There are over 160,600 roofing companies in the country. If you need to find a roofer for your home in Sarasota, Florida, you need to know how to find the right one. Otherwise, you might end up with a contractor who lacks the skill you need.

Here are eight questions you should ask when searching for a roofer in Sarasota. With these tips, you can find the right professional for the job!

These questions will help you separate the high-quality contractors from the rest. Start your search by asking these questions today.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business?

When hiring any contractor to work on your home, it’s important to look for someone with plenty of experience. You wouldn’t want surgery from a med student straight out of college, right? Instead, look for a roofing repair company with a long track record of successful projects.

People learn from hands-on experience. Choosing a roofing company that’s operated for many years will indicate they offer quality work.

If they’ve survived competition in the area over the years, it also indicates they’ve gained a following of happy clients.

Don’t choose the least expensive roofer. Instead, keep in mind that you’ll get what you pay for. A roofing company that provides a price that seems extremely low might indicate they’re desperate for customers.

Instead, choose a roofing company that can prove they’ve operated for years. Companies with years of experience have likely gained the trust of homeowners in the area.

A new company, on the other hand, is likely working out the kinks in their business model. They need years of experience to make improvements and learn from prior mistakes.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Without the necessary experience, a roofing company could make dangerous mistakes. A contractor could get hurt while working on your property. It’s important that the roofing company you choose has the right safety equipment.

This is another reason to look for a contractor with the necessary experience, too.

A reputable roofing company will have the necessary licensing and permits to complete every job. If they don’t have proof of their license and insurance, don’t hire them.

A trustworthy roofing company will have insurance for all of its workers. If someone gets hurt while working on your roofing project, you won’t get held liable. Instead, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re covered.

Make sure to double-check and confirm the company has proof of their licensing and insurance. If they can’t provide proof, continue your search.

3. Can I See Pictures of Previous Projects?

You don’t have to take a company at their word. Instead, ask for proof of their abilities.

Do they have references from previous clients? Do they have photos of their previous projects?

Exploring photos of their previous projects can give you proof of the contractor’s abilities.

About 95% of shoppers read online reviews before making a purchase. Checking online reviews will give you peace of mind that you’re choosing a roofing company consumers trust. You can look for online reviews on the company’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listing.

If you can’t find reviews online, ask the roofer for reviews.

If they can’t provide a list of homeowners you can call, it could indicate a lack of experience. A company that completes hundreds of projects throughout the year is bound to have a few positive reviews.

It’s okay if you find one or two negative reviews. A ton of negative reviews, on the other hand, is a red flag. Instead, look for a company that knows how to take care of their clients.

4. Can I Get an Estimate?

The average sale for roofers increased by 14.2% between 2014 and 2018. When searching for different roofing companies in the area, make sure to get at least three estimates.

Requesting estimates from three different contractors will help you learn about average prices in the area. If one seems like a major outlier, mark them off your list. Usually, when a price seems too low, it’s too good to be true.

Don’t feel obligated to go with the lowest price. Remember, you get what you pay for. Instead, use the rest of these tips to find the most qualified roofer in Sarasota.

5. Can I Get Everything in Writing?

As you get quotes from different roofers, make sure to get everything in writing. That should include your estimate along with any other financing terms.

Failing to get everything in writing could lead to communication errors down the road. Instead, you can use written details as proof of your initial estimate.

6. Who Will Work on My Project?

Make sure you know who will visit your home to complete your roofing project. Some roofing companies will outsource work to third-party independent contractors. In these cases, the manufacturer of your roofing materials will likely void your warranty.

You’ll also want to make sure the contractor working on your roof is qualified, experienced, and insured.

If not, look into hiring a different roofing company that can vouch for its employees.

7. What Happens If I’m Not Satisfied?

Sometimes, a project doesn’t go entirely to plan. How will the roofing company respond in these cases? Will they fix the error?

You should take notice of this well in advance. You don’t want to spend hours on the phone trying to reach someone after they’ve finished the project. Instead, look for a roofing company that offers a guarantee.

8. Will You Tear Off the Old Roof?

Before hiring a roofer, ask about their process.

Will they tear off your old roof? Will they install new shingles over the old one instead?

Adding shingles to an old roof can put too much weight on your roof and conceal damages. Instead, look for a roofing company that knows how to properly fix the problem without slapping a bandaid over it.

Professional Repairs: 8 Questions to Ask When Searching for a Roofer

Don’t hire the first roofing company you come across. Instead, ask these eight questions during your search. By asking a roofer these questions, you can make sure they’re qualified and equipped to handle your project.

Want to work with one of the best roofing companies in Sarasota? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our roofing consultants.