Roofing: questions to ask before you hire

For roofing

1. Will you tear off the old roof or go over it? What do you find under there, and what does fixing it cost?
2. What underlay, flashing and vents will you use?
3. What's the manufacturer's warranty, and what's your warranty on the work?
4. How do you protect my gardens, deck and driveway during the job?
5. Do you do gutters and downspouts too?
6. What happens if it rains partway through?

Ask every contractor

1. Do you have a business licence that covers my city? Can I see it?
2. Can you send me a WorkSafeBC clearance letter? It means I'm not on the hook if one of your crew is hurt on my property.
3. Do you have liability insurance? Can I see the certificate?
4. Can I get the quote in writing, broken down into materials and labour?
5. How much is the deposit, and when are the other payments due? (Be wary of a big payment up front.)
6. When can you start, and how long will the job take?
7. Who will actually do the work: your own crew or subcontractors?
8. Does the job need a permit, and who gets it?
9. What warranty do you give, on materials and on your work? Can I have it in writing?
10. Can I see photos of similar jobs you've done recently, or talk to a past customer?
11. How do you leave the site at the end of each day, and when the job's done?

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