Alright, so you need a new roof or maybe just some repairs. That's a pretty big deal, isn't it? It's a major investment for your home right here in Lexington. You definitely don't want to pick the wrong person for the job and end up with leaks, shoddy work, or a headache that lasts longer than the roof itself. Honestly, I've seen it happen too many times, and it's always such a pain to clean up someone else's mess.
Hiring a roofing contractor shouldn't feel like you're just guessing. You need to know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to tell the fakers from the folks who actually know their stuff. Let's just get right to it.
Questions to Ask Every Roofing Contractor
Once you've got a few contractors lined up, don't hold back. Ask these questions. Their answers will really tell you a lot.
- Are you licensed and insured in Massachusetts? This isn't something you can compromise on. They need a valid Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration number from the state, plain and simple. Plus, proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If they can't show you current certificates, well, thank them for their time and send them on their way. You absolutely do NOT want to be liable if someone gets hurt on your property.
- How long has your company been around under this name? Longevity really does matter. A company that's been operating for a decade or more, especially in a specific area like Lexington, usually means they're doing something right. New companies aren't always bad, but they're definitely a bigger gamble.
- Can you give me some local references? Ask for three to five recent customers, preferably in Lexington or nearby towns. Then, actually call them. Ask about their experience, how communication went, the cleanup process, and if they'd hire the contractor again.
- What's your warranty on labor and materials? A good contractor will offer a warranty on their workmanship, typically 5-10 years. The material warranty comes from the manufacturer, and it's often longer, but you need to make sure they're installing it according to manufacturer specs so that warranty is actually valid.
- Who will be doing the work? Your employees or subcontractors? Some companies subcontract everything out. That's not always a bad thing, but you really want to know who's going to be up on your roof. If it's subs, ask how long they've worked with them and if they're also insured. Here at Skyline Roofing & Siding, we use our own trained crews, because that's how we keep an eye on quality.
- What's your plan for protecting my property during the job? This includes your landscaping, driveway, and how they'll handle cleanup. A good crew will lay down tarps, use magnetic sweeps for nails, and leave your yard cleaner than they found it.
What to Look for in a Quote
Don't just look at the final price. A cheap quote often means cheap work or, worse, hidden costs. A good quote should be detailed, not just a single number.
- Line-item breakdown: It should clearly list materials — shingles, underlayment, flashing, vents, ice and water shield — along with labor, disposal fees, and any other costs. You should know exactly what you're paying for.
- Specific materials: It shouldn't just say 'shingles.' It needs to specify the brand, type, and color of shingles, the kind of underlayment, and all other components.
- Scope of work: What exactly are they going to do? Are they removing old layers? Repairing decking? Installing new flashing around chimneys and vents? This needs to be crystal clear.
- Payment schedule: A reputable contractor won't ask for 100% upfront. A reasonable deposit (often 1/3 to 1/2) is common, with the rest due once you're satisfied with the completed work.
- Permits: The quote should mention who is responsible for pulling the necessary building permits from the Town of Lexington. It should always be the contractor, not you, who handles this.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
These are immediate warning signs. If you see 'em, just walk away.
- Door-to-door sales after a storm: "Storm chasers" are infamous for quick, shoddy work and then disappearing when problems pop up. Be really wary of anyone who shows up uninvited, especially after a big nor'easter.
- Demanding cash payment or 100% upfront: This is a classic scammer move. They want your money, and then poof — they're gone.
- Extremely low bids: If one quote is way lower than all the others, there's usually a reason. They're probably cutting corners on materials, labor, or they're not licensed and insured.
- High-pressure sales tactics: