When the time comes to replace or repair your roof, choosing the right roofing contractor for your project is an important decision. Searching online for roofers near you will likely bring up dozens, if not hundreds, of results.

How can you quickly narrow down your list to the most trusted, reputable roofing companies in your area? Read on to learn more about what you can do to help streamline the process of finding and hiring a trusted roofing contractor for the job.

WHAT IS A ROOFING CONTRACTOR?

Unlike a home renovation or general contractor, a roofing contractor is a professional who specializes in repairing, replacing, or installing new roofs. Sometimes also referred to as roofers, they are trained to work with different roofing materials, such as shingles, underlayment, ventilation, and other roofing system components. A great roofing contractor can handle various types of roofing projects, from small repairs to total roof replacement.

Typically roofing contractors run their own crews and jobs directly with homeowners but sometimes they are hired (or sub-contracted) by other contractors or builders to install their roofs. In some cases, roofing contractors also utilize sub-contracted labor based on the volume of their workload or on their business model. In this case, it’s important to understand the level of oversight your contractor will provide to sub-contracted crews. The contractor you hire is ultimately responsible for your roofing job regardless of the type of installers he has. Be sure to ask questions before you sign the contract.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A ROOFING CONTRACTOR

While many factors go into choosing a roofing contractor, here are a few basic considerations:

Ratings and Reviews

Start by checking a roofing contractor’s ratings and reviews. Ask around. Ask your neighbors, friends and family members who they’ve used for roofing work in the past.

Manufacturer Network Membership

Determine if the roofing company belongs to a manufacturer’s network. Most roofing manufacturers have multi-level, or tiered, professional networks or membership programs that contractors can join if they meet certain criteria.

Benefits

If you hire a roofer that belongs to a manufacturer’s program, then you may have access to additional benefits, such as extended warranties, in addition to some reassurances about their business practices.

Learn more about the New Edge Roofings.

Physical Address and/or Commitment to Service Area

A roofing company may have a physical address locally, or they may serve a larger area outside of their main office.

Is the roofer you’re thinking about hiring going to be in your area one year or more after the work is completed?

Who will you call if there is a problem in the future?

Find out how long the company has been in business, and if they don’t have a physical location in your area, check the BBB and other trusted references to see if the roofing company is a legit operation in good standing. This can help you to avoid scammers and questionable companies that pop up after a severe storm.

Insurance

Make sure the roofing contractor you choose is adequately insured. Ask the roofer how their insurance protects you and your property. Individual states and counties require different insurance coverage.

A roofing contractor should explain the differences in their coverage/policies, for example, Workers Comp vs. General Liability.

References

Ask roofing contractors if they have references, including names of past customers.

Credentials

Requirements vary by location, so make sure the roofing contractor you choose has all the proper licensing and permits required to perform the work in your area.