Alright, Kearns homeowners, we need to talk about roofs. Your roof is probably the most important part of your home. It protects everything you own from the wild Utah weather. This includes the heavy winter snows and the summer hail storms that roll through our valley. When it is time for a repair or a full replacement, you want to make sure you are hiring someone who knows their stuff. You do not want to be left high and dry. We have seen it all in this business. We are here to give you the straight talk on how to pick a solid roofing contractor.
Questions to Ask Every Roofing Contractor
When you are getting estimates for your Roofing Contractor project, do not just ask for a price. You need to dig a little deeper. Here are some questions we would ask if we were in your shoes:
- Are you licensed and insured? This is not just a nicety. It is a must for any Roofing Contractor in Kearns. In Utah, roofing contractors need an S280 specialty license from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). They also need general liability insurance. This is typically at least $100,000 per incident as well as $300,000 total. In addition, they need workers' compensation if they have employees. If they cannot show you proof, you should send them packing.
- How long have you been in business, and how many roofs have you done in Kearns? Experience matters for a Kearns Roofing Contractor. This is especially true with the unique challenges our older Kearns homes present. Many houses here are post-WWII builds. These homes are 60-80 years old. This means older decking as well as sometimes more complex tear-offs. You want someone who understands these specific needs for Kearns Roofing Contractor work.
- Can you provide local references? A good Roofing Contractor will have a list of satisfied customers. These customers should be right here in Kearns or nearby areas. You should call them. Ask about their experience as well as their communication. You should also ask if they would hire the Roofing Contractor again.
- What is your warranty like? You need to know what is covered. This includes both the materials as well as the workmanship. You also need to know for how long it is covered. A solid warranty gives you peace of mind for your Kearns Roofing Contractor project.
- Who pulls the permits? For most roof replacements in Kearns, you will need a permit. This permit comes from the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District. A reputable Kearns Roofing Contractor will handle this for you. Do not let them tell you it is your job. Also, do not let them tell you that you do not need one. Skipping this can lead to fines as well as headaches down the road for your Kearns Roofing project.
- What is your process for protecting my property? Roofing can be messy work. Ask how they will protect your landscaping. Ask how they will protect your siding. Ask how they will protect anything else around your house during the job.
What to Look For in a Quote
A quote is not just a number for your Roofing Contractor project in Kearns. It is a detailed breakdown of the work. Here is what a good quote should include:
- Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly state what they are doing. Is it a full tear-off down to the decking? What kind of underlayment are they using? What type and brand of shingles? How many layers are they removing?
- Materials List: Specifics are key for a Kearns Roofing Contractor quote. Not just