Finding a reliable contractor around Weber County can be difficult. Everyone claims they are the best, but when winter hits the benches with heavy snow and fierce canyon winds, poor workmanship shows up very fast.
Ogden Roofing Company sees the fallout from fly-by-night crews all the time. To save you time, money, and a major headache, Ogden Roofing Company will walk through how to actually vet a roofer before handing over any cash.
Verify They Are Legitimate
Do not just take someone's word for it when they say they are licensed. In Utah, roofing contractors need an S280 specialty license through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. You can search their business name or license number on the state online database in seconds. If they balk at sharing that number, walk away.
You also need to check for general liability insurance and active workers' compensation coverage. If a crew member gets hurt on your property in Washington Heights or up near Harrison Boulevard and the company does not carry proper coverage, that liability can land squarely on you.
Important Questions to Ask
When you are interviewing local roofers, skip the small talk and get straight to the operational details. Ask these point-blank:
- Are your installers factory-certified by the shingle manufacturer, or just random guys you hired off Craigslist?
- Do you pull local building permits for Ogden City or Weber County jobs, or do you expect me to handle that?
- Will you be tearing off our old layers down to the deck, or are you nailing new shingles over the old ones?
- Who is the on-site project manager, and how do I reach them once work starts?
Red Flags in Quotes
A proper roofing quote should not fit on the back of a napkin. If your estimate is just a single lump sum scribbled on a notepad, toss it. A solid estimate needs to spell out the exact materials being used, down to the underlayment and ice-and-water shield brands. It should clearly outline the scope of tear-off, disposal fees, decking replacement costs per sheet if rotted wood is found, and warranty terms for both labor and materials.
Another massive warning sign is a request for a huge upfront deposit. Legitimate local contractors typically do not ask for half down before materials even hit your driveway. If someone demands cash up front and pressures you to sign right this second because of a limited-time deal, protect your wallet and call someone else.
Taking a little extra time upfront to check credentials and ask the hard questions makes sure your home stays dry through whatever the Wasatch weather brings.