Your roof is a big deal. It's what protects your home, your family, and everything you own from the crazy New England weather we get around here. So, when it's time to repair or replace it, you can't just pick the first name you see. You need to do your homework. I've been in this business for a long time, and I've seen it all. Here's my practical advice for finding a good roofing contractor in Lexington.
Questions to Ask Every Contractor
When you're talking to potential roofers, don't be shy. Ask direct questions. You're hiring them to do a critical job on your biggest investment.
Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. They need to have a valid Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license and carry both general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for proof, and don't just take their word for it. Call their insurance carrier to verify coverage.
How long have you been in business? Experience matters, especially in a place like Lexington where homes range from historic colonials to newer constructions. A company that's been around for a while has likely seen a variety of roofing challenges.
Can you provide local references? A good contractor will be proud to show off their work. Ask for names and numbers of recent clients, preferably in Lexington or nearby towns, so you can drive by and see their work, or even talk to the homeowners.
What's your warranty? You need to know what's covered and for how long. There are usually two parts: the manufacturer's warranty on the materials and the contractor's warranty on their workmanship. Make sure both are clear and in writing.
Who will be doing the work? Will it be their own crew, or will they subcontract it out? If they use subcontractors, you need to make sure those subs are also properly licensed and insured.
What's your process for protecting my property? Roofing can be messy. You want to know how they'll protect your landscaping, siding, and driveways during the job, and how they'll handle cleanup.
What to Look For in a Quote
Don't just compare the bottom line. A good quote is detailed and transparent. If it's just a single number on a scrap of paper, walk away.
Detailed Scope of Work: It should clearly list everything they're going to do. This means tear-off (how many layers?), underlayment type, flashing details, ventilation, type of shingles (manufacturer, model, color), and any other materials. For instance, if you're in an older part of Lexington, like near the Battle Green, and your roof has multiple layers of old asphalt shingles, the quote should reflect the cost of removing all of them, not just one.
Material Specifications: The brand and type of shingles, ice and water shield, drip edge, and any other components should be specified. This helps ensure you're comparing apples to apples between quotes.
Payment Schedule: A reputable contractor won't ask for the entire amount upfront. Typically, there's a deposit, progress payments, and a final payment upon completion and your satisfaction.
Cleanup Plan: How will they handle debris removal? Will they use a magnetic sweeper for nails? This should be part of the quote.
Start and Completion Dates: While these can be estimates, especially with weather, a good contractor will give you a timeframe.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some things should make you hit the brakes immediately.
High-pressure sales tactics: