1. What’s your state license number?
Before you sign any agreements or make any payments, be sure that you are dealing with a state licensed contractor. You can verify this online or simply by asking the contractor for their licensing information.
2. May I see your certificate of insurance?
Verify your contractor’s insurance by asking for their insurance information and giving their insurance company a call to verify that information.
3. How long have you been in business?
As a property owner, it’s your job to ensure that you’re receiving the best possible care for your property. Choose a contractor who is local, who’s been around for more than 5 years, and who has a solid reputation.
4. What manufacturer certifications do you hold?
In the roofing industry, you’re going to want to see certifications from GAF, who is one of the largest roofing material manufacturers in the country, Owens Corning, Tamko, Gaco Western, DuroLast, Select ShingleMaster, and other popular roofing manufacturers.
5. Are you accredited by the BBB?
Be sure to check that your contractor is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. You can verify this by looking them up on the BBB’s website or by checking the contractor’s website for the BBB Accredited Contractors badge.
6. What professional organizations do you belong to?
Choose a contractor who is a member or is associated with professional roofing organizations like the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) and HAAG Certifications.
7. May I speak with some recent references?
Any solid contractor will be more than happy to provide you with a list of references from their previous jobs. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor for a list of 10-15 references on their most recent closed jobs, and give those references a call to hear their reviews.
Make sure your roofing contractor can answer all seven of these questions. Also check the contractor’s website and social media profiles.
A few more tips…
Don’t settle for the lowest bid
When it comes to an insurance claim, never settle with the lowest bid. In most cases you are wanting to find the most affordable option, when it comes to your roof, that’s not the case.
It is your insurance company’s duty to replace or repair your roof to the same or even better condition than it was previously.
When you look to go with the lowest bid, you’re most likely going to be going with the lowest quality. And when you’re deductible is the same regardless of quality, you want to make sure you’re getting the best.
Keep copies of all your paperwork
Be sure to keep a copy of any and all paperwork given to you during the claims process. This will help keep yourself and the contractor accountable in everything that is being pursued.
Choose a professional
Use your judgment when it comes to choosing the right roofing contractor. Make sure that they dress and act like a professional.
A professional contractor is going to be attentive to your needs, respectful of you and your property, and will keep your best interest in mind.
I like your point to NOT go with the lowest bid! “You get what you paid for” is definitely true in the construction industry.
Thanks for sharing these informative tips.That is very helpful to us for maintaining roof problems.
I just wanted to thank you for going over some things to think about when getting a roofer. I’m glad that you mentioned that you should find someone who communicates well because that’s important to help you know where they are in this process. It definitely sounds like it could be beneficial to make sure that the two of you establish a good way to keep in contact with each other early on, like through email or phone calls.
It’s nice that you said that a roofer should have references from jobs that they have previously worked on. I also like how you said that they should be properly certified as well. My husband and I are looking into roofers to provide maintenance to ours.
It is a good suggestion to ask for a contractor’s licensing information or to look for it online so you can verify that they are licensed by the state. Our home was built in the ’70s, and I think it is time to get the roof inspected and repaired. To be sure we hire a real professional roofing contractor, I will follow your advice before choosing who to hire.
Last night I noticed that the wind blew off a lot of my roofs shingles. I should probably get my roof repaired before it snows later this winter. So, I liked that you pointed out that getting a professional to help me out would be very smart.