Roofing Companies in Salisbury MD: 7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire (2024 Guide)

Hiring a roofing contractor in Salisbury, MD isn't something you want to rush into. Your roof protects everything you value most, and choosing the wrong contractor can lead to costly repairs, legal headaches, and sleepless nights during the next storm.

The good news? Asking the right questions upfront can save you from these problems entirely. Whether you're dealing with storm damage from a nor'easter or finally replacing that aging roof, these seven essential questions will help you separate the pros from the pretenders.

Let's dive into what you need to know before signing on the dotted line.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Maryland?

This isn't just a nice-to-have: it's absolutely critical. In Maryland, roofing contractors must hold a Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license to legally perform roofing work. Don't just take their word for it; ask to see the actual license.

But licensing is only half the story. Your contractor should also carry:

• General liability insurance

• Workers' compensation insurance

• Property damage coverage

Why does this matter so much? If an uninsured worker gets injured on your property, guess who might be on the hook for medical bills? That's right: you. And if they damage your neighbor's property or your own home during the project, you want to make sure there's insurance coverage to handle it.

A reputable contractor will happily provide proof of both licensing and insurance. If they hesitate, make excuses, or claim they "left it in the truck," that's your cue to keep looking.

2. What Specific Materials Do You Use and Recommend?

Not all roofing materials are created equal, and not every contractor has experience with every type of roofing system. This question helps you understand both their expertise and the quality of materials you'll be getting.

A knowledgeable contractor should be able to discuss:

• Specific brand names and manufacturers they work with

• The pros and cons of different material options for your home

• Why they recommend certain materials for Salisbury's climate

• Material warranties and expected lifespan

For example, if you're interested in architectural shingles, they should know the differences between GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning options. If you're considering metal roofing, they should understand various coating systems and gauge requirements.

Be wary of contractors who are vague about materials or push the cheapest options without explaining why. Quality materials might cost more upfront, but they'll save you money in the long run.

3. Can You Provide Local References?

This is where you get to play detective. Any contractor worth hiring will have a list of satisfied customers in the Salisbury area who are willing to speak about their experience.

Don't just ask for references: actually call them. Ask about:

• Quality of workmanship

• Timeliness and professionalism

• How they handled any problems that arose

• Whether they'd hire them again

• If the roof is holding up well

Also, take a drive by some of their recent projects if possible. You can often spot quality workmanship (or lack thereof) just by looking at the finished product. Straight lines, proper flashing, and clean installations are good signs.

Check online reviews too, but remember that a few negative reviews aren't necessarily deal-breakers: it's how the contractor responds to problems that matters most.

4. Will You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?

Never, and I mean never, accept a verbal estimate or one scribbled on a napkin. A professional written estimate protects both you and the contractor by clearly outlining what's included in the project.

Your estimate should include:

• Detailed scope of work

• Specific materials and quantities

• Labor costs broken down

• Timeline for completion

• Clean-up responsibilities

• Total project cost

Be suspicious of estimates that are significantly higher or lower than others. Extremely low bids often mean corners will be cut, while extremely high bids might indicate inflated pricing.

A good contractor will take time to inspect your roof thoroughly before providing an estimate. They'll get up on the roof, check the attic if needed, and ask about any specific concerns you have.

5. What Warranties Do You Offer?

Warranties are your safety net, so you want to understand exactly what's covered and for how long. There are typically two types of warranties to discuss:

Material Warranties: These come from the manufacturer and cover defects in the roofing materials themselves. Make sure you understand what's covered and how long the warranty lasts.

Workmanship Warranties: This covers the contractor's installation work. A confident contractor will offer a substantial workmanship warranty because they stand behind their work.

Ask these specific warranty questions:

• How long is the workmanship warranty?

• What exactly does it cover?

• What could void the warranty?

• Who handles warranty claims: the contractor or manufacturer?

• Is the warranty transferable if you sell your home?

Get all warranty information in writing. A verbal promise isn't worth much when you're dealing with a leak three years down the road.

6. Who Will Actually Be Doing the Work?

This question reveals a lot about how the contractor operates. Some contractors use their own crew for everything, while others subcontract portions of the work. Neither approach is automatically good or bad, but you should know what to expect.

If they use subcontractors, ask:

• Are the subcontractors also licensed and insured?

• How long have they worked with these subs?

• Will there be a project manager overseeing the work?

• Who's responsible if there's a problem with the subcontractor's work?

You also want to know who will be on-site managing the project day-to-day. Will it be the owner, a foreman, or will workers be unsupervised? Having someone accountable on-site helps ensure quality control and gives you a point of contact for questions or concerns.

7. How Do You Handle Changes and Unexpected Issues?

Even the best-planned roofing projects can run into surprises. Maybe the decking is more damaged than expected, or you decide to upgrade your gutters mid-project. How your contractor handles these situations tells you a lot about their professionalism.

Ask about:

• Their process for documenting and approving change orders

• How they communicate unexpected issues

• Their policy on cost overruns

• How weather delays are handled

• What happens if materials are backordered

A good contractor will have clear processes for handling changes and will communicate proactively when issues arise. They won't spring surprise costs on you at the end of the project.

Making Your Decision

Once you've asked these questions to several contractors, you'll have a good foundation for making your decision. Remember, the cheapest bid isn't always the best value, and the most expensive isn't always the highest quality.

Look for contractors who:

• Answer your questions thoroughly and honestly

• Provide detailed written estimates

• Have proper licensing and insurance

• Offer solid warranties

• Communicate clearly and professionally

Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions or request clarification on anything you don't understand. A reputable contractor will appreciate your thoroughness: it shows you're a serious customer who values quality work.

Your Next Steps

Armed with these seven questions, you're ready to start interviewing roofing contractors in Salisbury. Take your time, do your homework, and trust your instincts. A good roofing contractor will be happy to answer all your questions and provide the documentation you need to feel confident in your decision.

Remember, you're not just buying a roof: you're buying peace of mind. The right contractor will deliver both, ensuring your home is protected for years to come.

If you're ready to start getting estimates, consider reaching out to Peninsula Roofing Company and other local contractors to compare your options. The time you spend asking these questions now will pay dividends in the quality and longevity of your new roof.