What Questions Should I Ask My Roofing Contractor?

Vetting Your Roofing Contractor

If your roof needs to be replaced, it’s important to hire the best roofing contractor for the job. Vetting your contractor before hiring them will ensure you hire a knowledgeable team of experts who will replace your roof safely and correctly. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so be sure to ask potential roofing contractors the following questions to ensure they have all of the necessary qualifications.

The Best Roofing Contractor in the Delaware Valley

If you own a home in the Delaware Valley, PJ Fitzpatrick is your go-to roofing contractor. We specialize in roof replacements and repairs, so you can be sure you are hiring the best team for the job when you select us. Are you still unsure about giving us a call? Here are our answers to the top twenty questions you should ask before you hire a roofing contractor.

What is your full business name, phone number, and address?

Why You Should Ask: You should always verify the roofing contractor’s address to ensure they have a physical location and are a legitimate company. A reputable roofing company will be able to provide you with their full name, phone number, and a physical address that isn’t a post office box number. Look elsewhere if you cannot verify these key pieces of information for the roofing contractor.

Our Honest Answer: Our full business name is P.J. Fitzpatrick and our business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m daily. You can reach our office by calling 1-877-246-4354 or by filling out our contact form online. Our office is located at 21 Industrial Blvd New Castle, DE 19720.

How long has your roofing company been in business?

Why You Should Ask: The longer the company has been in business, the more experience they have to complete your roofing replacement in a safe, efficient manner. Older, more established roofing companies will be able to answer all of these critical questions with the information you need to hear. Most importantly, in the event you have a warranty issue, you want to ensure the company you choose will still be in business to honor your warranty.

Our Honest Answer: PJ Fitzpatrick has been in business for almost 40 years. Since 1980, we have served Delaware Valley residents by providing expert roof replacement services and unmatched customer service.

Is your roofing company licensed?

Why You Should Ask: Not all states require licensing, but your roofing contractor should carry a license if it’s required where you live. Only work with code-compliant roofing companies. If something goes awry on the job, you will be able to hold the company accountable.

Our Honest Answer: Yes. We are licensed in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, so we can serve all residents in the Delaware Valley.

Does your roofing company have workman’s compensation insurance?

Why You Should Ask: Do not work with a roofing contractor that doesn’t have workman’s compensation insurance. If an accident occurs on the job and an employee is injured, the company’s workman’s compensation insurance takes the liability off of you. Always verify that the roofing company you choose carries workman’s compensation insurance. You risk taking responsibility for the medical bills of injured workers if the company doesn’t have insurance.

Our Honest Answer: Yes. We always prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees and do have workman’s compensation insurance.

Does your roofing company carry general liability insurance?

Why You Should Ask: If the roofing company accidentally damages your property, their liability insurance will cover the cost of repairs. Hiring a roofing contractor without liability insurance is risky and you will be responsible for the repair costs if your property gets damaged.

Our Honest Answer: Yes. We carry liability insurance to protect you and your home against damage repair costs, although each of our roofing experts are extremely well trained and detail-oriented.

What is the warranty on the new roof?

Why You Should Ask: Be sure to work with a company that offers a roof warranty of at least one year. Materials and labor are usually under separate warranties, so ask about both when you are interviewing roofing contractors.

Our Honest Answer: At PJ Fitzpatrick, we strive for perfection in every job we do. Each new roof we install is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Your warranty will cover labor and materials.

Will your roofing company pull building permits required for my project if necessary?

Why You Should Ask: A licensed roofing contractor should be the one to pull the building permits needed for your roofing job. Don’t let the contractor talk you into pulling your own permits. When you pull the permits, you are considered the contractor and become liable for accidents and damage if they occur.

Our Honest Answer: As a licensed roofing contractor, we will pull all of the building permits required for your roofing job.

Do I have to be present for the roof estimate or can you leave the information in my mailbox?

Why You Should Ask: If the roofing contractor offers to leave the estimate in your mailbox, you may want to continue your search. The best contractors will hand you your estimate in person so you can ask questions and select the materials that suit your budget and style.

Our Honest Answer: We want to give you the estimate in person so you have the chance to ask questions, select materials, and let us inside so we can perform an attic inspection if necessary.

Will your roofing company provide a written estimate?

Why You Should Ask: Every last detail of your estimate should be written down for you to review thoroughly before signing.

Our Honest Answer: We are happy to provide you with a detailed written roof replacement estimate, and we will answer any questions you may have about pricing upfront.

Will someone from your roofing company be available onsite with whom I can communicate?

Why You Should Ask: Every crew needs a knowledgeable project manager that knows all the details of your roofing replacement. There should be a designated person from the company on the job site any time the crew is working.

Our Honest Answer: We pride ourselves on our quality customer service, so there will always be a professional point of contact for you to talk to while we are working on your roof.

Will your roofing company install drip edge or edge metal when you install the new roof?

Why You Should Ask: The drip edge protects the fascia from water damage. Be sure that your roofing contractor plans to install drip edge when they are installing your new roof.

Our Honest Answer: At PJ Fitzpatrick, we don’t believe in cutting corners. We will install drip edge during your roof replacement to prevent water damage.

Will your roofing company protect my gutters when you install the new roof?

Why You Should Ask: Stabilizers or standoffs should be used on every roofing job to protect your gutters from the weight of the ladder.

Our Honest Answer: We will use stabilizers or standoffs to protect your gutters when we replace your roof.

Will your roofing company bring a dumpster for refuse material?

Why You Should Ask: A professional, experienced contractor will provide the refuse dumpster.

Our Honest Answer: Yes, we will bring the dumpster for the refuse. Its size will depend on what’s necessary for your specific job.

Where will they place the dumpster on my property?

Why You Should Ask: Experienced roofing contractors know that heavy dumpsters can damage your yard. Your contractor should be able to tell you where they will place the refuse container depending on the layout of your property.

Our Honest Answer: We will evaluate your property and place your dumpster in a spot that’s out of the way and where no damage can occur.

What will happen in the event of inclement weather?

Why You Should Ask: When your roof replacement is in progress, rain can leak into your home and cause damage. Your roofing contractor should tell you that they will cover the roof with tarpaulins or plastic covers in the event of inclement weather to protect your home.

Our Honest Answer: We do our best to schedule roof replacements during dry weather, but if an unexpected storm pops up, we will protect your roof with secure plastic coverings to ensure that rain stays out of your home.

How will your roofing company protect my yard?

Why You Should Ask: Foot traffic, equipment, materials, and ladders can wreak havoc on your landscape if the roofing company you select doesn’t know how to work around your trees and flowers. An experienced company will be able to explain how they will protect your yard based on the unique layout of your property.

Our Honest Answer: At PJ Fitzpatrick, we pay close attention to detail. Our team members will work carefully around your flower beds, trees, and shrubs to ensure your yard stays pristine. We start every roof replacement project by placing tarps and wooden barriers to protect your home and yard from debris.

When would you be able to schedule my roof replacement?

Why You Should Ask: Setting the date for your roof replacement shouldn’t be a rushed decision. The contractor should examine your home and provide you with an estimate before scheduling the official start date.

Our Honest Answer: We will work with you to schedule a project start date that’s right for you. We will ensure that you are happy with your upfront price estimate before we begin the project. We’ll also plan ahead to try to make sure the weather will cooperate on the date of your roof installation.

How long will my roof replacement take?

Why You Should Ask: Your roofing contractor should be able to give you a timeframe after evaluating the project. Most roof replacements take one or two days.

Our Honest Answer: We have developed a streamlined roof replacement process. Most projects are completed within one day. We work efficiently, but we will never cut corners on your project.

How does the roof replacement process work from beginning to end?

Why You Should Ask: It is extremely important to ask this question when you are interviewing potential roofing contractors. Experienced contractors will be able to explain the process in detail from start to finish.

Our Honest Answer: You can view a detailed, hour by hour breakdown of our new roof installation process here.

Is financing for my new roof available?

Why You Should Ask: A new roof can be quite an investment. If you aren’t able to pay upfront, you should ask your roofing contractor about financing options.

Our Honest Answer: We offer two financing plans to help you get a safe, sturdy roof over your family’s head. You can pay off your roof within 12-120 months depending on which plan you select.

Call PJ Fitzpatrick Today

If your roof needs to be replaced, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can provide you with upfront pricing and answers to any other questions you may have. Contact us today to speak with one of our representatives and schedule your free roof replacement estimate.