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How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: Step-by-Step
Learn how to choose a roofing contractor with this step-by-step guide. Verify credentials, compare bids, and avoid costly mistakes.
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Table of Contents
- Step 1: Verify Licensing, Insurance, and Certifications
- Step 2: Research Company History and Reputation
- Step 3: Ask the Right Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
- Step 4: Evaluate Red Flags When Hiring a Roofer
- Step 5: Request Written Estimates and Compare Bids
- Step 6: Review the Roofing Contract Template and Terms
- Step 7: Plan for Post-Installation and Insurance Claims
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 2, 2026
Step 1: Verify Licensing, Insurance, and Certifications
The first step when you choose a roofing contractor is to confirm they hold proper credentials to work legally and safely in your area.
Check Contractor Registration and License Status
Every roofing contractor must be licensed by the state where they operate.
Search your state’s contractor licensing database online to confirm active license status, disciplinary history, and complaints. A contractor without a valid license cannot legally bid on roofing work and leaves you exposed to liability.
Confirm General Liability and Workers Compensation Coverage
General liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property or a worker is injured. Workers compensation insurance covers medical costs if a worker is hurt.
Ask the contractor to provide a certificate of insurance (COI) showing your address as an additional insured before you sign anything.
Call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is active, as contractors sometimes provide fake or expired certificates.
Verify Manufacturer Certifications
Major roofing material manufacturers offer certification programs for contractors who meet their training and quality standards.
Ask which manufacturers the contractor is certified by and request proof. Certification often comes with extended warranty benefits, some manufacturers add extra years when a certified contractor performs the installation.
Step 2: Research Company History and Reputation
A contractor’s track record reveals how they treat customers and whether they deliver quality work. Spend time here; this step often uncovers red flags that save you from hiring the wrong person.
Check Online Reviews and Better Business Bureau Ratings
Read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Angie’s List.
The Better Business Bureau assigns letter grades based on complaint history and response.
Be skeptical of contractors with no reviews or only five-star ratings, real businesses accumulate mixed feedback over time.
Request Local References and Past Project Portfolios
Ask for at least three local references from projects completed in the last two years. Call them directly and ask: Did the contractor finish on time?
Request a portfolio of completed projects with before, during, and after photos showing roofline, flashing, ventilation, and cleanup.
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
The questions you ask reveal whether a contractor understands the work, thinks through details, and communicates clearly. Good contractors welcome detailed questions; evasive answers are a warning sign.
Scope of Work and Project Timeline
Ask the contractor to walk through exactly what work will be done: removal of old roofing, debris disposal, underlayment installation, shingle installation, flashing work, and final cleanup.
Request a realistic project timeline. Most residential roof replacements take 2-5 days. Ask how weather delays are handled and ensure payment terms align with project milestones.
Warranty Coverage and Workmanship Guarantees
There are two separate warranties: the manufacturer’s warranty on materials and the contractor’s workmanship warranty on installation quality.
Ask the contractor to provide both warranties in writing. Understand what is covered and what voids the warranty, improper ventilation or neglected maintenance often void coverage.
Subcontractors and Project Oversight
Ask whether the contractor will perform the work with their own crew or hire subcontractors. Ask for names and contact information of any subcontractors and verify they are properly licensed and insured.
Clarify who is responsible for quality control and final inspection. The general contractor should oversee the work and sign off on completion.
Step 4: Evaluate Red Flags When Hiring a Roofer
Certain warning signs indicate a contractor may not be trustworthy or may cut corners. Learning to spot these red flags protects you from costly mistakes.
Contract Red Flags and Suspicious Terms
Never sign a contract lacking a detailed scope of work, timeline, or payment terms. Red flags include:
- No written contract, everything must be in writing.
- Vague descriptions, the contract should specify which areas, materials, and work are included.
- Unusually low price, ask why; corners are often cut on materials or labor.
- Large upfront deposit, deposits over 50% are unreasonable; standard practice is 25-33% down.
- No payment schedule, avoid contracts requiring full payment before work is complete.
- Lien waiver missing, the contractor should sign a lien waiver at completion.
Read every word of the contract before signing. If terms are unclear, ask for clarification in writing.
Pressure Tactics and Storm Chasers
Storm chasers follow severe weather and pressure homeowners to sign immediately using high-pressure sales tactics and inflated estimates.
Red flags include:
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- Pressure to decide today, legitimate contractors understand you need time to get multiple bids.
- Door-to-door solicitation, reputable contractors are hired through referrals, not random knockers.
- Promises to “handle the insurance claim”, be wary of contractors who promise to maximize your claim.
- Unusually high estimates, some inflate estimates hoping insurance will pay the difference.
Take your time. Get at least three written bids, verify credentials, and check references before committing to any contractor.
Step 5: Request Written Estimates and Compare Bids
A detailed written estimate protects you against scope creep, hidden fees, and disputes. Never hire based on a verbal quote.
What Should Be in a Detailed Written Estimate
A complete estimate includes:
- Scope of work, Specific tasks and areas covered (e.g., “remove existing asphalt shingles from 2,400 sq ft roof, install ice and water shield, install GAF Timberline HD shingles, replace flashing around chimney and vents”)
- Materials listed, Brand, style, and quantity of roofing materials, underlayment, flashing, fasteners, and any other materials
- Labor costs, Separate line item for labor, not lumped into a vague total
- Disposal fees, Cost to remove and dispose of old roofing debris
- Permits, Whether the estimate includes permit costs or if that is your responsibility
- Timeline, Start date, expected completion date, and how weather delays are handled
- Payment terms, Deposit amount, progress payment schedule, and final payment due date
- Warranty details, Both manufacturer and workmanship warranties in writing
- Exclusions, What is not included (e.g., roof repairs beyond the scope, structural damage, interior water damage)
Compare estimates side by side. If one is much lower, ask what is different, lower price often means lower-quality materials or skipped steps.
Bid Comparison and Deposit Structure
Create a spreadsheet to compare bids side by side, noting timeline, warranty terms, and credentials alongside price. Avoid contractors demanding 50% or more upfront.
Step 6: Review the Roofing Contract Template and Terms
Before you sign, understand every clause. A roofing contract protects both you and the contractor by setting clear expectations.
Essential Contract Clauses and Lien Waivers
A solid contract includes:
- Scope of work, Detailed description of all work to be performed
- Payment terms, Total price, deposit amount, payment schedule, and due dates
- Timeline, Start date, expected completion date, and contingencies for weather delays
- Warranty, Both manufacturer and workmanship warranties with terms and coverage details
- Change order process, How additional work or cost adjustments are approved and documented in writing
- Insurance and licensing, Confirmation that the contractor maintains required insurance and licenses
- Cleanup and site restoration, Contractor responsibility to remove debris daily and restore the property at project end
- Dispute resolution, How disagreements are handled (mediation, arbitration, or court)
- Lien waiver, Contractor agrees to sign a final lien waiver confirming all suppliers and subcontractors have been paid
A lien waiver is critical. It prevents subcontractors or suppliers from placing a lien on your home if the contractor fails to pay them. Request a lien waiver before making the final payment.
Building Codes and Permit Requirements
Roofing work must comply with local building codes. Most jurisdictions require a roofing permit before work begins.
Ask whether the estimate includes permit costs and who obtains the permit, typically the contractor.
After completion, the building inspector will verify the work meets code.
Step 7: Plan for Post-Installation and Insurance Claims
The job does not end when the last shingle is nailed. Plan for final inspection and understand how to document the work for insurance purposes if needed.
Post-Installation Inspection and Quality Assurance
Schedule a final walkthrough before making the last payment. Check for:
- Straight lines, Shingles should be aligned in straight rows, not wavy or crooked
- Proper fastening, Shingles should be firmly attached with no lifted or loose tabs
- Flashing, All flashing around vents, chimneys, and valleys should be properly sealed and caulked
- Ventilation, Soffit and ridge vents should be clear and unobstructed
- Cleanup, All debris should be removed from the roof, gutters, and yard
- Permits and inspection, Request the final building permit sign-off confirming code compliance
Do not make the final payment until you are satisfied with the work. Take photos of the completed roof for your records. These photos are valuable if you need to file an insurance claim later or if warranty work becomes necessary.
Insurance Claim Integration and Documentation
Keep all receipts, permits, and warranty documents in a safe place.
Some contractors offer to handle the insurance claim process, but you maintain the right to choose your own contractor.
At Maven Roofing, we understand the importance of choosing the right contractor for your roof. Our veteran-owned team has served homeowners across Eastern North Carolina since 2015, providing comprehensive roofing solutions with integrity and precision. When you choose a roofing contractor, verify their credentials, research their reputation, ask detailed questions, and review the contract thoroughly. These steps ensure your roof is installed correctly and your investment is protected.
National Association of Home Builders contractor standards
Better Business Bureau guide to hiring contractors
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau tips on home improvement contracts
Book your free roof inspection with Maven Roofing online and let our team assess your roof’s condition with no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What licenses and insurance should a professional roofing contractor carry?
A licensed roofing contractor must hold a valid state contractor’s license and carry general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. Ask for proof of current coverage and verify the contractor is listed with your state’s licensing board. Manufacturer certifications from major shingle or roofing system suppliers indicate specialized training and access to premium materials. Always request certificates directly from the contractor and confirm they’re active.
How can I verify a roofing contractor’s reputation and past work?
Check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and industry-specific platforms. Request at least three local references from completed projects similar to yours, and ask to see photos of past work. Contact the Better Business Bureau to confirm the contractor has no unresolved complaints. Visit completed projects in person if possible to assess workmanship quality and ask homeowners about their experience directly.
What red flags should I look for when interviewing roofing companies?
Avoid contractors who demand large upfront deposits, pressure you to decide immediately, or refuse to provide written estimates. Be wary of door-to-door contractors offering ‘limited-time’ deals or those who won’t provide references. Contractors who cannot clearly explain their scope of work, warranty terms, or building code compliance are risky. Never hire someone without verifiable licensing and insurance or those unwilling to sign a detailed contract.
What should be included in a professional roofing contract?
A roofing contract template must include the scope of work (materials, labor, timeline), total cost breakdown, warranty details (workmanship and manufacturer), payment schedule with deposit terms, insurance and licensing information, permit responsibility, cleanup and disposal procedures, and a completion date. The contract should specify who handles lien waivers, reference applicable building codes, and detail what happens if changes arise. Both parties must sign and date the agreement before work begins.