Choose the Right Roofing Contractor...

Your roof is your home's most important protective system, and selecting the right contractor for repairs or replacement is a decision that impacts your home's safety, value, and appearance for decades. Unfortunately, the roofing industry has its share of unqualified operators and outright scammers. This guide provides the essential questions and verification steps to ensure you hire a reputable, skilled roofing professional for your project.

Why Contractor Selection Matters

The consequences of hiring the wrong roofing contractor can be severe and long-lasting:

Improper installation: Even premium materials fail when installed incorrectly
Voided warranties: Manufacturer warranties typically require proper professional installation
Water damage: Poor workmanship often leads to leaks and interior damage
Safety hazards: Structural issues can develop from substandard work
Legal complications: Unlicensed or uninsured contractors leave you vulnerable to liability
Financial loss: Incompetent work often requires complete do-overs at additional cost

Taking time to thoroughly vet potential contractors is your best protection against these risks.

Question 1: "Are You Properly Licensed, Insured, and Bonded?"

This fundamental question verifies basic professional credentials:

Licensing Requirements

Most states require specific roofing contractor licenses
Verify license status through your state's contractor board
Confirm license class matches your project requirements
Check for any disciplinary actions or limitations

Insurance Coverage

Request certificates of insurance that verify:

General liability: Minimum $1 million coverage (protects your property)
Workers' compensation: Covers worker injuries (protects you from liability)
Company vehicles: Ensures coverage for any auto-related incidents

Bonding Protection

Contractor bonds provide financial recourse if work is abandoned
Bond amounts vary by state and project size
Verify bond status with the issuing surety company

Red flag: Any contractor reluctant to provide license numbers or insurance certificates

Question 2: "How Long Have You Been in Business Locally?"

Longevity and local presence indicate stability and reliability:

Local Business Verification

Physical business address (not just a P.O. box)
Permanent office with regular business hours
Local phone number (not just cell or toll-free)
Business registration with chamber of commerce
Established relationships with local suppliers

Longevity Considerations

5+ years suggests business stability
Check business founding date on Better Business Bureau profile
Research company history for name changes or reorganizations
Ask about owner's personal experience if company is newer

Red flag: Recently established businesses with no verifiable history, especially after major storms

Question 3: "Can You Provide References from Similar Projects?"

Past performance predicts future results:

Effective Reference Checking

Request 5-10 references for projects similar to yours
Focus on projects completed within the past 1-2 years
Ask for references in your specific neighborhood if possible
Request both recent and older projects to verify longevity
Check online reviews across multiple platforms

Questions for References

When contacting references, ask:

Was work completed on schedule and within budget?
Did the crew maintain a clean, safe work site?
How was communication throughout the project?
Were there unexpected costs or complications?
How has the roof performed since installation?
Would you hire this contractor again?

Red flag: Inability to provide multiple verifiable references

Question 4: "What Manufacturer Certifications Do You Hold?"

Top manufacturers carefully select and train their certified contractors:

Major Certification Programs

GAF Master Elite (only 2% of roofers qualify)
Owens Corning Platinum Preferred
CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
Malarkey Certified Contractor
Atlas Pro Plus

Benefits of Certified Contractors

Required to maintain proper licensing and insurance
Complete regular product training and installation education
Often can offer enhanced manufacturer warranties
Subject to installation inspections and quality oversight
Demonstrate commitment to professional development

Red flag: Claiming to install premium products without corresponding manufacturer certifications

Question 5: "How Will You Protect My Property During the Project?"

Professional contractors have systematic property protection procedures:

Site Protection Practices

Look for contractors who detail:

Landscape protection methods
Debris containment systems
Driveway and walkway shielding
Window and siding protection
Attic/interior dust control
Magnetic nail sweep protocols
Daily cleanup procedures

Equipment and Setup

Professional operations utilize:

Dump trailers or designated debris areas
Material delivery and staging plans
Proper equipment for material transport
Crew parking arrangements
Bathroom facilities for workers

Red flag: Vague responses about property protection or cleanup procedures

Question 6: "What Does Your Warranty Cover and For How Long?"

Understand both manufacturer and workmanship warranties:

Manufacturer Warranties

Standard shingle warranties: 25-50 years on materials
Enhanced warranties: Available through certified contractors
Transferability options for home sales
Proration schedules and coverage limitations
Registration requirements and documentation

Workmanship Warranties

Industry standard: 2-5 years
Premium contractors: 10+ years
Coverage inclusions and exclusions
Process for submitting warranty claims
Company history of honoring warranty obligations

Red flag: Warranties that seem too good to be true or have extensive fine print exclusions

Question 7: "Can You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?"

Professional estimates include comprehensive project specifications:

Essential Estimate Components

Look for detailed information about:

Specific materials (manufacturer, product line, color)
Project components (underlayment, flashing, ventilation)
Removal of existing materials
Decking inspection and repair allowances
Installation methods and standards
Project timeline and milestones
Payment schedule and terms
Permit acquisition and inspection procedures
Clean-up and final inspection process

Price Considerations

Be suspicious of outlier bids (much higher or lower than average)
Understand what factors influence pricing
Clarify what constitutes "extra work" and associated costs
Determine deposit requirements (should not exceed 10-25%)
Confirm final payment is due only upon satisfactory completion

Red flag: Vague estimates, high-pressure sales tactics, or "special today only" pricing

Additional Verification Steps

Beyond asking these essential questions, take these additional precautions:

Online Research

Check Better Business Bureau rating and complaint history
Search business name plus terms like "complaint," "lawsuit," or "scam"
Verify online portfolio photos (reverse image search)
Research company principals and ownership
Review social media presence and responsiveness

Contract Review

Before signing, ensure contracts include:

All verbal promises in writing
Specific start and completion dates
Clear payment schedule tied to completion milestones
Process for approving any additional work
Cancellation and refund policies
Dispute resolution procedures

Trust Your Instincts

Pay attention to:

Communication style and responsiveness
Willingness to answer questions thoroughly
Professionalism of sales presentation
Pressure tactics or urgency creation
Overall comfort level with the contractor

Special Considerations After Storms

Be particularly vigilant following major weather events:

Beware of door-to-door solicitation
Verify out-of-town contractors especially carefully
Never sign over insurance checks directly to contractors
Be suspicious of contractors offering to "handle" insurance claims
Check with neighbors about their experiences
Consider temporary repairs until thorough vetting is complete

Selecting the right roofing contractor requires diligence, but the effort pays dividends through quality workmanship, reliable warranties, and peace of mind. By asking these seven essential questions and conducting thorough verification, you significantly increase your chances of a successful roofing project and a lasting relationship with a quality contractor.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

7 Critical Questions Every Homeowner Must Ask