Alright, let's talk about hiring a roofer. It's not rocket science, but you'd be surprised how many folks get it wrong and end up with headaches. Or, even worse, a leaky roof that wasn't fixed right. As someone who's been doing this for years here in Sioux Falls, I've truly seen it all. You want to protect your home, right? That starts with picking the right crew for the job.
What Questions Should You Be Asking?
Don't just get a price and shake hands. You need to dig a little deeper than that. Here are some questions I'd ask if I were in your shoes:
Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable, plain and simple. They absolutely need general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask for proof, too — not just a verbal 'yes.' If a worker gets hurt on your property and they don't have comp, guess who might be on the hook? You could be.
How long have you been in business? Experience really matters, especially in a place like Sioux Falls where our weather can be brutal. A company that's been around for a decade or more has seen a lot of different roof types and weather patterns. They're not going to disappear overnight, which is a big plus.
Can you provide local references? I'm not talking about their mom or best friend, obviously. Ask for a couple of recent customers in the area you can actually call. Drive by the houses if you can. See their work firsthand; that's always a good idea.
What's your warranty? There should be two parts to this: a manufacturer's warranty on the materials and a contractor's warranty on the labor. Make sure you understand both of them. A good labor warranty should be at least five years, sometimes even more.
Who will be doing the actual work? Your employees or subcontractors? This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's good to know. If they use subs, ask how long they've worked with them and if those subs are also insured.
What's your process for protecting my property? Good roofers will lay down tarps, protect landscaping, and clean up thoroughly. You definitely don't want nails in your tires or flowerbeds later.
Decoding the Quote: What to Look For
A quote isn't just a number, you know. It's a detailed breakdown of what you're paying for. If it's just a single line item saying