How to Hire a Roofing Contractor: A Complete Homeowner's Guide

Finding the Right Roofing Contractor for Your Home

Your roof is one of the most important components of your home, protecting everything beneath it from the elements. Whether you need a full replacement, storm damage repair, or routine maintenance, hiring the right roofing contractor is essential to ensuring the job is done correctly and your investment is protected.

Unfortunately, the roofing industry has its share of storm chasers and unqualified workers who prey on homeowners after severe weather events. This guide will help you navigate the process and find a trustworthy, qualified professional for your roofing project.

Step 1: Verify Licensing and Insurance

Before considering any roofing contractor, confirm they hold a valid contractor's license in your state. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require roofers to pass exams, carry minimum insurance, and meet experience thresholds. Ask for their license number and verify it through your state's contractor licensing board.

Insurance is equally critical. A reputable roofing contractor should carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. General liability protects your property if the crew causes damage, while workers' comp covers injuries sustained on your property. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current by calling the insurance company directly.

Step 2: Check References and Reviews

A quality roofing contractor should be happy to provide references from recent projects similar to yours. Call at least three references and ask about their experience, the quality of work, whether the project was completed on time and on budget, and whether they would hire the contractor again.

Online reviews are another valuable resource. Look for patterns in the feedback rather than focusing on individual reviews. A contractor with hundreds of reviews averaging 4.5 stars is generally more reliable than one with five perfect reviews. Pay attention to how the contractor responds to negative reviews, as this reveals their professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Contractors who demand full payment upfront before any work begins
• Door-to-door solicitation immediately after a storm event
• Pressure to sign a contract immediately without time to review
• Significantly lower bids than all other contractors (this often means corners will be cut)
• No physical business address or only a P.O. Box
• Unwillingness to provide a written contract with detailed scope of work

Step 3: Get Multiple Written Estimates

Obtain at least three written estimates from different roofing contractors. Each estimate should detail the scope of work, materials to be used (including brand and product line), timeline, payment schedule, warranty information, and cleanup procedures. Be wary of estimates that are vague or lack specifics about materials.

When comparing estimates, focus on value rather than just the lowest price. The cheapest bid often results in lower quality materials, shortcuts in installation, or hidden costs that appear later. A mid-range quote from a well-established, highly-reviewed contractor typically delivers the best long-term value.

Step 4: Understand the Warranty

Roofing projects come with two types of warranties: the manufacturer's material warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty. The material warranty covers defects in the roofing products themselves and can range from 25 years to a lifetime depending on the product. The workmanship warranty covers installation errors and typically ranges from 2 to 10 years.

Make sure both warranties are provided in writing and you understand what is covered, what voids the warranty, and the process for filing a claim. Some premium contractors offer extended workmanship warranties of 10 or more years, which demonstrates confidence in their installation quality.

Step 5: Review the Contract Carefully

Never begin a roofing project without a detailed written contract. The contract should include the full scope of work, start and completion dates, payment schedule, material specifications, warranty terms, permit responsibilities, and cleanup obligations. Read every line before signing and ask questions about anything that is unclear.

A reasonable payment schedule for a roofing project is typically a deposit of 10-30% at signing, a progress payment at the midpoint, and a final payment upon completion and your satisfaction. Never pay more than 50% before work begins, and always hold back at least 10% until the final inspection is complete.

Ready to Find a Qualified Roofer?

Finding a trusted roofing contractor does not have to be stressful. Use FindMyContractor to browse verified, reviewed roofing professionals in your area. Compare ratings, read real customer reviews, and request free quotes from multiple contractors to find the perfect match for your project.