Hiring the right roofing company can take a bit more effort than just calling the first name that pops up online. When you’re trusting someone to keep your home dry and protected, you want to feel confident about who you’re hiring. In a place like Ottawa, where roofs face freezing winters and sun-heavy summers, that choice really matters. A solid roof isn’t just about shingles and nails. It’s about knowing the work done can stand up to whatever the weather throws at it.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you don’t know what to ask before hiring. Contractors might say all the right things, but asking good questions early on can make a big difference. You want to work with someone who’s honest, has real experience, and is good at what they do. The right questions help you see who’s a good fit and who might not be. Here are some things to bring up when you’re talking to local roofers in Ottawa.
What Is Your Experience?
Start simple. Ask how long they’ve been working in roofing and what kind of jobs they usually handle. A company with years of experience has probably seen almost every kind of roof issue. But length of time isn’t the only thing that matters. What you’re really looking for is experience that fits your own home’s needs.
For example, if you have a low-slope roof or a mix of roof styles, ask if they’ve handled similar projects in the Ottawa area. Are they familiar with local building regulations and climate-related challenges? Someone who mostly works on newer homes in the suburbs might not be the best fit for older homes in the downtown core with unique roof shapes and materials. Keep it relevant to your specific roof style and location.
Here are a few helpful questions to ask:
– How long have you been in business?
– What kinds of roofing projects have you completed in Ottawa?
– Have you worked with roofs similar to mine?
– What materials do you usually work with?
– Do you handle repairs, full replacements, or both?
Pay attention to how they answer and if they back up their claims with real examples. A thoughtful answer backed with local knowledge means you’re more likely to get work done right the first time.
Are You Properly Licensed And Insured?
You want to make sure anyone working on your home is allowed to legally do the work and is ready to take responsibility if things go wrong. That means they should have a valid business license and insurance. In Ottawa, roofing contractors need to follow provincial standards and carry liability coverage along with workplace insurance for their staff.
Always ask to see proof. A trustworthy roofer won’t hesitate to show you their documentation. If they’re vague or seem irritated that you’re asking, take that as a red flag. Remember, this isn’t about being suspicious. It’s about protecting your home and budget if accidents happen or work doesn’t go as planned.
Double check the following:
– Are you licensed to do roofing work in Ottawa?
– Can you provide a certificate of your liability insurance?
– Are your workers covered by WSIB?
– What happens if something on my property is damaged during the project?
Accidents on site can be costly, and if a contractor’s not covered, that bill could land in your lap. Avoiding those risks starts with asking to see the right paperwork.
Can You Provide References From Past Clients?
If you’ve asked all the right questions so far, the next step is hearing about their past work straight from the people who’ve hired them. Reputable roofers in Ottawa should have a list of clients who were happy with the work and are fine with sharing their experience. Testimonials and photos of completed jobs are helpful, but names and contacts for references make that information a lot more real.
Ask for examples of jobs they’ve done near your neighbourhood. That gives you a chance to see their work in a setting similar to yours. It might even be worth driving by to take a look at the roof from the street. Talking to a past client can also help you get a better idea of how the company handles mess, noise, timelines, and communication. One homeowner shared how they chose a roofer after speaking to someone a few blocks away who gave honest feedback about the process and how clean the team kept the area during their project.
Here are some helpful things to request:
– Names or contact info for a few recent clients
– Photos of before-and-after projects, especially in Ottawa
– Specifics about timelines and how close they were to the original estimate
– Testimonials, either written or posted online
Hearing directly from past customers adds an extra layer of trust. If the roofer hesitates or avoids giving references, that’s a sign to keep looking.
What Does Your Warranty Cover?
A properly installed roof should last a long time, but things can happen. Warranties are your safety net. The goal here is to understand what the contractor covers if something needs fixing after the job is done. There’s a big difference between a manufacturer’s warranty on the shingles and a workmanship warranty that covers labour.
Ask questions that help you get a full picture. What happens if a leak shows up later? Is there a cost for fixing it? How long does the coverage last? If the warranty sounds too short or comes with a long list of loopholes, it’s worth digging into the details. Warranties tell you something about how confident a company is in its work. If they stand behind their crew and craftsmanship, they’ll usually make it clear and easy to understand.
Make sure to ask:
– Is there a warranty for both materials and labour?
– How long does your workmanship warranty last?
– Does the warranty stay valid if I sell the house?
– What kinds of problems are excluded?
– How are warranty claims handled?
Having this all laid out upfront gives you peace of mind before anything even starts.
Understanding The Scope And Cost Of The Project
Every roofing job should begin with a clear plan. That means knowing what’s being done, how long it’ll take, and what it’s going to cost. Don’t settle for a quick quote scribbled on the back of a card. Ask for a detailed written estimate that breaks down every part of the project. That way, you know exactly what you’re paying for.
A good quote includes the type of materials being used, the number of layers being removed (if any), disposal of the old shingles, ventilation improvements, and the total cost for labour. If there’s a timeframe involved, it should also map out the start and end dates, how long the job will take, and what might cause delays. Always ask if any extra charges could come up once work begins.
Here are a few things your quote should cover:
– Removal and disposal of old roofing material
– Type and brand of shingles or other materials
– Repairs to any damaged decking or structure
– Installation of vents, flashings, and underlayment
– Cleanup after the job is done
– Total labour and material costs
– Potential for extra charges and how they’ll be handled
– Project start and end time estimates
Once you have all this information, it gets easier to compare bids and make an informed choice without unwanted surprises later.
Hiring With Confidence
Hiring a roofer isn’t something homeowners do often, so it’s easy to overlook the right questions until it’s too late. That’s why spending a little more time during the hiring process pays off in the long run. The more information you gather at the start, the more confident you’ll feel when the work begins. You want to trust that your roof will be handled safely, professionally, and to the standard your home deserves.
Each of these questions helps paint a full picture of who you’re hiring. From experience in Ottawa neighbourhoods to the warranties backing their work, these details matter more than a low quote or fast promise. Asking the hard questions now helps you sleep better under a roof that’s well built and dependable.
To explore some of the completed projects by experienced local roofers, check out the portfolio section on our website. Trust Burnham Brothers Roofing to deliver quality craftsmanship and unmatched service in Ottawa, ensuring your roofing needs are met with precision and care.