How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: 10 Tips
Your contractor choice affects your roof's performance more than the shingle brand you select. A poorly installed premium shingle will fail before a properly installed mid-grade product.
Verify Licensing
Most states require roofing contractors to hold a valid license. Check your state's contractor licensing board website to verify the license is active and in good standing. An unlicensed contractor cannot pull permits, may not carry proper insurance, and leaves you with no regulatory recourse if problems arise.
Confirm Insurance Coverage
Require proof of both:
General liability insurance
Minimum $1 million. Covers damage to your property during the project.
Workers' compensation insurance
Covers injuries to crew members on your property. Without it, you could be liable.
Pro Tip: Call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is active. Certificates of insurance can be forged.
Get 3-5 Written Estimates
Never accept a single quote. Get 3-5 detailed written estimates that itemize materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, permits, and accessories. Compare line by line, not just the bottom number. Learn to read a roofing estimate to spot missing items.
Check Reviews and References
Look beyond the contractor's website testimonials:
- Google Reviews (look for 4+ stars with 50+ reviews)
- BBB rating and complaint history
- Ask for 5-10 recent local references and actually call 3-5 of them
- Ask references about communication, timeline, cleanup, and any issues
Look for Manufacturer Certifications
Top contractors earn certifications that unlock better warranties for you:
GAF Master Elite
Top 2% of contractors
OC Platinum Preferred
Owens Corning certified
CT SELECT ShingleMaster
CertainTeed certified
See our GAF vs Owens Corning comparison for how certifications affect warranties.
Understand the Contract
A proper roofing contract should include:
Never Pay More Than 30% Upfront
A reasonable payment structure is: 10-30% deposit, a progress payment at the halfway point, and the final payment upon completion and inspection.
Warning: Never pay the full amount upfront. If a contractor demands full payment before starting, walk away.
Confirm Permit and Inspection
Roofing work requires a building permit in most jurisdictions. Your contractor should pull the permit and schedule the inspection. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance claims, home sales, and code violations. See our building code requirements reference.
Get the Warranty in Writing
Understand exactly what is warranted and for how long:
Manufacturer warranty
Covers material defects. Typically 25-50 years.
Workmanship warranty
Covers installation errors. Typically 2-10 years (manufacturer-backed: 10-25 years).
Compare warranty terms using our warranty comparison chart.
Watch for Red Flags
Door-to-door solicitation after storms -- "Storm chasers" travel to disaster areas, do cheap work, and leave town.
No physical address -- A legitimate contractor has a permanent local address, not just a PO box.
Pressure to sign immediately -- "This price is only good today" is a high-pressure tactic.
Offering to waive your deductible -- This is insurance fraud.
No written contract -- Verbal agreements provide zero protection.
Cash-only payment -- May indicate they are avoiding taxes and regulation.
Bid is dramatically lower than others -- They are cutting corners, using inferior materials, or plan to add charges later.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- 1How long have you been in business in this area?
- 2Can I see your license and insurance certificates?
- 3Who will be the project manager on my job?
- 4Do you use subcontractors or your own crews?
- 5Will you pull the building permit?
- 6What happens if it rains during the project?
- 7How do you handle unexpected deck damage?
- 8What is your workmanship warranty period?
- 9When is your next available start date?
- 10What payment methods do you accept?