What Questions Should I Ask My Roofing Contractor Before Signing?
Looking for the quick answer?
Skim the TL;DR list at the top, review the cited statistics in each section, and use the FAQ near the end for fast answers that match Savannah and Coastal Georgia roofing needs.
❓ Quick Summary
- ✓ Verify licensing, insurance, and local business registration
- ✓ Ask about manufacturer certifications and coastal experience
- ✓ Understand warranty terms and what's covered
- ✓ Get detailed timeline and weather delay procedures
- ✓ Clarify payment schedule and change order policies
- ✓ Request local references from recent projects
Asking the right questions before hiring a roofing contractor in Savannah can save you thousands of dollars and years of headaches. The questions you ask—and how contractors answer them—reveal their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to quality work in Coastal Georgia's challenging environment.
Professional contractors welcome detailed questions and provide clear, comprehensive answers. Contractors who seem evasive, provide vague responses, or pressure you to sign quickly should be avoided. This comprehensive question guide helps you evaluate contractors thoroughly and make informed decisions.
Essential Licensing and Insurance Questions
🛡️ Credentials and Protection
"Can you provide your Georgia contractor license number?"
✅ Good answer: Provides license number immediately, encourages verification
❌ Red flag: Hesitates, claims license isn't required, or can't provide number
"Will you provide certificates of insurance for liability and workers' compensation?"
✅ Good answer: Offers to provide current certificates naming you as additional insured
❌ Red flag: Claims insurance isn't necessary or can't provide certificates
"How long have you been in business specifically in Savannah?"
✅ Good answer: Provides specific local history, mentions local projects and relationships
❌ Red flag: Vague about local presence or recently arrived from out of state
Experience and Qualification Questions
Expertise and Certifications
"What manufacturer certifications do you hold?"
✅ Good answer: Lists specific certifications (GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum, etc.)
❌ Red flag: No certifications or vague claims about "working with all brands"
"How many roofs have you installed in Coastal Georgia specifically?"
✅ Good answer: Provides specific numbers, mentions coastal challenges and solutions
❌ Red flag: Can't provide specifics or lacks coastal experience
"Can you provide references from recent local projects?"
✅ Good answer: Readily provides 3-5 recent local references with contact information
❌ Red flag: No local references or only distant/old projects
Storm and Insurance Experience
Coastal Georgia contractors must understand storm damage and insurance processes.
"What's your experience with insurance claims?"
✅ Good answer: Describes specific experience, mentions working with adjusters, knows documentation requirements
"Do you provide emergency services?"
✅ Good answer: Offers 24/7 emergency tarping and response services
Ask Us Anything - We Welcome Your Questions
Talya Roofing encourages detailed questions and provides transparent answers about our experience, methods, and guarantees. No question is too detailed when protecting your investment.
Project Details and Timeline Questions
Timeline and Process
"What's your typical project timeline for a roof like mine?"
✅ Good answer: Provides realistic timeline with weather contingencies and explains factors affecting duration
"How do you handle weather delays?"
✅ Good answer: Describes protection systems, flexible scheduling, and communication procedures
"What permits are required and who handles them?"
✅ Good answer: Explains permit requirements and confirms they handle all permit applications
Pricing and Payment Questions
"What's included in your total price?"
✅ Good answer: Detailed breakdown including materials, labor, permits, disposal, cleanup
"What's your payment schedule?"
✅ Good answer: Reasonable schedule tied to project milestones, minimal upfront payment
"How do you handle unexpected complications or change orders?"
✅ Good answer: Clear process for approval, written change orders, fair pricing
Warranty and Support Questions
📄 Warranty and Guarantee Details
"What warranty do you provide on workmanship?"
✅ Good answer: Minimum 5-10 years workmanship warranty, explains what's covered
❌ Red flag: No warranty or very short term (1-2 years)
"How do you handle warranty claims and callbacks?"
✅ Good answer: Clear process, local availability, prompt response commitment
"What manufacturer warranties are available?"
✅ Good answer: Explains enhanced warranties available through certified contractors
Material and Quality Questions
Material Specifications
"What specific brands and models are you proposing?"
Look for: Specific product names, not just "architectural shingles" or "standard materials"
"Are these materials rated for coastal Georgia conditions?"
Look for: Understanding of salt air, humidity, and wind resistance requirements
"What underlayment and fasteners will you use?"
Look for: Synthetic underlayment, stainless steel fasteners, enhanced coverage areas
Installation Standards
"Do you follow manufacturer installation specifications?"
Look for: Detailed knowledge of proper installation techniques and code requirements
"How do you ensure quality control during installation?"
Look for: Supervision procedures, inspection protocols, and quality checkpoints
Communication and Support Questions
Project Communication
"Who will be my main point of contact during the project?"
Look for: Dedicated project manager or clear communication hierarchy
"How will you keep me informed of progress and any issues?"
Look for: Regular updates, clear communication protocols, and accessibility
"What happens if I'm not satisfied with any aspect of the work?"
Look for: Clear resolution procedures and commitment to customer satisfaction
Emergency and Follow-up Support
"Do you provide emergency services after installation?"
Look for: 24/7 emergency availability, especially important in storm-prone coastal areas
"How do I reach you for warranty issues or future needs?"
Look for: Local phone number, established business address, long-term availability
Transparent Answers to All Your Questions
At Talya Roofing, we welcome detailed questions and provide complete, honest answers. Our experience and credentials speak for themselves, and we're proud to discuss our qualifications and approach.
Additional Resources
Verification Resources
- • Georgia Secretary of State - License verification
- • NRCA - Industry standards and contractor finder
- • GAF - Master Elite contractor verification
Related Guides
This question guide helps homeowners in Savannah and Coastal Georgia evaluate roofing contractors thoroughly. Professional contractors welcome questions and provide detailed, honest answers. Contact Talya Roofing to experience transparent communication and expert guidance throughout your roofing project.
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