Checklist: Hiring a Roofer

Before you call: Compare hourly rates or job rates of several roofers. To the best of your ability, contact a roofer during the off season when it is not snowing or raining. It can be a mess if you call a roofer when you realize your current one can turn water. Compare the base price of different roofing material, e.g. asphalt shingles, slate tiles, cedar shakes. Ask to see projects your roofer has completed in your area and talk to the homeowners. Consider skill and experience over a cheaper hourly rate. Having an inexperienced, inexpensive roofer who doesn't apply the roof correctly, will just cause you to hire another roofer to fix his mistakes. Avoid those situations by hiring quality first.

Roofing Contracts: Consult with your roofer about which material would be best for your roof. If possible, try to secure a warranty or even a guarantee on his work. Agree to how long your roof will be off and their equipment will be on your property. Come to terms about who is responsible if the roof leaks in a certain period of time from the install.

Ideas to Consider: Slate and concrete tile have become very popular roofing materials. They have an old style appeal, and they can last fifty years in the right situation without needing to be treated. Ask your roofer if you have the roof support available for these materials. Roofing is difficult work. Your roofer will be exposed to the sun with no way to hide with the possibility of falling off your roof. They do most of their work in the summer so they have to hustle before the rain sets in. Try to give them as much space as they need to do the job you want them to do.