10 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Residential Re-Roofing Contractor in New Orleans

While New Orleans is known for its diverse cultural heritage, Mardi Gras celebrations, and as the birthplace of American blues, it’s also known for its hot and humid climate, which can take a toll on your home’s roof.

When it comes to re-roofing your New Orleans-based home, it’s important to choose a residential roofing contractor who is experienced, reliable, and trustworthy.

The process of re-roofing can be a significant investment, and you want to make sure that you’re working with a contractor who will provide the best customer service, guarantees, and overall workmanship.

Read on as we share 10 essential questions that you should ask before hiring a residential re-roofing contractor in New Orleans.

These questions will help you to understand the contractor’s qualifications, experience, and approach to their work, giving you the confidence to make an informed decision.

1. How Do I Know If My Roof Needs Replacing?

You don’t want to spend money on a new roof if your current one still has some life left in it.

Asking residential roofing contractors what signs to look out for is a great way to test their roofing knowledge and determine where their values lie.

If they advise you to look out for curling or cracking shingles, sagging and leaks, or any other common tell-tale signs of a damaged roof – this is a good sign that you’re in experienced hands.

If they glaze over the question and seem more focused on giving you a quote, they may not be the right contractors for the job.

2. How Much Does It Cost?

Naturally, once you’ve found a residential roofing contractor who prioritizes customer satisfaction over their bottom line, it’s time to address the elephant in the room: The price!

While it’s best to shop around to find the most reasonable price, it’s important to note that, in the roofing industry especially, you get what you pay for.

While the price you’re quoted will depend greatly on whether you want Asphalt Shingles (the most popular choice for homeowners in New Orleans,) Flat Roofing or Metal Roofing, the average cost for a new roof in New Orleans is $6,900.

If a residential re-roofer quotes significantly more than that, they may be trying to rip you off. On the other hand, if they quote significantly less than that, this also raises red flags.

3. How Long Does It Take To Replace A Roof?

When considering a significant renovation project like a roof replacement, it’s crucial to inquire about the estimated completion time from the roofing contractor.

It usually takes between 1-3 days to replace Asphalt Shingles in New Orleans.

However, a roof replacement project can vary between a single day and two weeks. Many different considerations will factor into the total project time, such as weather, type of roofing materials and design, house size, and the steepness of the roof.

Keep this in mind when asking your re-roofing contractor for an estimate as you don’t want to be put out for longer than necessary.

3. How Do I Prepare?

Preparing for a re-roofing project on your home can be a daunting task, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a re-roofing project on your home:

• Clear The Attic

If you store any valuables or family heirlooms in the attic, consider moving them while the job is being done. Even careful roofers will kick up a lot of dust when the installation job is in progress.

• Remove Wall Decorations And Hangings

Invest some time into taking down all the pictures, mirrors, and other heavy wall hangings you may have on the walls, particularly if they’re on the upper floors that are near the construction area.

• Prepare Family Members (And Pets!)

Putting a new roof on your home can be a noisy process. Explain to young children what will be happening, and if your pet is sensitive to sounds, consider finding alternate lodging for them while the job is ongoing.

5. Can I See Photos Of Your Work?

Whether you admire your neighbor’s roof every time you drive by, or you have a particular vision of what you want your roof to look like, it’s important to be sure that the contractor you choose can bring your ideal roof to life.

Looking at photos of a contractor’s past projects will give you a clear idea of the types of roofs they have worked on, the materials used, and the level of craftsmanship they are capable of.

This will help you to make an informed decision about whether or not to hire a contractor for your roofing project.

6. Do You Offer A Warranty?

All trustworthy residential re-roofing services will come with some kind of warranty or guarantee. This means that, if your newly installed roof is not up to par, the roofing contractor will repair or replace any defects in their workmanship or materials for a specified period.

We do not advise working with any contractors who do not offer guarantees.

7. Do You Have Any Reviews?

Before making a final decision on which re-roofing contractor to hire, ask to see some of their most recent customer reviews.

This will give you a feel for how satisfied other customers are with their work, and can help shine a light on bad customer services, such as dirty workmen and careless workmanship.

It’s also worth noting that a high number of positive reviews does not necessarily guarantee a good contractor, as some contractors may fake or buy reviews.

In that case, it’s important to look at the reviews that are verified and from reputable sources.

8. Are You Insured?

You’ll likely be paying thousands of dollars for your roof replacement, therefore, it’s important to ensure both parties are covered throughout the re-roofing process. A contractor’s insurance will typically include liability insurance, which covers any damage to property or injuries that may occur on the job site.

9. How Do I Contact You Throughout This Project?

We recommend getting a telephone number and email address for your roofing contractor so that you can easily get in touch with them before, during, and after the project is complete.

This allows you to contact them with any questions or concerns you have, and communicate with the contractor throughout the project to ensure that everything is going according to plan.

10. What Happens When The Weather Takes A Turn?

Inclement weather cannot be avoided; however, a runaway contractor can be. If the heavens open while your roof installation is underway, the operation must stop and the area should be covered for your home to stay dry and protected.

It’s important to learn your contractors’ protocol for when the weather prevents work from being carried out. You need assurance from your roofers about what they will do when the harsh condition dies down, and how they deal with the issues that might come up.

BONUS TIP:
Sign A Contract Before Any Work Is Carried Out

Get a contract outlining all the work your contractor plans to do before any work begins. The contract should include specifics such as materials, colors, the various locations on the roof they will work on, what type of work they will do, and details regarding layering, stripping, flashing, and more.

Make sure you know exactly what is included in your roof replacement to avoid complications down the line.

Looking For A Roofer Who Ticks All Your Boxes & Answers Every Question You Have?

Get in touch with Lone Wolf Renovation on (504)226-5300 or get a FREE estimate!