Cherry Hill Roofers: Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring

This is a conversation about hiring a roofing contractor in Cherry Hill. The main points discussed include the importance of local experience, specialized skills for different roofing materials, communication and project management, detailed cost estimates, warranties, understanding the roofing process, safety and professionalism. Asking specific questions about experience, safety record, debris removal, and crew training can help gauge the contractor's level of professionalism. All right, so, new roof time, huh? That Cherry Hill life, right? Beautiful, but man, those seasons, they really give your roof a workout. And you were smart enough to come prepared. Got that Cherry Hill roofer guide right at your fingertips. Oh, I've gotta be prepared. You know we love a good deep dive here, so let's dig in, see what we can find. There's gotta be some good stuff in here, some tips. You know, those insider tips you can't just find anywhere. Definitely, definitely. And speaking of insider tips, you know, one thing that often gets overlooked is just how much that local experience really does matter, you know, for roofing. Oh, for sure, yeah. It's so tempting to just go with whoever's the cheapest, right? Yeah. But as someone who once tried to fix their leaky faucets themselves, let's just say experience counts. Absolutely, especially in Cherry Hill. I mean, you've got that really unique mix, right, of like those historic homes and then the more modern architecture. A contractor that knows what's what, they're gonna be up on all the codes, regulations, all that stuff, saves you headaches down the line, big time. That's a really good point. So let's say, you know, I'm looking at this guide, right, I'm trying to compare different roofing companies. What should I be looking for beyond the obvious? Like obviously, you know, you check if they're licensed and insured, but what else? Yeah, that's just the baseline. I mean, definitely make sure you're looking into what kind of experience they actually have. Specifically with the materials that are common in Cherry Hill, we see a lot of asphalt shingles here, obviously, but then you've got those gorgeous slate roofs on some of those older homes and even metal roofing. It's getting really popular these days. You want someone who knows how those materials are gonna hold up in this climate. Yeah, you don't want someone learning as they go when it comes to your roof, especially with something like slate. I imagine that takes a lot of skill. Oh, absolutely. And speaking of specialized skills, you mentioned those GAF solar shingles before we started and they're getting big in Cherry Hill and for good reason. Yeah, yeah. I actually saw a neighbor getting those installed recently and they look really good, like way more aesthetically pleasing than the big bulky solar panels you sometimes see. Absolutely, and the cool thing about them, they're actually designed to handle our weather. You know, a lot of people don't realize that regular solar panels, their efficiency can really take a hit in extreme heat or if it's constantly covered in snow, these GAF shingles, they're built tougher. Yeah, interesting. So they're more durable, A and D more efficient. Exactly, win-win. Yeah, but I'm guessing something like that probably requires some specialized installation, right? Yeah, 100%. That's not something just any roofer can handle. So if you're thinking about solar shingles, definitely, definitely make sure that you're asking contractors about that. Do they have experience with these specific shingles? Certifications, have they done installations on similar homes, especially here in Cherry Hill? You know those questions, they're gonna help you weed out the amateurs from the pros. Okay, that's good advice. So local expertise, definitely key. But let's be real, even with the best, most experienced roofer out there, projects, they don't always go as planned. It always comes up, yeah. Things happen. Rain delays, unexpected repairs, you name it. 100%, you know, stuff happens and that's exactly why nailing down a clear timeline up front is crucial. And even more important than that is understanding how the contractor handles those curveballs because they will come. Absolutely, yeah. Because the last thing you want is to be left in the dark with a half-finished roof when something unexpected pops up. Right, exactly. So when you're talking with potential contractors, don't be afraid to just ask about their communication process. How often are they gonna update you on what's going on, the progress? Are they gonna reach out if there are delays or changes? Do they use any project management software that you'd have access to? That's a great point, yeah. Being able to see what's happening, stay in the loop, that can really help. Speaking of things that can really help, let's talk about cost. The big one, right. It's always a big one, right. So this is where that detailed cost estimate is, is your best friend. Right, absolutely, yes. Don't just settle for a ballpark. You want every little detail. 100%. Materials, labor, permits. Don't forget the disposal fees. Like, what are they doing with all that old stuff? Right, a lot of people don't think about that. Yeah, so, okay, let's say I've got that estimate in front of me, right? Yeah. What are some red flags? What should I be a little wary of? Definitely keep an eye out for vague language. Like, any lump sum charges. So, you know, if you see something that just says miscellaneous expenses, or contingency, but there's no explanation, that's your cue to be like, hold on, what is that? Exactly, yeah. Like, what is miscellaneous and how high can it go? Exactly, right. And a good contractor, they're gonna be upfront about all that. They will break those costs down for you. They'll explain, you know, hey, this is something that might come up and here's why. Okay, speaking of things that might come up, the guy touched on warranties. I gotta be honest, that's always a bit of a mystery to me. Yeah, they can be confusing. It's a lot. But they're important, right? You want a good warranty. They're really important. And think of it this way, a good warranty. That shows you the contractor stands behind their work. Okay, yeah, that makes me feel a little bit better. So what should I be looking for in a warranty? Is it just about how many years it covers? Well, that's part of it, sure. But it's not the whole picture. You also wanna see what it actually covers. So does it include labor and materials? What about, you know, leaks, wind damage? And this is a big one. Are there any specific things you have to do to keep that warranty valid? Like using certain cleaning products or, you know, scheduling regular inspections? Oh, so it's all about the details. Exactly. It's not just the big print. You gotta read the fine print, too. Yep, 100%, you got it. So any reputable contractor, they will be happy to go through that warranty with you, answer your questions. And pro tip, don't be afraid to ask for it in writing before you sign anything. So smart, get it in writing. So we've been talking about a lot of the technical stuff, right? Yeah. What about the actual process itself? Is that something we should be asking about, too? Oh, for sure. Understanding those steps, that is key. So for example, are they gonna tear off the entire old roof or just do a layer over? How are they gonna protect, you know, your yard, your landscaping, all your stuff during the project? What's their plan for debris removal? Oh my gosh, I didn't even think about some of those. Yeah. See, this is why we do the deep dive. It's the little thing. You get so caught up in the big picture, right? Like, I didn't even think about, like, what are they doing with all the debris? And to that point, don't be afraid to ask about the crew themselves. So how many people are actually gonna be up on your roof? Are these, you know, are these their employees or are they subcontractors? And do they have a dedicated foreman, like someone who's overseeing the project? So like the captain of the roofing ship. Exactly. So having that one point person there, it makes a world of difference for communication. Right, right. And accountability. Oh yeah, because then you know if something comes up, there's someone right there to deal with it. Okay, so we've covered timelines, transparency, warranties. The actual, like, you know, down and dirty, how do they actually do the roofing? What else should we be thinking about when we're, you know, talking to these potential roofers? Well, you know how much you're emphasizing local experience, right? Safety and professionalism, that's right up there too. Oh, right. Because I mean, roofing, it can be dangerous. You don't wanna mess around with safety. What kind of questions should we even be asking about that? I would definitely ask about their safety record. You know, have they had any accidents? What do they do to make sure that the team is following all the OSHA guidelines, all that? Right, because that shows you that they're, you know, they're responsible. Exactly. They care about their workers. Absolutely. And it's not just about, you know, the workers. It's about my house too. Right. Exactly. Yeah. If someone's, you know, swinging a nail gun around up there and being careless, I don't want a hole in my ceiling. You're right. Sometimes it's those little things, you know? You get so focused on the big picture stuff that you forget about the day-to-day stuff that matters too. Like, how are they handling, you know, debris removal? Are they gonna leave a pile of shingles in your yard? Or do they have a system, you know? Right. Clean up, haul it away. Yeah, so we're thinking safety, we're thinking cleanliness, respecting your house. Respect, 100%, yeah. It really is all connected. A contractor that takes pride in their work, you know? They respect your property, they're gonna sweat the details. Right. They're gonna communicate, and they're gonna go that extra mile to make sure you're happy. Okay, so how do we, how do we gauge that? I mean, is there like a secret handshake? Like, how do we know? I mean, no secret handshake. But there are definitely some questions you can ask to kind of get a feel for their level of professionalism. Like, what kind of training does their crew have? Is there that dedicated point person? We talked about the foreman before. And are they familiar with any, like, specific challenges? Let's say your home is in the historic district, for example. You know, are they familiar with that? Okay, those are really good. It's like those questions that go a little bit deeper. Exactly. So that's a good way of checking the box. Right. Speaking of digging deeper, I wanna go back to something we talked about a little bit earlier, the attic ventilation. Yeah, yeah. And I know it seems small, but the guide really emphasized that especially in Cherry Hill, that that's something to really, you know, pay attention to. It's huge, and you're right. It is something that most homeowners, they don't even think about it until there's a problem. But good attic ventilation, that regulates the temperature up there, the moisture. It's so important for the lifespan of your roof. So it's like the unsung hero. It is, it is the unsung hero. The good roof. Yes. Working behind the scenes. Behind the scenes, exactly. So a contractor that, you know, they bring that up and they understand it, they understand those requirements here. Yeah. That's a good sign. It shows they're, you know, thinking long-term. Absolutely. It's not just about getting the job done. They wanna make sure it lasts. Exactly, exactly. Wow. Okay, I've learned so much today. Good. Expertise, warranties, ventilation. I feel like I am ready to tackle this roofing project. That's what we wanna hear. And remember, choosing a roofer, it's a big decision. It is, yeah. So take your time, ask a lot of questions, and don't be afraid to, you know, trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Couldn't have said it better myself. Yeah. As you're out there talking to those roofers, here's something to think about. Imagine this. You've hired your roofer, you're all set, and bam, huge storm hits Cherry Hill. Oh, no. Right in the middle of your project. What's your contractor's plan? Right. How are they gonna protect your house? Something to think about. Very important. All right, everyone, until next time, happy roofing.