Your Free Guide to Hiring Roofing Contractors

Understanding the Roofing Contractor Hiring Process

Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the most significant home improvement decisions you'll make. Your roof protects everything beneath it—your family, belongings, and the structural integrity of your home. According to the National Association of Home Builders, roofing projects represent approximately 10% of total home renovation spending, with the average residential roof replacement costing between $8,000 and $15,000 depending on size, materials, and location.

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Before you contact any contractor, it helps to understand what the hiring process involves. This isn't a quick decision. Most homeowners who hire contractors successfully spend two to three weeks researching, getting quotes, and evaluating options. The process typically includes identifying what work you need, finding potential contractors, requesting and comparing estimates, checking credentials, and making a final selection.

Different roofing projects require different expertise. A simple repair—fixing a few damaged shingles or patching a leak—is different from a full roof replacement. Some contractors specialize in specific roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or tile. Others focus on particular types of buildings, such as residential homes versus commercial properties. Understanding what your project requires helps you find contractors who have done similar work.

The roofing industry includes sole proprietors who work alone, small crews of two to five people, and large companies with dozens of employees. Each has advantages. Smaller operations may offer more flexibility and personal attention. Larger companies often have more resources, insurance, and established safety records. Neither size is inherently better—it depends on your specific project and preferences.

Practical takeaway: Before contacting contractors, identify what work you need (repair, partial replacement, or full replacement) and what roofing materials interest you. This clarity helps you describe your project accurately and ensures contractors you contact have relevant experience.

Researching and Identifying Qualified Contractors

Finding roofing contractors in your area requires research from multiple sources. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) maintains information about thousands of contractors, including complaint histories and how businesses respond to concerns. As of 2023, BBB reports that approximately 70% of roofing complaints relate to project delays, quality issues, or communication problems. Checking BBB ratings gives you insight into whether contractors have addressed past concerns.

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Online review platforms provide real customer experiences. Google Reviews, Yelp, and Angie's List contain feedback from homeowners who hired specific contractors. When reading reviews, look beyond star ratings to read actual descriptions. A five-star review that says "Great job, very professional" is less informative than one explaining exactly what made the work exceptional. Similarly, negative reviews are most useful when they describe specific problems rather than vague complaints.

Licensing and bonding information is often searchable through your state or local licensing board. Most states require roofing contractors to hold current licenses, which means they've passed tests demonstrating knowledge of building codes, safety, and business practices. You can typically verify license status on your state's Department of Consumer Affairs or similar agency website. Bonding is an insurance product that protects you if the contractor fails to complete work or doesn't pay suppliers and sub-contractors.

Referrals from people you know carry significant weight. If a friend, family member, or neighbor used a contractor recently, their firsthand experience is valuable. Ask specifically what they liked and disliked, whether the contractor finished on time, and how they handled problems if any arose. People are often willing to share detailed experiences with people they know.

Professional organizations like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) maintain member directories. Members of these organizations typically follow codes of conduct and continuing education requirements, though membership doesn't guarantee quality—it indicates the contractor chose to join an organization with standards.

Practical takeaway: Create a list of at least five potential contractors using BBB, online reviews, state licensing verification, and personal referrals. Document the source where you found each contractor so you can reference their credentials during conversations.

Getting and Comparing Contractor Estimates

An estimate (sometimes called a quote or proposal) is a written description of the work and the cost. Detailed estimates typically include the scope of work, materials to be used, labor costs, timeline, payment terms, and warranty information. According to industry standards, you should request estimates from at least three contractors for any significant roofing project. Comparing multiple estimates helps you understand the typical price range and identify outliers—bids that are much higher or lower than average may warrant questions.

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When you contact contractors requesting estimates, provide the same information to each one. Describe the size of your roof (you can give square footage or just say "1,200 square foot ranch home"), the current roofing material, the condition of the roof, and what work you need. If you're unsure about square footage, most contractors can calculate it when they visit. Request that they visit in person to inspect the roof rather than providing estimates over the phone. In-person inspections allow contractors to spot issues you might not notice—structural problems, ventilation issues, or hidden damage—that affect the final cost.

Estimates should be itemized. Avoid contractors who provide only a total price with no breakdown. A good estimate shows the cost of materials, labor, disposal of old roofing materials, underlayment, flashing, vents, and any other components. It should specify the brand and grade of materials. "Asphalt shingles" is vague; "GAF Timberline HD architectural shingles in weathered wood color" is specific. Specific material descriptions prevent misunderstandings about what you're paying for.

Watch for red flags in estimates. Be cautious of contractors who pressure you to decide immediately or offer large discounts that expire "this week." Legitimate contractors understand that homeowners take time to make decisions. Be skeptical of bids that are significantly lower than others—they may indicate lower-quality materials, inadequate insurance, or unrealistic timelines. Conversely, the highest bid isn't automatically the best. Price matters, but it's only one factor.

Ask each contractor about their warranty. Many offer manufacturer warranties on materials (often 20-30 years for asphalt shingles) and workmanship warranties (typically 5-10 years, covering installation quality). Different contractors may offer different warranty terms, and these are worth comparing.

Practical takeaway: Request detailed, itemized estimates from at least three contractors. Create a comparison spreadsheet listing materials, labor costs, timeline, and warranties side by side. This visual comparison makes differences easy to spot and helps you make a decision based on full information, not just price.

Verifying Insurance and References

Before hiring any contractor, verify that they carry appropriate insurance. Roofing is dangerous work—falls from height cause injuries regularly. Workers' compensation insurance protects workers if they're injured. General liability insurance protects your home if the contractor accidentally damages property during the job. Roofing contractors should carry both. Ask contractors for their insurance information and verify coverage directly with their insurance companies. Don't accept a photocopy of an insurance card—call the insurance company to confirm the policy is current and covers roofing work at your address.

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According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fall protection is required on roofs, but enforcement varies. Contractors who take safety seriously train their crews on fall protection, use harnesses and guardrails, and maintain clean work sites. During the estimate visit, notice whether the contractor discusses safety or just talks about price and timeline. Good contractors prioritize safety because injuries delay projects and cost money.

References from past clients provide the most direct feedback about a contractor's work. When a contractor provides references, contact them. Ask specific questions: Did the contractor show up on schedule? Did they communicate if issues arose? Were workers respectful of your property? Did they clean up at the end of each day? What was the final cost compared to the estimate? Would you hire them again? Most homeowners are willing to talk about their experiences, and these conversations often reveal details that written reviews don't capture.

Look for references from similar projects completed within the last two to three years. A contractor who did excellent work five years ago may have different practices now. Ask for references from your neighborhood if possible—a contractor who has worked nearby can speak to local conditions, and neighbors may let you see the actual roof they installed.

Check for complaints and legal actions. The state licensing board and BBB database may