First, ask for background information:
• Get references of jobs completed nearby and, unlike many consumers, follow them up. Make the phone calls and drive by the houses. "The residential roofing industry has many small, local firms, and references are the best gauge of their quality," says Kalinger.
• Ask for proof of membership in the provincial or territorial worker's compensation plan. Without this, you could be legally liable for any on-the-job accidents. Also get proof of general liability insurance of at least $1 million ($2 million is better).
• Ask where the contractor will purchase supplies. Call the supplier to check that the contractor is in good financial standing. If a contractor doesn't pay a bill, the supplier can put a lien on your house.
A good contractor won't hesitate to provide this information—it's standard practice. If it all checks out, then before the contractor makes a proposal and you sign a contract, have them inspect the attic. Kalinger and many other contractors recommend this step because what seems like a roof problem may in fact be an attic ventilation problem. Expect a charge for this service. If you want an independent opinion on what work is needed, you can also call in a roofing consultant.
Next, the contract should include:
• Clear specifications of the work to be done—what's included and what's not. It should specify the materials to be used, down to the manufacturer, model and colour of the roofing.
• Data sheets, which are specifications that show the materials meet applicable national standards. You also need a reference to an application standard, worded something like: "All work will be completed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications." There are also CRCA and Canadian Standards Association specs that the contract can refer to. The contract must also state that the installation will meet the building code, which is very "specific and prescriptive," says Kalinger, and trumps everything else.
• A brief list of the accessories included, such as vents and flashing, along with a statement like: "All accessories will be installed according to the building code."
• Especially if the old roof will be removed, the contract should include an inspection of the roof deck, and a unit price (i.e., a price per square foot) for any necessary repairs. If there's a problem, you've pre-arranged what it will cost to fix.
• A sample copy of the warranty. It must be written in clear, specific language, but don't put too much faith in it. As Kalinger says, "There's no linear correlation between the length of a warranty and the performance of a shingle."
• A payment schedule. Kalinger warns that you should never pay in advance; some work should be done before any money changes hands. As well, a holdback is standard practice—10 per cent of the bill that you don't pay until 45 days after substantial completion of the job. That gives you time for a roof inspection, and gives the contractor time to give you the warranty paperwork and a standard declaration that there are no liens on the property.
Kalinger's bottom line on getting a good roofing job: "If you've been prudent in choosing a contractor, and done your homework, the result should be good. Homeowners should look at buying a roof with the same interest as buying a car."
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