Top 14 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Company in HRM
Hard Working Caucasian Men
Avoid common pitfalls when hiring a roofing contactor. Here are our top Tips to protect yourself and your home when hiring a roofing contractor. Buyer Beware! You often hear about how someone hired a contractor, paid a deposit, and Pooh! Like smoke, they were gone.
Number 1: Always ask for Proof of Liability Insurance—If a company doesn’t have liability insurance, you will be vulnerable to damages while they are on your property.
Number 2: Request, Proof of Good Standing with the Nova Scotia Workers Compensation Board – Without NSWCB, you could be named defendant if an employee is injured while on your property and they decide to hire an attorney for losses. Some people will tell you they don’t need it because it’s just for larger companies, or they can use workers’ compensation from another territory or province. This is NOT true. Roofing is a sector in Nova Scotia that requires workers’ compensation. For more information, here’s a link.
While composing this blog, I called the Nova Scotia Workers Compensation Board and inquired if they have a way for private citizens to verify coverage with them. Unfortunately, it does not confirm a member’s status due to privacy. However, they strongly recommend you request a copy of the Letter in Good Standing from the contractor you are considering. Number 3: Proof of Registration with the Province in Registry of Joint Stocks – Legitimate companies usually register their name of business before hanging a shingle. Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks Search Tool: protect yourself and check. Number 4: Proof the Tax ID number is Valid – illegitimate companies will charge HST and pocket the tax; ask for their HST number. It should be on the invoice, so check before you sign a contract. Here is a link to verify GST/HST status. Number 5: Names and Addresses of three recent installations within the last 30 Days—One common trick is to provide the names of three friends and phone numbers. Buyer Beware: Ask for addresses, drive by or stop by, and speak with the owners about their experience working with the contractor.
Getting to know the neighbors at the country houses in the village
Number 6: Name of Supplier of Materials—Fun fact: If a contractor has delinquent charge accounts, the supplier can put a builder’s lien on your property to collect the materials installed at your address. It doesn’t hurt to contact the supplier and ask about their experience with the contractor in paying them. Number 7: Are they certified by the Manufacturer to offer an extended warranty? When researching the products they install, are they listed as “Certified installers”? Always double-check to ensure their relationship with the manufacturer is current and that they don’t have any issues with installations or an expired certification from the manufacturer. Number 8: Deposit Required? Most reputable roofing contractors don’t require a deposit once the proposal is executed, even though it’s a massive project that could span weeks or months. Buyers should beware if they ask for a deposit to buy the materials before the job starts. Protect yourself, negotiate to pay the deposit after the materials have been delivered ON the ROOF and at least part of your hard-earned money once the materials are loaded on your roof. 
Number 9: Did they show you photos of damaged roof sheathing? Just an FYI, roof sheathing doesn’t have damages that resemble being beaten with a hammer or punctured. Typically, the only damage in most roofs is dry rot and mould; anything else is usually man-made to upsell simple repairs to a complete replacement. Number 10: Ask, “What is their Quality Control Process?” Most reputable roofing contractors have a system for final inspection and quality control. Is there a checklist or drone photographs? What is the workmanship warranty, and how long is it valid? Workmanship warranties can vary from one year to as long as ten years. Anything over that is excessive, I’d be suspicious. Number 11: Ask for a detailed List of all Materials that will be installed. Number 12: If they are a new company, ask for the name of their last employer and check their references. Everyone has to start somewhere. Just be sure the person/company you hire has the expertise to install a new roof properly. Number 12: What is their Safety Policy
Can they prove all workers have Fall Protection Level One safety training within Nova Scotia? (Online fall Protection Safety Tickets are NOT valid in Nova Scotia.) Most companies have the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association as their go-to for training staff. They do provide documentation. Just request it. Number 13: There’s usually a reason if the price seems low. When in doubt, you can always use our Instant Roof Estimation Tool within Greater HRM for a fast and easy online roof estimate.
Written By: Lisa Coates
