1. Keep up appearances.
In planning your next major remodeling project, don’t forget to consider the look and style of your roofing. When you consider that the average roof comprises 40 percent of a home’s visible exterior, you want it to look good.

2. Sneak a peek.
Inspect your roof from a safe vantage point using binoculars. Look for cracking, curling, and missing shingles. If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, also look for areas that seem to lack granular covering. You can examine your roof from the inside, too. In your attic space, use a flashlight to look for water stains that may indicate a growing roof leak.

3. Ask the right questions.
A qualified roofing contractor should have a permanent place of business, a phone number, a tax identification number, and, where required, a business license. Also ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Otherwise, you might be the one liable for job site accident coverage.        CONTINUE READING