Owning a home can be a very rewarding experience. However, navigating the challenges of maintenance and repairs can be tiresome. When you need help with your home, it can be hard to know where to turn as there are multiple contractors available for solving any particular problem. Choosing a reliable and experienced roofing company in Jacksonville is easier said than done, and sometimes it may feel like taking a proverbial shot in the dark.
With so much confusion surrounding roof repair, we’re here to help out. When you’re dealing with a pesky leak or substantial damage, it’s vital to choose your roofing contractor wisely.
To streamline your decision, you must be armed with the right questions to ask your Jacksonville roofer before signing a contract. Here are the three most important ones:
1) Are You Licensed And Insured?
Asking whether your contractor is licensed and insured is absolutely essential. Most states require roofing contractors to be licensed, but all areas will have different rules regarding license specifics.
In Florida, roofers need to pass the licensing exam and have at least 4 years experience in order to carry out work on your roofing project. Ensuring your roof contractor is licensed can save you from plenty of headaches in the long run.
Law requires that companies provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. Workers’ compensation protects you, as the homeowner, from being financially responsible for the medical bills and other costs resulting from any injury. And you truly never know, an employee very well may sustain an injury while working on your roof.
Your contractor should also provide proof that they carry general liability insurance. General liability insurance protects you and your property from any damage that might be incurred during the roofing project.
Homeowner’s insurance will sometimes cover the costs of the damages, but it’s best not to risk it and only hire a contractor that carries insurance.
2) Do You Use Subcontractors?
Many general contractors will outsource your project by hiring subcontractors to carry out the actual work on your roof. Be sure to ask your roofing professional if this is something that they do. If so, be sure you ask the same questions about licensing and insurance to the subcontractors.
Some contractors neglect to pay their subcontractors. To protect yourself from being held financially responsible if this occurs, you might want to consider getting a lien waiver for the project.
3) Will You Remove The Old Roof?
Some contractors will take shortcuts and simply cover your old roof with new shingles. This approach is less than ideal. If there are problems under the shingles, like soft spots or areas of rot, they will never be found without the roofer removing the old roof for a full inspection.
You should always demand that your old roof is removed before your roofer installs a new one. This helps ensure that problem areas are found and taken care of.
Give BBB A+ accredited roofer in Jacksonville, Elo Roofing a call today if you’ve got any questions about any aspects of roof installation and repairs!
