Questions to Ask Your Roofer to Ensure They’re Legitimate

Unfortunately, finding a reputable roofing contractor is a lot harder than doing a quick Google search—and choosing the wrong roofer can lead to big issues, ranging from leaks and roof failure to getting completely ripped off. Luckily, we’re here to help! This post will cover how to know if a Florida roofer is legitimate.

What’s your full company name and address?

This one might sound a little too easy, but there are fly-by-night roofers who will show up after a bad storm, collect your money and never actually perform the roofing work you need. These roofers will often be hesitant to give you their full company name, and they might not even have a real street address. If your roofer can’t provide this basic info, look elsewhere.

Do you have insurance?

The next step in how to find legitimate roofers in Florida is to ask if they have proper insurance. Any reputable roofer will carry both liability and workers compensation insurance. Without liability insurance, you could end up paying for any damage that occurs on your property. And if the contractor doesn’t carry workers comp, you’re on the hook for any medical bills due to injuries.

Are you licensed?

Along with carrying insurance, all legitimate roofing contractors are licensed by the state. Simply asking if the contractor is licensed might not be enough—don’t hesitate to ask for proof that the license is up to date.

Will you use subcontractors?

A lot of roofers hire subcontractors to perform parts of the job, particularly if they’re a small roofing company taking on a big project. Hiring subcontractors isn’t necessarily a sign that the roofer is shady, but you’ll want to know who’s actually going to be working on your roof. If the roofer plans on using subcontractors, verify that they’re also licensed and insured.

Can I see your references?

One of the top ways to know if a roofer is legitimate in Florida is by asking to see their references. The reputable roofers out there should be happy to give you some homeowner references. After all, someone should be satisfied with their past work! If the contractor is hesitant to give any references or show examples of previous projects, you might want to look elsewhere.

Do you offer a warranty?

Quality roofing companies should provide warranties for their roofing jobs. The warranty should cover both the materials and the actual work itself. Many warranties are good for one year, but some contractors offer extended warranties. If there’s no warranty offered at all, tell the contractor thanks, but no thanks.

Will you give me a written estimate?

Getting a written estimate is crucial for any roofing project. After all, a written estimate holds the contractor partially responsible for keeping the project on budget. Any roofer that won’t put his offer in writing could just be trying to scam you.

If you’re still wondering how to find legitimate roofers in Florida, just pick up the phone and call our team at Winter Springs Roofing & Repair! From fixing tiles to re-roofing entire homes, there’s nothing we can’t handle.

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