A Simple Approach to Finding a Great Roofing Contractor the Easy Way
You've heard stories about shady roofers who show up at your door, pressure you to sign a contract and then disappear before the job is done. The best way to avoid these types of roofing contractors is by doing your homework.

The following is a simple approach to finding a great roofing contractor the easy way.

1. Look for a Reputation
Getting referrals from friends and family is one way to find a great roofing contractor, but it’s also important to do your own research. Start by checking how long they’ve been in business and who owns the company. Then, look for online reviews.

If you come across any negative reviews, see if the company has responded and try to understand the context of the review. Next, look for photos of past jobs and read through customer testimonials. Reputable roofing contractors are happy to share these and will make them easy to find online.

It’s also a good idea to ask about licenses and insurance. Ideally, a contractor will have worker’s compensation and liability insurance to protect you if something goes wrong with your roof installation. Also, make sure they don’t require you to pay in cash – this leaves no paper trail and makes it harder to resolve any issues down the line. Also, a reputable roofing contractor should be able to explain their pricing structure clearly and accurately.

2. Check Reviews
You can find out a lot about a roofing contractor by checking their online reviews. You may also want to ask for references from past clients and see pictures of their work (be sure to check out the quality).

Avoid contractors with a slew of negative reviews or those who only have positive reviews. It could indicate that they are unable to meet the expectations of their customers or take care of issues once they begin a project.

You should also ask the roofer about their insurance coverage and request a copy of their insurance certificate so you can verify that it is active. This is especially important because a new roof is a big investment and you don’t want to be stuck with a bill if something goes wrong. Look for local companies that are familiar with the area's building codes and regulations and who have workers' compensation insurance in case someone gets injured on the job.

3. Ask for References
One tried-and-true way to find a local roofing contractor is to query friends and neighbors for their experience with roofers. Ask if they were satisfied with the work, and if they would hire that roofing company again. Testimonials are the best way to determine whether a roofing company is right for you, and you can bet that quality contractors will be more than happy to give you the contact information of past customers.

When requesting a list of references, ask for a list of houses the roofing contractor has worked on in the last 3 to 6 months so that you can visit the properties and see their work. A good roofing company will be proud to share their customer lists and be excited to show off their skills.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask about insurance coverage. Some roofing companies move into an area following a storm and take advantage of people who need help, but they often do not have adequate insurance or other requirements for the state in which they operate.

4. Get a Quote
A quality roofing contractor should include everything that impacts the price of a roof, including permits, disposal costs, insurance, labor and other fees. This is one of the ways that roofers can stand out from the competition. If a competitor doesn’t include this information in their quote, homeowners may be suspicious of their work.

A reputable roofing contractor should also provide a detailed description of the work and estimated completion dates. They should also clearly explain their terms of payment and offer a warranty, if applicable.

The best roofing contractors know that word-of-mouth your roofing company referrals are critical to their business, so they will do whatever they can to please their customers. This includes providing a high-quality product and excellent customer service. They will also make an effort to support local businesses, whether it’s a local grocer, healthcare professional or hardware store. These small gestures show that they care about their community, which in turn helps their reputation.