We understand that just because you are perusing our website doesn’t mean you’ll choose us. We understand that we need to EARN your trust. As your local roofing company in Virginia Beach, we welcome the challenge.
But how can you tell if a Virginia Beach roofing contractor is trustworthy? Their website might be amazing, but in person, they could be unprofessional and troublesome. So here are some questions to ask roofing contractors.
Questions to ask roofing contractors to see if they are trustworthy.
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured to work in Virginia?
You probably understand that those are all important credentials. But what do they actually mean?
Firstly, a license refers to a business license to do roofing contractor work in Virginia. This typically requires passing exams and demonstrating technical competence. There are also different license classes (A, B, and C) based on job size and complexity. As a homeowner, you won’t have to worry about the other classes. However, if you’re a business owner with commercial properties like a warehouse or office building, then those classes are more relevant.
Secondly, a bond is a third-party protection for homeowners. If a contractor fails to complete the job or violates any contractual agreement, you, as a homeowner, can file a claim against the bond to recover costs. It’s basically a way of putting our money where our mouth is.
Finally, insurance. Insurance protects you if your property is damaged or if a roofer is injured on your property. Basically, if a roofer is injured while working on your property, they can’t sue you. They’ll just work with the insurance company to get workers’ compensation.
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
There are two main types of roofing warranties: Manufacturer warranties and Contractor/workmanship warranties. Manufacturer warranties protect you from defects in the roofing materials. These are very rare, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Contractor/workmanship warranties cover you if your contractor causes damage to your property because of poor craftsmanship. Essentially, if we cause a problem while trying to repair your roof in Virginia Beach, we’ll fix it.
However, not all roofing companies in Virginia Beach have the same warranties. For example, we are GAF Certified Roofers with a Lifetime Limited Warranty. GAF-certified means GAF, the largest manufacturer of roofing materials, trusts us to install their products. Lifetime Limited means that the coverage lasts for as long as the original roofing customer stays within the single-family home they serviced. So basically, for as long as you stay in that house.
- Do you have experience with roofing homes in Coastal Virginia?
Coastal Virginia experiences its own local challenges. The humidity can foster algae growth, the salty winds can degrade and corrode roofs, and frequent storms add up. So, ask if they have experience in this area? Are they local or from out of state? Ask if they’ve done other projects in your neighborhood.
- Is your estimate itemized? Will it include labor, materials, permits, cleanup, and disposal?
We hate hidden fees as much as the next person. So ask for a detailed, written quote to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
- How will you handle debris, property protection, and daily site cleanup?
How will they protect your landscaping and property? Will they clean up everything at the end of the day or at the end of the project?
- Will you provide everything we discuss in writing (agreement, warranty, price, schedule)?
Communication is key to any successful project. So make sure you and your contractor are on the same page before you start working. Always ask for key details to be written into the contract. That way, you can hold them accountable if something bad happens.
Lastly, we believe you can gauge a roofer’s quality just from how they conduct inspections.
We have a whole article on that. Schedule a free, no-obligation roof inspection to see how trustworthy we are!