PURPOSE / ACCESS / OUTPUT
Agree what the visit is meant to establish, any charge and what you will receive afterward. Bring existing observations and records; leave roof access and inspection methods to the appropriate professional.
ILLUSTRATIVE VISIT REQUEST / NO APPOINTMENT
“A previous repair did not stop the recurring concern. Please explain what this assessment will cover and whether I will receive findings and options, a sales proposal, or both.”
That fictional request identifies a purpose without preselecting replacement. Ask about the expected output, assessment limits and fee before agreeing to a real visit.
Gather prior repair descriptions, proposals, verified dates and existing photos. A short account of the affected area and recurring weather is useful; uncertain dates should stay uncertain.
Explain locked gates, shared-drive arrangements and rooms in use. Ask which areas the contractor proposes to access, who must be present and what remains outside the assessment. Do not enter an unsafe attic or supply a roof photo taken from a ladder.
Confirm its name and the attending person's role. LARA describes builder and trade-specific M&A licenses. Check the applicable record and authorized scope through the official licensing entrypoint; this page verifies no provider.
Ask what was observed directly, what remains an assumption and which recommendation each finding supports. Identify any area that could not be assessed and whether another specialist needs to be involved.
If winter leakage is part of your history, mention it. UMN Extension identifies heat loss as an ice-dam contributor. Ask whether related evaluation belongs in this visit or a separate scope.
Request findings, supporting information and the proposed next step. Check which questions were resolved and which still need assessment; an inaccessible area should not disappear from the report.
A useful visit leaves you able to explain the proposed work and its limits. The visit discussion is not the final work agreement.
Read the roof assessment boundary