Much of your home improvement’s success will depend heavily on your choice of contractor, and this is especially true for roof replacement. Even the highest quality roofing materials will require a reliable pro to perform the installation safely and properly, allowing you to easily make the most of your investment. How do you start the selection process, however?

Get Local Referrals

Instead of going in blind when you begin your search, start off with referrals from friends and neighbors. There will be more than a handful of roofing contractors in your area so referrals are a great way to create a manageable pool of options, especially with the personal feedback you’ll be getting. You can then do further research on the recommendations you’ll be getting to zero in on the right contractor for you.

Qualities to Look For in a Dependable Roofing Contractor

Thank goodness for the internet. Almost everything you want to know about your prospective roofer can be found online. Of course, a face-to-face interview is still important, but that only follows after thorough research of the contractor’s capabilities. To narrow down your selection, look for the following qualities:

Established. Make sure your prospective roofer carries the necessary credentials, including proof of state licensing, which makes them eligible to perform roofing work in your area. A licensed contractor will be deeply familiar with local building codes as well, ensuring your roof replacement adheres to safety standards.
Local. Because your contractor operates in your area, they know exactly what homes in the community face each day. A local roofer relies on the community for their business as well, so they’ll make sure to give your project the full attention it deserves. As a bonus, working with a local contractor helps you avoid storm chasers.
Established. Confirm that your prospective roofer has an existing business address, working phone and email, plus an updated business website. You can also look them up on prominent trade sites, like Angie’s List and Better Business Bureau, to check if they’ve earned satisfactory reviews and scores from previous clients. The more years they have been in business, the more you can trust that they have what it takes to address your needs.
Insured. Hiring a fully insured roofing contractor goes a long way in protecting you and your investment better. You should also make sure they carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance to cover both injuries and property damage that may arise during the course of your roofing project.
Certified. A roofing contractor who has earned manufacturer certifications from the leading brands offers many advantages. Aside from providing access to top-tier materials and products, they can also ensure workmanship that complies with the manufacturer’s quality specifications. You’ll also benefit from the generous roofing warranties included with them.

A solid warranty provides greater protection for you and your roof replacement. We’ll be discussing what it should cover in the final installment of our three-part blog.

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