Questions and Answers
Where do I go for References?
Contact The Better Business Bureau and give them the contractor’s name.
Homeowners, by law, can be held responsible for compensation, damages and other liabilities such as a worker getting hurt on the job. Choose a company that is licensed, is covered by Workers Compensation, and has full liability insurance. Get at least 10 references, and call them. If you can't get 10 references, consider another contractor.
What do I need to know about warranties?
There are two kinds of warranty. Manufacturer warranties, which depend on the type of material used, and warranties on workmanship. A manufacturer’s warranty lasts between 20 and 50 years, depending on the material. Most labour warranties are 5 years. A warranty on work performed is your most important protection against poor workmanship.
Can I ask questions, compare estimates, and request references?
Get estimates from three contractors and compare them "apples to apples". For your protection, get it in writing! Ask about warranties and materials, especially with windows. Request manufacturer’s brochures on the window that you feel is what you want in your home whether it be vinyl, glass, shaded or tinted.
What are warning signs of a bad roof?
Watch for condensation or mold in the attic, shingles that curl up, or missing shingles. These are sure signs that your roof is getting old. Sometimes a simple repair may be all that is needed to extend the life of your roof.
Poor ventilation in the attic will suffocate your roof, and the effects can be nasty. Watch for buckling of shingles which may be caused by poor installation, poor ventilation, or is a sign that new shingles were installed over old and rotten shingles.
On Vancouver Island, icy and wet winters can cause "ice dams" in your roof: water breeches the roof's underlayment as it melts and refreezes due to temperature differences in the attic. This can make your insulation ineffective, cause staining and leaks and even trigger structural damage to trusses, ceilings and walls.
Early warning signs are critical! Remember leaks can affect other parts of your house and make what was a simple repair more costly.