So, you need a new roof, huh? Or maybe a big repair? That's a pretty big deal, a real investment in your home, and naturally, you want to make sure you're hiring the right crew. I've been doing this for a while here in Sioux Center, and let me tell you, I've seen it all — the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Here's what I tell folks when they ask me how to pick a roofer.
What Should You Ask?
Don't be shy. You're spending good money, so you absolutely deserve answers. When a contractor comes to your door, or you call them up, hit 'em with these questions:
- Are you licensed and insured? This isn't something you can skip. They need to be licensed to work here in Iowa, and they absolutely, positively need liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask for proof, too, not just a quick "yes." If someone gets hurt on your property and they don't have comp, that could actually fall back on you.
- How long have you been in business? A brand new company isn't always bad, but experience really counts in roofing. You want someone who's seen a few Sioux Center winters and understands how our wild weather impacts roofs.
- Can you give me some local references? Talk to their past customers. Ask about their experience, if the job finished on time, stayed on budget, and if they cleaned up properly.
- What kind of warranty do you offer? There should be two parts to this: a manufacturer's warranty for the materials themselves, and then a contractor's warranty on the actual work. Make sure you understand what each covers and for how long.
- Who will actually be doing the work? Your own employees or subcontractors? It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if they use subs, but you need to know. If it is subs, ask how they check them out and what kind of oversight they provide.
- How do you handle unexpected problems? Sometimes you get up on a roof and find rotten decking or other little surprises. A good contractor will have a clear process for telling you about these issues and getting your approval for any extra work.
What to Look for in a Quote
Getting a quote isn't just about the final price tag. You really need to understand what you're paying for. A good quote should be detailed, not just one single number. Here's what I look for:
- A line-item breakdown: It should clearly list materials (like shingles, underlayment, flashing, vents, etc.), labor, and any other costs, such as dumpster rental or permits.
- Specific materials: It shouldn't just say