Do you need to repair or replace your home's roof? Are you searching for the best roofing contractor in your local area? Before you agree to an estimate, take a look at five questions to ask the roofing professional. 

1. Are You a Local Business?

Not only does the answer to this question help you to determine whether you are supporting a local small business or not, but it may also reduce some risks that come with major home improvement projects. If a roofer has a local physical office, you have an easy way to contact them.

Beyond these benefits, as a member of the community, the roofer has a reputation that they will want to uphold. This can increase the likelihood of better service and a better quality job.

2. What Materials Do You Work With?

Not every roofer will provide customers with the same types of materials. While asphalt shingles are a standard roofing product that most contractors work with, some types of tiles, metal, rubber systems, and flat roofing materials aren't always available. If you have a specific type of material in mind or need a specialty product, make sure the contractor carries (and can install) everything you need for your new roof.

3. Do You Install Replacements or Re-Roofs?

A replacement and a re-roof are not the same. A replacement roof is a brand-new system. The roofer will remove the existing outer materials (such as shingles) and possibly anything or even everything under it. They will then build a completely new roof on the top of your home. 

Some companies also offer re-roofing services. Instead of removing the existing roof (and underlying materials), the roofer will cover it. This creates a new layer that is wear- and damage-free. 

If you want a completely new roof, suspect that the underlying materials require replacement, or know that an added layer would increase the overall weight of the roof to an unsafe level, make sure the contractor you choose will do more than a re-roofing job.

4. What Type of Warranty or Guarantee Do You Offer?

A warranty on a new roofing system may come from the product's manufacturer. The contractor can provide you with an overview of what the manufacturer offers and what the warranty covers. Even though the manufacturer may offer a warranty, this type of coverage won't necessarily include work-related issues. This means you will need to ask about labor guarantees. Instead of the manufacturer, the roofing contractor will provide this type of warranty or guarantee.

5. Will You Get the Local Building or Construction Permits?

Some townships, municipalities, or cities require residents to get building permits for specific types of roofing projects. A permit requirement may include a new roof replacement, modifications, or structural changes. These changes could include anything from creating a different pitch to replacing the gutters. 

Before you hire a contractor, ask the roofing professional if the job you have planned will require a permit. If it does, the next step is to learn more about who will fill out the paperwork. The roofer may get the permit and fold the added costs into the price quote or they may expect you to secure all necessary building permits. Failure to get the necessary permits could extend the project or put it on hold indefinitely. 

The building permit may also require an inspection at the end of the job. Again, discuss the logistics of this step with the contractor. You will need to know whether the contractor schedules the inspection or if they will expect you to do so.

Are you ready to start your next roofing project? Contact W.D. Hutchinson Roofing LLC for more information on services and scheduling.