Hiring a Trusted Roofing Contractor in Canberra: 5 Important Questions to Ask
When protecting your home’s most valuable asset, selecting the right roofing contractor in Canberra is an important decision to make. Whether you are looking for a simple roof repair, a full roof replacement or a roof inspection, hiring the wrong team will not only cost you more but would also expose you to future issues such as leaks, insurance nightmares and structural damages.
According to the Fair Trading reports, roofing is one of the most complained about in Australia. This is why asking the right questions upfront helps to separate reputable roofers from those that are only looking to make some quick money. Here are 5 essential questions to ask before signing a contract with Canberra roofing company.
1. Do you have a License and Insurance for Roofing Work in the ACT?
This is one of the most important of all the questions. Any roofing contractor performing residential building work for more than $5000 needs to have an Access Canberra license. See their license and check if it covers the exact type of roofing work required such as tile roofing, guttering, metal roofing and roof plumbing.
Also, ask them about:
- Public liability insurance for a minimum of $10M or more
- Worker compensation in case of employees
- Home warranty insurance for large volume of work
Roofing contractors who work under someone else’s license or don’t provide the necessary documentation are big no.
2. Ask About Local References and Recent Work Examples
A reliable roofing contractor in Canberra must have an active portfolio of completed jobs and past clients who can testify on their behalf.
Always ask for the following:
- Pictures of similar projects
- Names and numbers of past clients
- Roofs that they have fixed in your suburbs so you can go and check
You can also read the online reviews however real conversations share better insights. Also, ask the previous client about any issues that occurred after project completion.
3. What are the recommended Roofing Materials and Why?
A trustworthy roofer will not have an overpriced roofing solution. They will explain the best materials suitable according to your home and Canberra’s climatic conditions. When choosing Colorbond steel, concrete tiles and polycarbonate sheeting, the contractor would explain things such as the material lifespan, thermal efficiency, maintenance requirements and warranty terms. Reliable roofing contractors also consider your budget and energy-efficiency.
4. Must Provide a Quote and Contract Detailing Scope of Work
The contractor must have a written contract done with the house owner stating the following:
- Materials and brand specifications used
- Labour and installation price
- Start date and timeline
- Payment schedule and warranty info against materials and workmanship
The contract must also share weather delays, site safety, council approval and inspection if needed and waste disposal requirements.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ACCC reports about 65% or more construction related consumer disputes due to unclear contracts.
5. On-Site Work and Supervision
Most roofing companies subcontract or outsource labour. This may be a good thing, but always inquire about this beforehand to know who will do the work and supervision on your roof. Always ask the following questions:
- Will the contractor do the supervision?
- Is the team employed or subcontracted
- Who is responsible for quality controls?
Lack of onsite supervisions leads to unfinished jobs and inconstant workmanship.
Conclusion
Roofing is not just for aesthetics. It is also your home’s defense against the harsh weather conditions, from winters to summers. An unreliable contractor will only lead to more costs, repairs and denied insurance claims in the long run due to poor workmanship. The questions shared above will help you find the right contractor for your roofing job.
In short, if a contract has an ACT building license, a rating of 4.5+ on Google Business Profile, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the Canberra’s roofing industry, shares project photographs, does clear written contracts, includes insurance and warranty coverage then don’t waste time and hire them on an instant basis.