Questions to Ask a Contractor For a Roofing Project

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If your property needs a repair or a new roof, it might be  time to call an expert. There’s many contractors but finding the right one could be like finding a needle in a haystack. There might be several contractors in your area, so knowing what questions to ask a roofer can help you find the right one for the job. Aside from verifying their CSLB (Contractors State License Board) and customer reviews, here are five questions to ask a roofing contractor before hiring them. 

  • Are You Licensed and Insured? 

    • In California, you need a license to work as a roofer. Although that is required by the state, there are people that work as a roofer but they do not have a license, doing business with such can leave you unprotected. A quick way to verify the potential contractor is by searching their license number on the Contractors State License Board website

    This is how the Contractors State License Board website looks like, simply click “License Check”

    2. Are Your Workers Certified?

    There are plenty of certifications and programs available for roofing installers, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association ProCertification training and the GAF CARE Contractor Training Center.

    As a property owner, you want to make sure that the people working on your roof know the proper installation and repair methods for your roofing system. Taking that extra step, will help you see what certifications they have and familiarity with the products you are thinking of installing. 

    3. Does Your Company Hold Manufacturer Certifications?

    Roofing manufacturers offer several certification levels, this can help you know what level of service and experience to expect. For instance, GAF selects a number of contractors that are required to complete ongoing training and be properly licensed and insured. Additionally, they must have at least $1 million in general liability insurance coverage and a satisfactory Better Business Bureau rating, among other requirements.

    Not every contractor can achieve certification. In fact, only 1% of roofing contractors in the US achieve the GAF Master Elite status. This status means the contractor has been vetted by the manufacturer, meets strict requirements for quality control and can potentially offer enhanced warranties on roofing systems. The highest ranking is the President’s Club takes it one step further. Less than half of Master Elite® contractors qualify for President’s Club status, and they do that by demonstrating excellence in three key areas: Performance, Reliability, and Service. The badge says that over the course of the prior year, the company installed a minimum number of complete GAF roofing systems that qualify for GAF’s highest warranties while maintaining consistently excellent reviews. If you’re looking for experience and excellence in residential roofing, no other designation means as much.

    Yes, Chandler’s Roofing proudly ranks in this division.