Questions to ask when choosing a Contractor

When you’re ready to remodel, make sure you’re hiring the best contractor. Here are six key questions to ask and why Tri-County Roofing, Inc. should be your choice.

1. Can you itemize your bid?

Some contractors like to give one total price for the project. Always ask for an itemized bid with costs for all elements of the job-demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, materials, and such. This helps with comparing bids and lets you see options for cutting costs. If you decide not to do part of the job, it shows how much you should be credited for eliminating that work.

Yes; our state of the art software allows us to itemize all of our estimates as well as any deductions or discounts you may be eligible for.

2. Is your bid a fixed price or an estimate?

With an estimate, the final bill can wind up higher, so always ask for a fixed price bid. If the contractor hesitates because there are too many unknowns, try to get the answers. Open a wall to check the structure, or ask for more detailed design plans. If unknowns persist, ask the contractor for project specs, describing what will be done. If more work is needed later, get a mini-bid for the new items.

We do offer estimates, but like the question before, our software allows us to have the most accurate amount for your job. The only reason we would need to charge you extra would be to cover costs of wood replacement beyond what is included in your price.

3. How long have you been in business here?

You should hire someone who’s been working in your town 5 to 10 years. They’ll have a local reputation to uphold, plus a good network of subcontractors and suppliers. Avoid hiring contractors from out of the area.

Tri-County Roofing, Inc. has been in business roofing homes and businesses in Charleston, SC and surrounding areas for over 40 years.

4. Can you include some of your earliest clients as references?

This verifies that the contractor has been in business for a while and tells you how the work stands up.

We have many of our earliest clients whose information we can give upon request. They will be glad to tell you about their experience with Tri-County Roofing, Inc. and how their roof has held up over the years.

5. Who are your suppliers?

Get their names and call them. Ask what customers think of the contractor, how promptly they pay their bills, and if you should hire them.

Upon request, we can give you the information to our main suppliers, should you have any questions they may be able to help you with.

6. Can I meet the job foreman?

Some contractors aren’t there running the job every day. Find out who that will be and ask to meet them, ideally at a job site. This is the most important person on your team.

Yes we have 2 quality control managers over all of our jobs. Should any issues or questions come up during your installation, they would be glad to help you or meet with you. Also, your estimator/representative is always just a phone call away and is here for you to answer any of your questions.

Choosing a contractor for any project can be an intimidating and confusing process. Use these questions as a checklist for your next big construction project. And always remember, that Tri-County Roofing, Inc. is your cutting edge roofing contractor for the Charleston, SC area since 1973.