Before hiring a roofing and siding contractor to work on your home, there are certain questions you should always ask. This will give you insight into their experience, character, reputation and skill level. 

1.    What is your full company name and physical address?

Get the company’s full name and address. If they have a P.O. box, ask for its physical location. A roofing and siding company without a physical location should raise a red flag. Move on to the next company on your list. You don’t want to do business with anyone that doesn’t have a home base, as they could be a fly-by-night roofer that may take your money and run, with no accountability.

2.    Do you have insurance?

Roofing and siding contractors should have workers’ compensation and liability insurance, which protects workers and homeowners in the event of an accident. Workers’ compensation protects the homeowner if a company’s employee is injured on the job, while liability insurance protects you from any damage caused by the roofers.

Without workers’ compensation insurance, you could be responsible for medical bills and other expenses associated with the injury. Don’t assume your homeowners’ insurance will cover these accidents; if something happens, you will be personally responsible for the costs. 

3.    Do you use subcontractors?

Find out if any part of the project will be handled by a subcontractor. If so, make it a point to ask the sub-contractors these same questions, especially if they are insured. While using sub-contractors isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you do have to check out their background as well. Any reputable company will stand behind their sub-contractors and vouch for them. Follow up on that and leave nothing to chance.

4.    Are you licensed?

Licensing requirements vary by state. Here in Massachusetts, roofing and siding contractors are required to be licensed. For your information, Hi-Tech’s MA Lic# is 118836. Always make sure the roofer’s license is up-to-date, with no outstanding violations. Keep in mind, a business license is not the same as a roofing or siding contractor license. A business license, for tax purposes, identifies the company. It does not mean the contractors have passed a test or are qualified to work on roofs and siding.

5.     Do you offer a warranty for all siding and roofing work?

Any reputable roofing and siding company will offer warranties that back up their work as well as the products they use. Ask what the manufacturer and labor warranties are and how long they last. The manufacturer typically covers the materials, while the contractor covers the actual work. Remember, these are two separate warranties, so be sure to ask the roofer/sider what is covered under each and how long each one extends.

Contact Hi-Tech Windows & Siding

We would be happy to answer all your questions about our company and our services. Feel free to contact us at 800-851-0900 any time.