About the business
- What is the full legal business name, and what physical address can I look up?
- Are you licensed with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department for this kind of work, and what is the license number?
- Can your insurance agent send me certificates for liability and workers' compensation directly?
- How long have you been doing work in El Paso County, and can I call two customers from jobs more than a year old?
- Will your own employees do the work, or will it be subcontracted?
What a solid answer usually sounds like
| Topic | Reassuring answer | Answer that needs follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Address | A specific street address you can map | A P.O. box only, or a hotel |
| License | A number you can find in the regional lookup | Only a license from another state, or no number offered |
| Insurance | Certificates sent from the agent | A photo of a card or a promise to send later |
| Deposit | Tied to materials delivery and stated in the contract | Large cash deposit before anything is scheduled |
| Deductible | You pay your deductible | An offer to take care of your deductible |
| Permit | The contractor pulls it and gives you the number | A claim that permits are not needed for storm work |
| Schedule | A realistic start window, with weather delays explained | A start date that depends on signing today |
| Contact person | One named project contact with a direct way to reach them | Only a sales representative who will not be on the job |
About the work and the paperwork
- Exactly what is included: tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing, vents, gutters, cleanup?
- Which product will be installed, by manufacturer and product line?
- How will you handle changes if you find damaged decking or other surprises?
- Will you meet the adjuster, and will I get copies of anything you send to my insurer?
- Who is my contact during the job, and how do I reach them?
- What happens if the job is delayed by weather or material shortages?
- Do you also handle interior drying, or should I arrange that separately?
Verify on your own
- License
- Search the contractor on the regional building department's lookup
- Business registration
- Search the Colorado Secretary of State business database
- Complaints
- Check the Colorado Attorney General consumer protection resources and online reviews
- Insurance
- Call the agent listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.