When hiring a “roofing contractor near me” for a residential or commercial project, it is important to do your due diligence and verify the references that the prospective contractor provides. Choosing a reliable roofer can be daunting, but there are specific key questions you should ask their former customers to get an accurate picture of their work quality, customer service skills, and other aspects of professionalism.
List of Questions
When speaking with references, here are some essential questions to ask:
1. How Long Have You Known the Roofer?
This will help gauge the level of trust between the reference and the roofer, which could indicate how much you can expect from them in terms of accountability. If they are very close with the roofer, they are still worth listening to, but you should seek more references to ensure their answers aren’t too biased.
2. How Many Roofing Projects Have They Completed for You?
This will give you an idea of the number of times that the roofer has provided services to the reference and their level of experience with them. If they have hired the roofer more than once, it could mean that they did a good job the first time and the reference wanted to hire them again.
3. How Satisfied Were You With the Roofer’s Work?
This is an obvious question, but it should not be overlooked. The former customer’s response will paint a picture of the roofer’s customer service and craftsmanship capabilities, which are essential when choosing a skilled contractor for your needs.
You may also read into their physical cues. Are they smiling when they talk about the roofer? Do they seem excited to talk about their roofing work, or does it seem like they are just trying to be polite? Do they have pictures showing off how good the finished project looked?
4. Did the Roofer Complete the Job on Time and on Budget?
Timing and budget are important considerations when selecting a roofer. Ask the reference if the job was completed as originally planned, on time, and within the stated budget. If not, ask them why it took longer or cost more than expected so you can better understand what to expect from your prospective roofer. Keep in mind that there are instances when projects do go over the timeline and over budget, but hearing the reasons why and how the roofers handled it will help you decide if those things are reasonable in those specific circumstances.
5. Did the Roofer Clean up the Job Site After the Job Was Completed?
Nothing is more frustrating than leaving behind a mess following a roofing job, so make sure the roofer takes their time to clean up after they’re done. Ask the reference about how tidy the job site was when the work was completed and if debris had been left behind. You may also ask them what the roofing crew was like when they were on the site. If it was a multiple-day project, did the crew clean up each day? Were they respectful when they were at your home?
6. Did the Roofer Provide Any Warranties or Guarantees?
It’s also a good idea to ask if the roofer provided any kind of warranties or guarantees for their service. This gives you added assurance that the job was done correctly and some recourse if something were to go wrong after installation. Ask for more details about the warranty, like how long it lasts, whether it is transferable, and if the contractor did a good job of explaining what the warranty covers.
7. Would You Recommend the Roofer to Others?
No matter how well everything looks on paper, if the reference does not feel comfortable recommending the roofer to others, then that should be a warning sign. At the end of the day, this question likely matters the most. You can also ask them about other people in the community who have had services done by the prospective contractor and whether they know of anyone who has had a negative experience with them.
Who Should You Talk To?
In addition to the roofer references, it is a good idea to speak to other people who can advocate for or against the roofer’s work. This could include their suppliers and colleagues. A good list of references will help you make a good decision about the roofer and give you peace of mind.
Red Flags to Watch out For
When speaking to the references, keep an eye out for any red flags that might indicate a problem. Some of these signs include poor communication skills, missed deadlines, and concerns over the quality of work. Even if there aren’t any big problems that come up when you talk to them, it’s important to be on the lookout for comments or experiences that point to things about the roofer that might not be good for your project.
Other Things to Look for in a Contractor
There are a few other important things that your contractor should have besides interviewing their references. When selecting a roofing contractor, make sure they possess a strong local presence. Not only should the prospective contractors have done projects in Sherwood, AR, specifically, but they should also know the types of materials needed for homes in this area, how long each job might take, and other details that are specific to your community.
Good communication skills are also essential when talking with a potential contractor, as professional conversations help instill trust and keep both parties on the same page about agreed-upon terms of service. Lastly, ask questions about what kind of quality materials and parts will be used for the job so you can ensure your project is safe from damage due to faulty pieces or low-grade components. Remember that high-quality materials are worth the investment and will help you save money down the road.
Contact a Trusted Roofer in Sherwood, AR
Doing research and seeking references is a great way to find the perfect roofer for your Sherwood, AR, project. To get started on your search for a “roofing contractor near me“, contact AQ Roofing, LLC. When you get in touch with us for a consultation, count on us to provide a list of references from our recent projects we’ve worked on. We’re confident of the information we provide, so you can rest easy knowing that we can be relied upon for high-quality professional roofing services. Get started by calling us today at (501) 951-1683 or filling out our online form.