Working With Roofing Contractors: What to Expect – Part 1: Before a Roofing Job

Roof Inspection and Estimate
If you’ve done your due diligence, you will have already researched and compared several different roofing companies and contractors. You should now be just about ready to interview those left on your short list to make a final decision on who should take on the project. So what’s next?

Before proceeding with contractor interviews, it’s a good idea to first secure a list of things to ask your contractor from an independent trade organization. This checklist will guide you on which questions to ask and what information is relevant to your project.

If they haven’t already done so, your proposed contractor(s) should come to your house and perform a thorough roof inspection and assessment to get an idea of the full scope of the work that needs to be done. This includes taking detailed measurements.

Once the assessment is done, take the time to sit down with the prospective contractor in person and discuss any questions you may have about the re-roofing job. This will help you fully understand your options.

Receiving the Written Estimate

In addition to walking you through each aspect of the job, your shortlist candidates should return to speak with you in person. They should present you with a detailed estimate that includes the costs involved for labor and materials, as well as any permits that need to be obtained. The estimate should also include specifics such as materials to be purchased, the scope of work involved and a full breakdown of charges.

If you’re happy with how the contractor has handled things thus far, you can sign on the dotted line immediately. If you need a little more time, it’s completely appropriate to ask for a few more days to consider the estimate, in which case the contractor should leave you with his contact information in case you have any further questions.

Signing the Contract

Once you’re ready to fully commit to a single contractor for your re-roofing job, you should expect them to work alongside you throughout the entire process. You’ll receive samples of materials and colors for your new roof, and the contractor should be willing to discuss in detail all options and benefits available to you.

Seasoned contractors are capable of obtaining materials from reliable sources without requiring a large up-front deposit. Be wary of a contractor who claims to have a “solid” reputation, but nonetheless asks for a large down-payment.

Remember, too, that there’s usually a lag of about two to six weeks from the date of contract signing to the start of a job. This may vary depending on the contractor’s current project commitments as well as weather conditions.
In the next part of this series, we’ll discuss what to expect while your roofing project is ongoing.