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Hiring a Contractor

How to find a good roofing contractor?

Find a good roofing contractor by verifying their state license, checking for general liability and workers comp insurance, reading 50+ online reviews, confirming 5+ years in business at a physical address, getting 3+ written quotes, and asking for local references. Avoid door knockers, cash-only operators, and anyone pressuring you to sign immediately.

Detailed Answer

Choosing the right roofing contractor is the single biggest factor in a successful roof replacement. Follow this vetting process:

Non-negotiable requirements

State contractor license

Verify active status through your state licensing board website. An unlicensed roofer provides zero consumer protection.

Insurance

Request certificates for both general liability ($1M+ coverage) and workers compensation. Call the insurance company to verify active status. Without workers comp, YOU are liable for injuries on your property.

Physical business address

Google Street View it. A real office or shop shows permanence. P.O. boxes only are a warning sign.

Established history

Minimum 5 years in business under the same name. Check your state's business registration database.

Evaluation criteria

Online reputation

50+ reviews across Google, Yelp, and the BBB with a 4.0+ average. Read the negative reviews — how the company responds matters more than the complaint itself.

Manufacturer certifications

GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, or Owens Corning Platinum status means the contractor meets higher standards and can offer enhanced warranties.

Written detailed quotes

Get at least 3 written quotes with full material specifications, scope of work, timeline, and warranty terms. Be wary of quotes that are 30%+ below others — low-balling often means cut corners.

Local references

Ask for 5+ recent local references and actually call them. Ask about communication, cleanup, timeline adherence, and whether they would hire the company again.

Red flags — walk away if you see

  • Door-to-door solicitation after a storm
  • Demands large upfront deposit (50%+)
  • No written contract or vague estimates
  • Cannot provide insurance certificates
  • Pressures you to sign today for a "special price"
  • Offers to waive your insurance deductible (this is insurance fraud)
  • No permanent physical address
  • Cash-only payment terms

Compare Quotes From Vetted Contractors

Get standardized quotes from pre-vetted local roofers. Compare scope, pricing, and warranty terms side by side — no phone calls required.

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Related Questions

How many roofing quotes should you get?

Get at least 3 written roofing quotes, ideally 4-5. This provides enough data to identify fair pricing, spot outliers, and compare contractor communication styles. The lowest quote is not always the best — focus on the contractor who provides the most detailed scope of work, best warranty terms, and strongest references.

What should a roofing contract include?

A roofing contract must include total cost with payment schedule, detailed material specifications (brand, product line, color), scope of work (tear-off, decking repairs, flashing, ventilation), project timeline, warranty terms, permit responsibilities, debris cleanup, and insurance certificate numbers for liability and workers comp.

How much deposit should you pay a roofer?

A reasonable deposit for a roofing contractor is 10-20% of the total project cost, or enough to cover material costs. Never pay more than 33% upfront. Legitimate contractors rarely ask for more than $1,000-$3,000 before materials are delivered. Any roofer demanding 50%+ upfront is a major red flag.

How much does a new roof cost?

A new asphalt shingle roof costs $8,500 to $15,000 for a typical 1,700 sq ft home in 2026. Metal roofing runs $15,000 to $30,000, while premium materials like slate can exceed $40,000. The final price depends on roof size, pitch, material, and your local labor market.

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