Alright, let's talk about finding a good roofing contractor here in Great Falls. It's not always easy to tell the good ones from the bad, especially when you've got a leaky roof or hail damage staring you down. I've been doing this a long time, and I've seen it all. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and your home.
Questions to Ask Every Roofer
When you get a few different contractors out for estimates, don't just let them walk around and give you a number. You need to interview them. Ask these specific questions:
- Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. Ask for proof of both. A legitimate contractor won't have any problem showing you their Montana contractor's license number and their Certificate of Insurance. Don't just take their word for it, okay?
- How long have you been in business under this name? You want someone with a track record, not a fly-by-night operation that just popped up after the last hailstorm.
- Can you provide local references? Not just a list of names, but people you can actually call who have had work done recently right here in Great Falls.
- What's your warranty? Get details on both the manufacturer's warranty for the materials and their workmanship warranty. How long does it last? What exactly does it cover?
- Who will be doing the work? Is it their own crew, or do they subcontract it all out? If it's subcontractors, ask about their experience and if they're insured too.
- How do you handle permits and inspections? A good contractor will pull all necessary permits and make sure the work passes local code inspections.
What to Look for in a Quote
You're going to get a few different quotes, and they might not all look the same. Don't just compare the bottom line. Dig into the details:
- Detailed Scope of Work: Does it clearly spell out everything? What kind of shingles (brand, model, color)? What underlayment? Will they replace flashing around chimneys and vents? Are they replacing drip edge? What about ventilation? A vague quote is a big red flag.
- Material Specifications: It should list the exact materials. Not just 'architectural shingles,' but 'GAF Timberline HDZ, Charcoal.' This prevents them from swapping in cheaper materials later.
- Cleanup Plan: How will they protect your landscaping and clean up debris? Will they use a magnetic sweeper for nails? This is a big one, especially if you have pets or kids running around.
- Payment Schedule: A reasonable down payment (often 10-30%) is normal, with the rest due upon satisfactory completion. Be wary of anyone asking for 50% or more upfront, or the full amount before work even starts.
- Line-Item Costs: While not always broken down to the penny, the quote should give you a good idea of what each major component costs. This helps you compare apples to apples.
Red Flags You Can't Ignore
Some things should make you walk away, no matter how good the price seems:
- Door-to-door solicitations: Especially after a storm. While some legitimate roofers do this, it's a common tactic for storm chasers. Be extra cautious.
- Cash-only deals: If they insist on cash, it's usually because they're trying to avoid taxes or insurance, which means they're probably cutting corners elsewhere.
- High-pressure sales tactics: