Metal Roofing Questions for Contractors

Can you provide a list of former customers as references?

Contacting others who have worked with the metal roofing contractor in the past is a good way to determine his reliability and to get an idea of what the roofing experience would be like with this contractor taking care of the job. However, realize that the metal roofing installer can legitimately refuse to give a long list.Many customers may not want their names released.

What is your track record with customer complaints?

Try to find out how your contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint.

Is payment upon completion? Is there a deposit before the project begins, how much is the deposit?

Will you furnish me with a written contract including explicit payment instructions and total price?

As with any construction project, be sure you request and receive a written proposal. Examine it carefully to make sure you it is both complete and fair. There are a few things you must be sure to avoid:

• Do not pay in full unless the work has been completed.

• Do not pay in full without a final inspection.

• Do not pay in full until material and subcontractor's lien releases have both been received.

• Never settle for an oral agreement with your metal roofing contractor for any of the work needed. All points should be clearly documented in writing.

If questions come up after the contracts have been signed, talk to the contractor who signed the contract, as he will be the one with the authority to make any final decision.

Will you furnish me with a guarantee and manufacturer's warranty?

You should have a copy of the warranty from the metal roofing manufacturer, as well a labor warranty from the installer. If your metal roofing installer produces his panels on site then he "is" the manufacturer as well.

How long has your roofing company been in business?

Needless to say, longer is usually better than shorter. Less than three years may signal an unstable business. On the other hand, everybody has to start sometime. References will be helpful to double-check any business, and are especially important when dealing with a new business. A newer business may have a great future, but it is only reasonable to be more careful when considering its referrals.

Are you going to obtain the required re-roofing permits?

Never hire a metal roofer who asks you to obtain these permits! A Professional will always obtain his own permits.

In the event that your equipment damages my property, who is liable?

It is a good idea to have your metal roofing contractor provide both Certificates of Insurance for both liability and Worker's Compensation before work begins on your home.

Will there be sub-contractors?

If so, what are their company names and license numbers, do they have the proper insurance?

If your contractor does hire out a subcontractor, it is a good idea to go over all of the same questions with them. Of particular interest is insurance; be sure that the subcontractor holds all of the proper insurance so that you are not held liable for any accident that may occur on the job.

Is there any pending legal action against your company?

Some major litigation could put a company out of business. If a lawsuit is pending, find out what the suit entails. This may include going to the local courthouse and looking at the court documents filed for the case to date.

Who will haul away the old roofing materials and/or project waste (e.g. extra materials, packaging, etc.)?

Is there extra charge for this service?