We’ve all heard horror stories about roofing scams or roofers who swindled their unsuspecting customers. It’s an unfortunate reality that you may come across crooks like these. However, you can avoid this fate with some caution and diligence.

Before enlisting the services of a roofing contractor, you should do adequate research. You must really be thoughtful in your search for a roofer. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 200,000 roofing contractors are employed in the United States. You might be overwhelmed by the number of options, but take your time with this decision. Once you’ve settled on a potential roofer, ask them these three key questions before you sign a contract of any kind. These questions serve as a litmus test of a contractor’s reliability and dependableness.

Are You Licensed?

You shouldn’t hire a contractor of any trade who doesn’t have the proper licensing and certification to do the job. Ask your potential roofer if they are licensed to do business in your area. Feel free to ask for documentation if something feels fishy. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when handling matters that are this important.

Are You Insured?

Along with the proper licensing requirements, you want to make sure your potential roofing service has the necessary level of insurance for the work they provide. Any reputable roofing company will have liability insurance, vehicle insurance, and any other necessary or applicable policies. If a roofer cannot provide proof of these types of insurance coverage, it’s a major red flag and you should not consider doing business with them.

Can You Provide References?

Just like you’re required to provide references of your own work history and capabilities to potential employers, you should ask the same of a potential roofer. Reviewing a contractor’s references will provide a glimpse into their levels of professionalism, customer service, communication abilities, and so much more. If a roofer refuses to provide these references, you should look elsewhere for your roofing services!

While there are many other questions you can and should ask a potential roofer in your search, these are just the basics to get you started. Consider these three questions when searching for a roofing contractor. If a potential roofer “passes” by providing adequate answers to all of these questions, you can move forward with your more personal and specific questions to help you determine if they’re a good fit. If you need a professional roofing team, contact us today!