There are many so-called “roofing companies” in the area. To protect your family and your largest investment, here are five questions to ask potential roofing contractors, BEFORE YOU HIRE.
1. Are you licensed in this area?
According to the Evansville Building Commission, “A building permit is required for all new buildings, additions, or structural alterations to existing buildings; including accessory buildings, swimming pools, windows, siding, and re-roofing”. To pull a permit you MUST be a licensed general contractor.
Upright Construction is full licensed General Contractor in the Evansville and surrounding areas.
2. Are all of your insurance coverages up to date?
It is easy for a contractor to carry a general liability policy, the rates and qualifications are minimal. A GL policy is very basic and has very limited coverages. Several other insurances are necessary for a general contractor to be adequately covered such as workers compensation and auto liability.
Due to the expense, an often-neglected insurance coverage is WORKERS COMPENSATION. If your contractor does not have an active workers comp policy, you as the homeowner could be left paying an injured employee or subcontractor’s medical bills indefinitely, just for hiring someone to fix your property.
Ask for your perspective contractor’s insurance declaration page to confirm comp and auto coverage prior to any work commencing.
Upright Construction is fully insured and more than happy to share our declaration page with all perspective customers.
3. What type of materials are your bidding/do you use?
There are a variety of options and manufacturers of roofing materials to consider when replacing the roof on your home. Just like any other product or service, it is important to do your research and read reviews of not only the contractor but also the materials they use. Do not let a contractor dictate to you which products that they are going to use on YOUR home. Any reputable contractor should be more than willing to use the product of your choice and extend the warranties associates with such.
Upright Construction offers a variety of materials to accommodate our customer’s want and needs.
4. What type of warranty do you provide?
All reputable contractors should extend the manufacturers warranties, as well as a company backed craftsmanship warranty. When it comes to manufacturer’s warranties, you can bet they are going to do everything possible not to pay for repairs or a new roof. The first thing they will look for is if the roof system was installed correctly. It can be as simple as nails not being properly placed for a manufacturer not to honor the warranty. A written confirmation that your roofing materials will be installed to manufacturer’s specification is necessary to protect yourself as a consumer. A workmanship warranty should be offered by the contractor as well, to cover any issue not covered by manufacturer’s warranty caused by an inferior installation.
Upright Construction offers both manufacturers and workmanship warrantees to all customers.
5. What type of ventilation will you use?
Your ventilation system is a crucial part of your roof. The first thing a contractor should do when they install a roof is to ensure the attic is properly ventilated. If your installer does not make sure your attic is properly ventilated it will lead to your roof failing prematurely. The damage caused by the trapped cold and hot air will drastically shorten your roof’s life, potentially cause mold growth in your attic and even void the manufacturer’s warranty. A roof can fail in as little as two years with inadequate ventilation.
Upright Construction offers a variety of ventilation techniques that best fit the home.
Contact Us Online or Call 812-629-3775 today to talk with our specialist and schedule today!
