The Ultimate Roofing Contractor Checklist: Hiring the Right Professional

Picking a contractor is always a challenge. You are hiring someone to work on your home. Even if they have references or clients whose homes you can visit, you may not know what to ask or how to determine if their work is high-quality. That is why we put together a roofing contractor checklist. Whether you choose us or go with one of our competitors, we urge you to ensure that your roofing contractor checks off every detail on this checklist. If not, you may be setting yourself up for frustration and disappointment.

Ask Friends, Family, and Neighbors

If you are looking for a roofing contractor, check who people use in your neighborhood. If you have friends and family nearby, see if they have been happy with a roofer. Sure, every business has to start somewhere. However, finding a recommended roofing company lets you know that they do quality work and have good customer service. That is a great place to start your list. If no one you know has recently had their roof replaced or repaired, visit sites like neighborhood Facebook or Nextdoor.

Compare Them

Once you have narrowed down your list, it is time to ask them questions. Set up a quote from them. How they act at your quote gives you an idea of customer service. Look at their online reviews. Also, check their internet presence- nowadays, even a mom-and-pop contractor should have a good website. Find out how long they have been in business, whether they have insurance, and if they can provide references. When you get your quote, find out how long the roofing project should take in addition to the cost. Your contract should include fixed costs and a project completion date.

Look Out for Red Flags

Some roofing contractors are shady. That is particularly true in the aftermath of a big storm. Do not do business with them if they want to be paid ahead of time, pressure you to sign a contract, or offer to work with you to “scam” the insurance company. You should never pay the total cost of the roof before it is installed.

Another red flag is price. You should be getting several quotes. It is probably too good to be true if one is much less than the others. How will they manage that price even if they get you that roof?

Outline the Exact Project

You want to ensure you and your contractor have a meeting of the minds. So, make sure you agree on the total amount, the payment schedule, the project start date, the project end date, who is responsible for clean up, etc. Do not make assumptions that particular services are included in the contract. If you want it in the agreement, make sure it is in writing before you sign.