7 Questions to ask BEFORE you hire a Roofing Contractor in Eastern North Carolina
Below are 7 questions that should be asked before hiring a roofing contractor in the Crystal Coast.
1 There are HUNDREDS of local contractors- what SEPARATES you?
This should be the first question you ask the contractor. Your goal is to decipher whether this contractor is trustworthy. Many contractors look the same when compared to others. And when asked, most contractors will cling to how long they have been in business, or their BBB rating- which are great qualities. But some contractors may have a genuine uniqueness about them that they wouldn’t mention unless they’re asked. For example, there’s a contractor that delivers Bogue Sound Watermelons to his clients in Emerald Isle, Newport, Morehead City, Swansboro, Havelock, and surrounding areas. Anyone who lives in the Crystal Coast of NC really enjoys a Bogue Sound Watermelon, and this is a really nice touch. Just remember, whatever their response is, it should be something the contractor is proud of and makes you feel they are worthy of your trust.
2 What is your warranty?
It’s a standard for any roofing company to offer a workmanship warranty. Some offer 30 days, others offer 5-10 years, others offer 25 years. Obviously the longer the better. Make sure the warranty details are included in your Statement of Work. Also- it’s important that you ask if their workmanship warranty is separate from the Shingle Manufacturers warranty. Some contractors disguise a manufacturers warranty as to their own. Be on the lookout for this, this is a sign of untrustworthiness. Never hire a firm without a written 5-year workmanship warranty against leaks and improperly installed materials.
3. Can I call your references?
Ask for 2 references. If the contractor isn’t forthcoming, they may have something to hide. Good contractors will have references readily available for you to talk to, as well as 3rd party reviews such as Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.
4. What is the best financing you can offer me?
It’s expensive to replace your roof. Your contractor should help you lighten the burden. Homeowners often look to Home Equity Lines of Credit, or their personal credit cards to finance their roof replacement. However, your contractor should be able to offer you a better deal. Ask for programs of a low fixed interest rate, or Same as Cash. The contract might lose a little money with more aggressive terms, but if they’re not willing to put your interest before their own, do you really want to work with them?
5. Are you local?
If the answer is no, think twice. Local contractors have their reputation at stake. Especially if the area of town is small, such as Emerald Isle and other communities in the Crystal Coast, NC. Contractors must do everything possible to earn and keep a good reputation in their local community. That means going above an beyond in their customer service and workmanship. Out of towners come and go, but the local crews are here to stay- and they care about their community as well as their company reputation.
6. Who does the work?
Companies either sub-contract or employ their own crews. If the contractor uses subs, make sure you understand their warranty policy. You may also want to take a look at their BBB rating to see if there are any complaints. There is nothing wrong with subcontracting, but we at Fortitude Roofing prefer to use our own crews because of our pre-employment screening application.
7. Can I have a copy of your Insurance Certificate?
You ask this question to find out if they're insured for Liability incidentals. Never hire a contractor without verifying his/her insurance. Emerald Isle has frequent rainstorms in the summer months. You never know when a storm might flush water on a recently torn off roof, exposing the interior to water. Or a ladder may get knocked over and fall on a car windshield. Accidents happen. Make sure your contractor carries liability insurance and gives you a copy of their certificate.
We at Fortitude Roofing Company put a great emphasis on the quality of the roof we install. All of our estimates are free, so if you’re in the market for a new roof, please call us at (252) 515-1016.
Areas we service:
Morehead City NC - Emerald Isle NC - Atlantic Beach NC - Havelock NC - Beaufort NC - Newport NC - Swansboro NC - Jacksonville NC - New Bern NC - Havelock NC - Trentwoods NC - Peletier NC - Stella NC- Hubert NC - Richlands NC