Hiring a roofing contractor is a major decision—one that most homeowners will only need to make once or twice in their lifetime. Choosing the right contractor is essential to ensure your roof is installed properly and performs as expected.
Start with Trusted Recommendations
Begin your search by asking friends, neighbours, or colleagues for referrals. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insight into a contractor’s reliability and quality of work. You can also check with your local BBB or Chamber of Commerce for reputable contractors in your area.
Online reviews are also a useful tool, but take them with a grain of salt—especially unverified ones. Look for patterns in feedback rather than focusing on one-off complaints or glowing reviews that may not be genuine.
If you’ve already selected your roofing product, check with the manufacturer to see if the contractor you’re considering is an authorized installer. Authorized installers are typically vetted to meet certain standards, though it’s important to remember this doesn’t guarantee their workmanship. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to research your contractor thoroughly.
Make the Most of Your First Meeting
When setting up your initial appointment, ask the contractor to bring references and photos of past work—both recent and older projects. This helps you evaluate how long they’ve been in business and how well their roofs stand the test of time.
Reaching out to past clients if you can as this can give you valuable insight. Ask how their experience was, whether the project stayed on budget and schedule, and how any issues that arose were handled.
Keep in mind that some roofing companies may have once delivered excellent results but may no longer have the same quality team. Like many trades, roofing companies can experience high staff turnover, which can impact workmanship.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Storm-chasers: Be wary of contractors who show up after storms. These “fly-by-night” roofers often rush jobs, deliver subpar work, and disappear once paid.
- Out-of-town contractors: While not all are problematic, hiring someone who isn’t local can make it difficult to resolve issues that come up later.
- Upfront payment in full: Never pay for the entire job before work begins. A reasonable deposit may be required, but full payment should only be required after the job is complete and inspected.
- Pressure to sign quickly: Don’t sign anything until you’re confident in your decision. Read all agreements carefully and make sure you receive copies for your records.
- Unanswered questions: If a contractor seems evasive or can’t answer your questions clearly, that’s a red flag. A professional roofer should be transparent and knowledgeable.
Key Questions to Ask
Before you make your final decision, ask the contractor to provide:
- Proof of insurance and any required licensing for your area.
- Details about their experience—both general roofing and specifically with the product you’ve chosen.
- Information on who will be performing the work (their own crew or subcontractors).
- What is the lead installer’s experience with your chosen product (at least 3 years is recommended).
- Also, discuss how they handle weather delays, job site cleanup, and communication throughout the project.
Understand the Warranties
You should receive two types of warranties upon job completion:
Workmanship Warranty – This comes from the contractor and typically lasts 5–10 years. It covers issues related to the installation itself.
Manufacturer’s Product Warranty – Depending on the roofing product, this can range from 10 years to over 50 years.
Don’t hesitate to ask your potential contractor for these details in writing and make sure you thoroughly understand what is and is not covered.
Final Thoughts
You could choose the best roofing material on the market, but without a skilled and experienced installer, it may not perform as expected. Take the time to research, ask the right questions, and don’t rush the decision.
The effort you put in now can save you from headaches—and costly repairs—down the road.