Estimate Category | Pacific West Roofing

5 Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

When it’s time to find someone to replace your roof, there are specific questions that you should ask. A new roof is a big investment and you should definitely do some research before you spend your money. Asking questions is never a negative thing – instead, it shows that you care about your home and want the best job done. As established, widely-recognized experts in the industry, our team at Pacific West Roofing is always happy to address any concerns you may have. Here are some helpful questions to ask a potential roofing contractor.

Question #1: Name and physical address.
This may seem obvious, but if your roofing company only has a post office box, not a physical address, or does not have a licensed company name, this should be a cause for concern. Check reviews online for the company name and see if there are positives or negatives online. When it comes to hiring a roofer to replace your existing roof, you should find one that is reliable and has a good reputation for quality and efficiency in the area.

Question #2: Ask about insurance.
Workman’s Compensation, as well as liability insurance, will help protect a homeowner in the event of an unfortunate accident. Without workmans compensation, the homeowner may be at risk of paying medical bills or other costs in the event that the person is injured on site at your house. Liability insurance will protect you from damage that could be caused by the company during the roof’s repair process. Your homeowner’s insurance will not always cover these types of issues, so be sure you ask the roofer for verification of this coverage.

Question #3: Know if the company uses subcontractors.
Ask the contractor if there will be any subcontracting of the work. If there is, you should ask that person the same questions – are they insured and what is their reputation like?

Question #4: Reputation and references.
A positive reputation is key and if the company or contractor you’re considering does not have a good reputation in the roofing industry, you should think again about hiring them to do work on your home. Ask for local job sites that have been completed and if it would be okay for you to drive by and check the work that was completed. In addition, do your research online and see what people are saying about the company or contractor. If possible, ask for past homeowner references and talk to them directly to ask if they were happy with the work that was done.

Looking for a roofing company that’s not afraid to answer these questions, and more! Contact Pacific West Roofing! With years of industry experience, we’re dedicated to completing the best possible work on your roof, work that will serve you and your family for decades.

4 Factors of a Roofing Estimate

Your roof protects your most important investment– your home. And yet, many homeowners aren’t sure what roof repairs or a full roof replacement should cost. Below we’ll go over the main factors most roofing contractors consider when estimating the cost of a new project. When going over these items with your roofer, it can speed up the process and save you money if you know your roof and what you want.

REPAIR OR REPLACE?

It can be tough to know whether your roof can stick it out for a few more years or if it needs to be replaced. Most homeowners hope to make do with a few repairs, but depending on your roof’s condition, a roofer may tell you that’s not such a wise idea. If your roof is more than 15 years old, is leaking in multiple places, or has been repaired many times in recent years, it’s probably time to tear it off and start new. It can also be difficult to match new material with the old stuff, and those efforts can add to your estimate.

In cases like these it’s smart to invest in a new roof, and it’s an investment that will have some valuable returns. Aside from adding value to your home, today’s roofing materials will also make your home more energy efficient, helping you control indoor air temperatures and save money on your heating and cooling bills. If you’re still not sure whether to repair or replace your roof, ask your roofer for estimates on both projects.

You might also consider simply adding a second layer of shingles to your roof, which is less expensive than a full replacement but can be more problematic. Read our blog post on layering shingles for more on that topic.

STYLE AND HEALTH

The potential price of your roofing project will also be based on factors like the style of your roof and its current “health.” Your roofer will need to know whether your roof is flat or sloped, hipped or gabled, the number of levels it has, and if there are dormers or valleys. The roof’s accessories and underlying structure may also be a factor, especially if you see any signs of moisture damage in your attic. Mold remediation and/or replacing rotten framework will definitely change the scope of your project.

TYPE OF MATERIAL

As you probably guessed, your roofing estimate will also be based on the type of material used in the repair or replacement. The most common and generally the least expensive material is asphalt shingles, which come in all kinds of compositions and colors. Next are cedar shingles and shakes, which are often chosen for their beautiful Northwest aesthetic, but come with more maintenance needs and a higher price tag. A metal roof will also be more expensive to install, but the benefits easily outweigh the cost. Not only will a metal roof last upwards of 50 years, it’s also the most energy efficient, moisture resistant, low-maintenance, lightweight and fire-proof choice out there. Slate, clay and concrete tiles are also among your options for roofing material, but they are seldom used in the Pacific Northwest. While they are durable and beautiful, tile roofs are particularly heavy (which requires additional structural support) and even more expensive.

THE ROOFING PROFESSIONAL

Any reputable roofing professional will offer you a free roofing estimate (as long as no diagnosis is necessary) and you’re likely to get a wide range of bids. Make sure the estimates you receive include everything from the materials and labor to taxes and permits. It’s also wise to ask about the time your project will take.

When making comparisons and choosing your contractor it is crucial to consider more than just costs. Give special consideration to roofers who come recommended by a friend or family member, and use the resources at your disposal to feel them out. Are they in good standing with the Better Business Bureau? Are they licensed, insured, and manufacturer certified? Ask prospective roofers for a few customer references so you can see for yourself whether you’ll be satisfied with their work.

And if you’re interested, ask about solar panel installation!

Contact Pacific West Roofing for a free estimate on your repair or replacement project! Call 503-635-8706 or click here to send us an email.