Questions to Ask When Hiring a Roofer in Atlanta

The stakes involved in hiring a roofer can feel as high as the roof itself. Homeowners are likely already asking themselves a million questions. What’s my budget? When should I take on a project like this?  

This is a great place to start, but it’s important to ask some of these questions to the only people who can give you clear answers: the roofers. Here’s what experts say you should ask any roofer you’re considering hiring for your project. 

Are You Licensed and Insured? 

Don’t bother with any other questions until you’ve asked this one. You should not hand your project over to any contractor who doesn’t have the proper licensing. This can be a logistical nightmare and is likely to lead to subpar results. 

Companies should have no reservations about telling you whether they have insurance and licenses. They should show you when you ask. Don’t hesitate to verify how valid the licenses are, either. Many smaller companies might know they should have these and do their best to pass something else off as “legit.”  

This is probably not happening often, but the truth is, you can’t afford to take a potential roofer at their word. If something goes wrong during the project, an uninsured roofer may leave you 100% liable. 

Do You Have References? 

References should be next on your list of requests. Any trustworthy roofer should have a list of reliable references that can verify the roofer you're worth working with. Call these references and ask them questions like: 

• Were you happy with the work? 

• Were there any unexpected costs? 

• How did they handle snags in construction? 

• Did they meet deadlines? 

• How strong was communication? 

You don’t have to do a full interview; focus on what’s most important, especially if you want to cross-reference the information you’ve already received from the company to make sure they’re being honest.

How Long Have You Been In Business? 

While it’s true that newer companies could still do a fine job, it can be more of a gamble to go with them than with a company that has been in business for years. Construction is a difficult industry — contractors who have truly made a name for themselves didn’t get there by accident.  

Hands-on experience is one of the most valuable things you can find in a home contractor. It means they’ve seen it all and know how to adjust or pivot when they need to. Ask them about their track record or if they’ve worked on any significant projects in the Atlanta area to get a feel for how much they’ve accomplished. 

What Is Your Warranty Policy? 

Warranties are essential in home improvement work. Companies with a strong warranty stand behind their work and care about how their customers feel about it. Ask to see if they have warranties on both materials and the craftsmanship itself. Additionally, see what they offer in terms of repairs and maintenance after the installation is complete. 

How Familiar Are You With Different Materials? 

This is an important question if you aren’t sure what material you’d like to use. It’s also valuable if you are sure and you want a team that specializes in or at least understands how to use that material.  

This is also a great way to test their knowledge. Ask them how they feel about certain options based on your budget or needs. Pay close attention to how they respond. Companies that are gearing you toward more expensive materials, even if you already know they aren’t right for you, may not have your best interests at heart. 

Can I See Examples of Your Work? 

Many roofers showcase their portfolios online, and you can check them out for yourself. But this is still a good question to ask them. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all. So no matter how good things sound from your chats or references, it’s good to know if the final product is actually something that aligns with your design philosophy. 

How Do You Handle Cleanup? 

This might seem like an odd question, but it can tell you a lot about how a company treats its customers. For example, if the roofer seems surprised by the question or barely has an answer, that’s not a good sign. It likely means that they don’t really think about that part of the project. This could lead to you picking up after them.  

Companies that are ready to answer this question with detailed answers know how to be professional. Even if it means you have to handle debris or cover your landscaping yourself, at least you know that going into the project. 

How Do You Handle Permits and Inspections? 

How a team handles permits and inspections can be a significant point of contention. Most roofing projects require both, and it’s hard to navigate which ones you need and when you need them.  

Chances are that most homeowners will rely heavily on their roofing contractor to walk them through building codes and permits. Make sure you hire one that does this. Otherwise, you’ll feel completely out to sea through a major portion of the project. 

What’s the Timeline for a Project Like Mine? 

You want a roofing contractor who can give you realistic estimates for everything, including how long every phase should take. Roofing projects are unique, so no two timelines will be the same.  

Any roofer who says every project takes them “one day” without asking any follow-up questions isn’t telling the truth. There are just too many factors to guarantee that up front, especially if there isn’t enough context. And while timeline's can reasonably shift depending upon what a roofer encounters once they start, they should be willing to give you a ballpark idea upfront.

What Are Your Payment Terms? 

Every roofing company handles payment in different ways. It’s good to know what the terms are ahead of time so you know they align with yours. Be honest about your budget and needs. Good contractors are always willing to work with you. Be particularly cautious of contractors who require a hefty sum before any work begins.  

Most reputable roofers won’t ask for more than a small deposit. They will require the rest of the payment when they finish the work. It’s wise to ask them about payment schedules so there are no misunderstandings once construction starts. 

Start Your Project Off Right With a Detailed Estimate 

At Tom and Jerry’s Roofing, we pride ourselves on being transparent about the work we do. We value our customers and want to give them as much information as possible to make a decision that works for them.  

That’s why we offer detailed and accurate estimates for those who need a quality roofing contractor in Atlanta. Contact us today with any questions and to get an estimate for your upcoming project.