWS?

Homeowners are often very good at doing their homework and checking online reviews before hiring a roofer. If you want peace of mind, it is best to choose a roofing company that has over 4.5 stars and a minimum of 300 reviews. MHI Roofing is proud of the work we’ve done and the reputation we’ve earned as a leading roofing company—but you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out our Google reviews to see what other homeowners have said about working with us!

4.  ARE THEY A CERITIFIED ROOFING COMPANY?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask a roofer because being a certified roofing company is ultimately for your protection if anything happens. Ask for copies of all their credentials that prove they are licensed, insured, and certified. We also recommend calling their insurance agent to make sure they are properly covered, as some contractors will buy a policy and cancel it once they have a certificate in hand.

5. DO THEY OFFER A COMPLETE ROOFING SYSTEM?

If a roofer only talks to you about shingles and not about every part of your roof, that is a red flag, because your roof is made up of more than just its shingles. It also includes the roof deck, starter strips, leak barriers, ridge caps, and roofing vents. As a GAF Master Elite factory-certified roofing installer, MHI Roofing is highly trained and experienced in providing complete roofing systems where every individual component is handpicked for its quality. When you are confident in every part of your roof, you can have peace of mind regarding your entire roofing system!

6. DO THEY USE BREATHABLE UNDERLAYMENT ON EVERY ROOF?

Lastly, make sure that any roofer who may do work on your roof is NOT using plastic synthetic felts as your roof’s underlayment. This material may trap excessive moisture in your roof, causing it to deteriorate prematurely. Many roofers may use plastic synthetics because it’s a cheap material, but it doesn’t contribute to a quality roof. At MHI Roofing, we only use breathable underlayment to ensure that your roof is built to last.

7. WILL THEY PROVIDE YOU WITH A WRITTEN ESTIMATE AND CONTRACT?

If you are not getting an itemized estimate that explains the pricing of your roof work and your warranties, that is a red flag. You also want to make sure your roofer is providing you with an estimate and contract in writing. This will protect you in the future if anything goes wrong. Remember—verbal agreements are not a contract! Additionally, avoid working with out-of-town storm chasers and NEVER sign any “Contingency Contracts.” Instead, choose a local roofing company that will be able to provide you with an upfront estimate before you meet with your insurance company.

8. DO THEY HAVE A NO-MONEY-DOWN POLICY?

This is another important key factor to consider as we’ve heard many horror stories about roofing contractors going out of business in the middle of roofing projects. Down payments often put homeowners at risk of being taken advantage of. A reputable roofing company should never ask for money down before the job is complete.

While there are many questions you can ask your future roofer, it’s crucial to choose a roofing contractor that can answer YES to all of these questions.