In this series, I will explain what goes into the roof as far as materials and installation. The goal is to help you make informed decisions and give you reasonable expectations.
Most homeowners will only go through the re-roofing process a few times in their lives. You’re not going to be an expert on roofing, which is why you should hire an experienced contractor. That’s our job. We’re supposed to know the in’s & out’s. Unfortunately, there are times when storms hit and your “roofer” this week may have been your “pizza delivery guy last week.
There are some basics that you should know. It will help you to make certain you are asking the right questions. We want to ensure that you do have a qualified contractor working on your home. This series will serve as a basic outline of what to expect throughout the project.
Choosing A Roofer
There are many different guidelines to keep in mind when hiring a roofer. I cover them in greater detail in another article, but below are a few of the basics.
- Industry Certifications- Manufacturer certifications, such as being a GAF Master Elite Contractor, help provide peace of mind
- BBB, Angie’s List, & Google Reviews- Are they ranked highly (or at all) on the 3 primary online review sites?
- Time In Business- Has the company been in business for a long time? How long has your representative been in the industry?
- Are They Insured?- Does the contractor have general liability and worker’s compensation insurance?
- When Is Payment Due?- Some contractors do not require payment upfront, while others do. Make sure that payment terms are clearly discussed and outlined.
Prior To The Roof Removal
Now that you’ve hired a contractor, and you have an installation date scheduled, you want to prepare. Make sure that you have discussed payment terms and arranged financing, if necessary. If it is an insurance claim, you may need to have your mortgage company endorse the check.
Be sure to remove any breakable items from the walls in your home. There will be quite a bit of vibration, which might cause items to fall and break. Also, make sure to move landscaping items, such as statues and bird baths, away from the house where debris might damage them.
It’s especially important to plan ahead if you have pets, especially dogs that are in the backyard during the day. This might be a good time for them to visit the kennel or a friend’s house for a day or two. They mean well, and want to protect your home, but even the sweetest dogs run the risk of becoming overly protective. There will also be a lot of debris, such as loose nails. We definitely don’t want your furry family member getting injured.
That’s it for this time! Be sure to leave a comment with your thoughts!
Travis Diekmann
The Texan Roofer