When a roof has problems and needs repairs then it is time to hire an expert to fix it. After you've found the right contractor and gotten everything in writing, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself, your home or your business before the first hammer comes down.
Inform Clients and Employees
In cases of commercial roofing, the job will come with a lot of risks. There will be nails that can fall, tools lying around, and a considerable amount of space in the parking lot for holding the supplies. Shingles take up a lot of space, and the contractors will need room for their trucks. For residential roofing jobs, this may mean giving up a lot of driveway space. This can be a major hassle for companies who already are short on parking for both employees and customers. Therefore, save yourself the headache and let people know how long the project is intended to last, what areas to avoid, and where they can safely and legally leave their cars while at work or shopping.
Also, the work will cause a considerable amount of noise with the installation. Hammering is involved, and these loud noises might be bothersome for sensitive ears. These sounds may be absorbed in loud places like a gym, but a preschool or daycare may want workers to suspend work during midday nap hours. It's understandable that different roofing projects will have different restraints, and contractors understand that you can't just stop your life or business because you need work done. You can ask to work around certain important events, such as a luncheon or speaker. Make sure that you double-check all dates when no work is to be done if you are planning a special event.
Ensure All Questions Have Been Answered
Here are some questions to ask if you have not already:
What products are you using?
How do they rate for fire safety?
Are they the highest-quality products available?
If you didn't see your contractor because they mailed you the contract, then it's best to find someone else. The contract should be something you both go over before anyone signs it. Mailing it to you or dropping it off doesn't give you a chance to talk about it.
Make Sure The Contractor Has Seen It
This seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes eager homeowners who are trying to rush making a first home a dream house will look up reviews online of people, hire one after a chat over the phone, and then schedule to start the job. This is unethical and will definitely lead to there being hidden costs somewhere because nobody can give you an estimate without seeing the property. Additionally, the contractor should also inspect your attic before preparing any estimates for you. Unfortunately, there are some companies that practice shady business. If they prove at the beginning that they're lazy, then they probably do other things they shouldn't, like hire contractors with little or no experience because they're inexpensive. The good news is that if you notice these red flags and work hasn't started, you should be able to back out of your contract and call someone else, such as the experienced roofers at Jackson Contracting - Indianapolis roofing specialists.