What Should You Look For In A Roofing Contactor?

John Humphreys, the president of DaVinci Roofscapes, offers these suggestions for choosing a roof contractor: "You want someone who has good experience and can show you three to five roofs that they have done recently. Make sure that you like the work they have done. As far as warranties, most contactors will warranty a roof for about three to five years. However, this is not nearly as important as the reputation and experience of the contractor. The warranty will only be good if the reputation of the roofing contractor is good. Make sure you are comfortable with the contractor who is building your roof."

There are several credentials that a good roofing contractor will have. First they will have an established company with a permanent address, telephone numbers, and a business license. You can even request to see the company's financial statements. Next the roofer should be able to provide information about certifications, training, bonding, and insurance. It is very important that a roofing contractor have valid insurance. They should carry both worker's compensation insurance and general liability insurance. Otherwise the homeowner could be liable for any property damage or accidents that occur during the job. Don't be afraid to ask for proof of insurance and be sure to verify that the dates are effective. Your state's licensing commission or agency can answer any questions about the requirements they have for bonding and licensing. Many states will even provide verification of an individual roofing contractor's licensing. It is a good idea to also check with your Better Business Bureau to make sure no complaints have been filed against the proposed roofing company.

A professional roofing contractor should provide you with a detailed written estimate that describes the materials they will use, labor costs, warranty specifications, and an estimated time of completion. It's a good idea to get at least three bids on a large project such as replacing your roof. The lowest price does not always equal the best deal. Significantly lower prices could mean that a contractor is cutting corners with the quality of his workers or insurance liability. You should expect to pay an up-front deposit of 10% or $1,000, whichever is less. The final payment should be made after satisfactory completion of the project. A professional roofing contractor will provide you with a contract that describes all the agreements and procedures in detail and provides information about necessary building permits. The contractor should take care of obtaining any building permits that are required.

In order to compile a list of potential roofing contractors, you can consult your local phone book, service directory, or the National Roofing Contractor's Association. The NRCA's website (www.nrca.net) lists professional roofers by region. As with any service provider, the best way to locate a quality roofer is to ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations.