Free guide
How to choose the right roofer before you make a claim
By John Jenkins, The Bearded Roofer. Plain English. No pressure.
First, slow down
After a storm, people knock on doors fast. You do not have to decide fast. A good roofer will still be there tomorrow. Take photos from the ground, write down the date, and stay off the roof.
7 questions to ask any roofer
- Are you insured and bonded, and can I see proof?Ask for the certificate. Better yet, have it sent from the insurance company, not handed to you.
- Who exactly will be on my roof, and who is responsible for the work?You want a name and a phone number, not just a company slogan.
- Will I get a written estimate that lists materials, scope and price?If it is only a number on a business card, keep looking.
- What do you need me to sign today, and why?Do not sign anything you have not read. Never feel rushed.
- How long have you worked in this area, and can I call a recent customer?Local history and real references matter.
- What happens if you find more damage once the work starts?Ask how changes and extra costs get approved, in writing.
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, and who honors it?A warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it.
How to spot a storm chaser
- Out-of-area plates and no local address
- Pressure to sign today, or "I can only hold this price right now"
- Offers to waive or cover your deductible (this is not a good sign, and it can cause serious trouble for you)
- No written estimate, no clear contract
- Asks for full payment up front
Before you call your insurance company
- Take wide and close photos from the ground. Stay off the roof.
- Write down the date of the storm and what you noticed.
- Protect your home from more damage if you safely can (a tarp, or call someone to tarp it).
- Read your policy or call your agent with questions. Your insurance company decides coverage. A roofer does not.
- Get one or two roof inspections from companies you checked out first.
Good to know: A roofer can look at the roof, document what is visible and explain repair options. A roofer cannot make coverage decisions or negotiate your claim for you. If you want help with the claim itself, that is a separate role, and you should ask your insurance company or the NC Department of Insurance who is licensed to do it.
What a good estimate looks like
- Company name, address, phone and your name and address
- Materials listed by name, and the work to be done
- Price, payment schedule, and a start and finish window
- How changes are handled, and the warranty in writing
Free roof look means a storm damage check and a written report. It is not a free roof, and it does not promise insurance coverage. John Jenkins works with Renoir Restoration; The Bearded Roofer is his personal brand.