Owning a home or property in Fort Collins or the surrounding Front Range comes with many benefits. Mountain views, stunning sunsets, and great surrounding cities and natural areas are just a few of the perks. However, owning a home in this area also comes with some extra concerns, such as hail and severe weather that can cause considerable damage to your roof.

Whether a recent storm has left hail dents in your shingles, or your roof is starting to show the wear and tear of years spent protecting your home, here are 3 questions to ask before hiring a Fort Collins roofer.

“Are You Local?”

There are many roofing companies out there who follow storms in search of work. They are in and out quickly, which can pose potential problems for your project. For one, they may not be familiar with local licensing or regulations. Also without a home office in your city, they may not be around after the project, should any issues arise after it is completed. Also, be aware of companies promising to “Waive your deductible”, which is illegal.

When it comes to having your roof, or any part of your home worked on, it really is best to stick local. Make sure they have a home office nearby, and that they have been working in this area for several years with a good track record and positive online reviews.

“How Long Have You Been In Business?”

Many roofing companies shut their doors before two years. An estimated 8 out of 10 new businesses fail within 18 months of opening up shop (Forbes). It is the companies that succeed in building a dependable reputation through exceptional customer relations that stand the test of time. Aim to work with a roofing company in Fort Collins who has been in operation for at least 5 years. They will likely have an impressive resume of jobs completed in your area, as well as positive reviews on websites such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Angies List.

“Do You Hold All Local Licensing and Proper Insurance?”

It should go without saying that any local company should have the proper licensing and insurance, but that is not always the case. And the last thing you want is to find yourself in a costly situation because your contractor failed to follow the rules.

Make sure that your contractor is recognized by the local permitting authority, like the municipality or county, so that they can draw the appropriate permits. Also make sure that they are properly insured, that way in the unfortunate case of an accident, you as the homeowner are not held liable.

By asking these 3 questions from the very beginning, you can quickly find a reputable contractor who will manage your job in a timely and professional manner. That way you can get back to the important things, like enjoying those mountain sunsets!