Questions to Ask A Roofing Contractor

Replacing a roof might not be the most glamorous home renovation or invite the most compliments, but veteran roofing contractors agree that investing in quality roofing materials will save you many headaches and money in the long run.

Roofing replacement is a significant investment, so it is important to get answers to a variety of questions to make the right decision when selecting a contractor. Scott Cline, co-owner of J&B Construction Co. Inc., said quality contractors will put your money to good use. “An experienced roofing contractor will show how your budget is going to be allocated, identify what you’re getting for your investment, and keep your property safe during the remodeling process,” he said.

Scott suggests getting answers to the following questions before making a commitment to a company to replace your roof.

What is your company’s official name and physical address?
Do you have photos of your work to review?

“These questions cover the basics and establish credibility, and all roofing contractors should be able to answer these easily,” said Scott. “This also safeguards against storm-chasers and unreputable roofers.”

Do you have up-to-date roofing licenses?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
What insurance do you have?

“While some municipalities don’t require licenses, it’s another check to make sure your roofer is credible. It is also worthwhile to ask whether the contractor has relationships with material manufacturers,” Scott said. “If they do, like we do with GAF, they will have built up experience installing that manufacturer’s products, lending more credibility to their work.” It’s also good to consult the Better Business Bureau’s rating and ensure your contractor can provide proof of liability and workman’s compensation insurance to you.

What do you need to know about my property to quote an estimate?
Do you provide an accurate cost estimate for the job?
How is payment made?

“It’s standard practice for contractors to inspect your property to determine whether certain maintenance is needed, or replacement is required,” he said. “Knowledgeable roofers will help you identify the costs and benefits of each aspect of the job, including the best materials to use, and determine which options are appropriate for your situation.”

Regarding payment, with J&B Construction, no money is paid by the homeowner until all materials have been delivered and the installation has been completed.

Who will do the installation?

“Some companies use subcontractors to complete the work, but J&B Construction employs crews of certified installers, ensuring quality installation that meets our standards,” said Scott.

How will you protect my property from damage during the work process?
How will you dispose of refuse material?
What will you do in case of inclement weather?

“It is imperative to have protection set up to prevent damage to your landscaping, yard, driveway, walkways, patio, and deck from falling objects or debris,” Scott said. “While roofers typically keep a dumpster for disposal on-site during the renovation, J&B does not, providing homeowners full access to the driveway and garage on a nightly basis. This also avoids driveway damage that may occur from heavy dumpsters. We also have daily procedures for cleaning up the job site.”

“The contractor should also explain their response to rain, wind, or other complicating weather, so the home is protected during the project,” he said.

J&B Construction, with more than 65 years’ experience, is the smart choice for those considering a roof replacement. Contact us today at 262-437-0537 or visit https://jandbconstruction.com/ to begin the process of renovating your roof.

Enjoy Peace Of Mind

The only complaint I have is when I have J&B do my roof in another 30 years or so, is Dave their sales man (a great guy) would not guaranty I could get the same great crew I had this time. They did a fantastic job. Much better than the last roofing company did. A nice bunch of guys. Did a very nice job cleaning up. I'd give them 10 stars but 5 is the limit. If you need a roof done this is the company you want to do it. One more point I need to make. The guys that did the chimney flashing are artists. I went up on the roof when they were done and was very pleased with not only the roofing job but the sculptured sheet metal work. It's kind of a shame it's on the roof and not hanging on the family room wall :). You get the point. Hire em. You'll like em.

Dave H

We live in a historic designated neighborhood and recently had our 30 year wood shingle roof replaced with another wood roof and new gutters. From Day 1 of the project to the final day, the entire team was responsive, professional, and very competent. When some minor changes were proposed by us they quickly and effortlessly complied. After going through this experience with J&B, I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a roof and gutter replacement, whether it be a simple or complicated project.

John Lamb

J & B did an amazing job from start to finish. The initial meeting at my home took place exactly at the time that was agreed upon and Scott was thorough in his explanations and transparent about costs. When the time came to begin the project, the team that showed up was friendly, professional and timely in getting the project done. The cleanup afterward was such that it looked like they hadn't been there at all. The roof looks great, there were no surprises and Scott came by to inspect the work and explain the warranty upon job completion. I would highly recommend them.

Kenneth Simons

My neighbor had their roof replaced and I was really impressed with the speed, carefulness and quality of the work I saw. Asked her for her experience and she told me she would highly recommend J & B. I called Scott to set an appointment. He showed up on time and was very thorough in his assessment, also letting me know about some other issues and advise on where to get help. J & B is a fantastic company to deal with - their people are incredibly careful about the work they do, clean up and leave the property in the same condition as when they started, were careful about plants and the house, and work very efficiently. The office staff is great about following up, checking in and very responsive to anything that comes up. I was happy with the price charged. If you are looking to replace your roof, you should be calling J & B to get the job done.

David W.

We had work done by the J&B team at a commercial property and were very pleased with the whole process. Their estimator met us onsite and communicated with us every step of the way. They went over the scope in detail and the work performed exceeded what we were expecting. They found some additional concerns during the installation that were quickly addressed and communicated to us and to our surprise, there was not an additional charge. Our tenants reached out to share how respectful the employees were during the installation and how clean everything was left afterwards. As the project was wrapped up, we were walked through the completion paperwork and provided the warranty information. Very impressed with the professionalism of this company and would not hesitate to refer their services or use them again in the future.

Jessie C.