How to choose a roofing contractor: Quick tips for a trusted pro

Picking the right roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home. The simplest path? Start local. Identify highly-rated roofers in your area, do a quick background check on their credentials, and then get at least three detailed quotes. This approach will help you cut through the noise and create a shortlist of qualified pros you can trust.

Starting Your Search for a Trusted Roofer

When you spot a roof leak or find shingles scattered across your lawn after a storm, it’s easy to panic. But the key to how to choose a roofing contractor is a calm, methodical search—not a frantic call to the first roofer you find online. Your goal is to build a small, well-vetted list of potential partners for your project.

The roofing industry can feel like the Wild West. With over 106,000 roofing businesses in the U.S., the market is incredibly scattered. In fact, the top three companies only make up less than 4% of the market, which leaves homeowners navigating a huge landscape of small, local players. This competition makes a structured search process more important than ever. You can see more data on these industry trends over at IBISWorld.com.

Build Your Initial List

The first step is simply to gather some names. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. By casting a wider net, you’ll get a more balanced view of the roofers working in your community. A mix of old-school word-of-mouth and modern digital research works best.

• Ask for Referrals: Talk to your neighbors, friends, or even people in local social media groups. A real recommendation from someone you trust is gold because they can give you the inside scoop on the contractor’s communication, professionalism, and how well they cleaned up.

• Search Online: A quick search for “roofers near me” is a great starting point. Pay close attention to companies with consistently high ratings and recent, detailed reviews across a few different websites.

• Check with Building Suppliers: This is a pro-level move. The folks at local roofing supply stores know which contractors are busy, pay their bills on time, and do good work—all signs of a healthy, stable business.

Pro Tip: When you’re scrolling through online reviews, look for how a contractor handles negative feedback. A thoughtful, professional response to a complaint can tell you more about their integrity than a dozen five-star ratings. It shows they take responsibility.

To help you get started, here’s a quick checklist for building your initial list of candidates.

Quick-Start Checklist for Finding Potential Roofers

Screening Step	Why It’s Critical	Action Item
Get Local Referrals	Trusted sources give you honest feedback on the entire experience, not just the final product.	Ask neighbors, friends, and family who they’ve used and would recommend.
Search Online Reviews	See patterns in customer feedback and how the company presents itself publicly.	Look for roofers with high ratings on multiple sites like Google and Yelp.
Verify Licensing	Ensures the contractor meets state and local requirements to perform the work legally.	Ask for a license number and verify it with your state’s licensing board.
Confirm Insurance	Protects you from liability if a worker is injured or your property is damaged.	Request a copy of their general liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates.

Completing these simple checks will give you a solid foundation and help you avoid problems down the road.

Perform an Initial Screening

Once you have a list of three to five promising companies, it’s time for a quick but critical background check. This initial screening helps you weed out any unqualified or risky contractors before you waste time on phone calls and estimates.

There are two things that are absolute deal-breakers: licensing and insurance. A valid contractor’s license proves they meet your state’s minimum standards, while proper insurance protects you from being on the hook for accidents on your property.

If a contractor hesitates or gives you the runaround when you ask for these documents, that’s a massive red flag. Cross them off your list and move on. This simple check is your best defense against scams, shoddy work, and future headaches.

Vetting Your Shortlist: Credentials and Reputation

Alright, you’ve got a handful of promising roofers. Now comes the real work—the part where you separate the true professionals from everyone else. The key to successfully choosing a roofing contractor at this stage is simple: trust but verify. Every single claim a contractor makes about their qualifications needs to be confirmed.

This isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s your primary shield against shoddy work, financial loss, and major headaches down the road. Any roofer worth their salt will not only expect you to ask these questions but will have all the paperwork ready to go.

Confirm Licensing and Legal Standing

First things first: their license. Don’t just take their word for it or accept a license number printed on a business card. You need to go straight to the source and confirm their license is active and in good standing with your state’s licensing board.

Nearly every state has an online database where you can plug in a contractor’s name or license number. A quick search reveals if the license is current and, more importantly, if there are any complaints or disciplinary actions on their record. An expired license or a history of violations is an immediate deal-breaker.

Scrutinize Their Insurance Coverage

Proper insurance is completely non-negotiable. If a contractor can’t prove they have it, cross them off your list and move on. Period. For a roofer, there are two types of insurance that are absolutely critical for protecting you.

• General Liability Insurance: This is what covers damage to your property. If a roofer accidentally sends a bundle of shingles crashing onto your car or puts a ladder through your window, this policy pays for the repairs. Without it, that bill could land squarely in your lap.

• Worker’s Compensation Insurance: This one is even more important. Roofing is a dangerous business. This insurance covers medical bills and lost wages if one of their crew members gets hurt on your property. If they don’t have it, you could be held personally liable for that accident.

The roofing industry is grappling with some serious challenges right now, with 36% of contractors citing labor shortages as a top concern. That pressure sometimes leads to smaller, less experienced crews on job sites, making your insurance verification more critical than ever. You can read more on these roofing industry statistics from ConsumerAffairs.com.

Always request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) be sent to you directly from the contractor’s insurance provider. A legitimate roofer will have no issue with this, and it ensures the document is authentic and current.

Go Beyond Basic Reference Checks

Any contractor can give you a list of happy customers. The real test is learning how they perform when things don’t go perfectly. When you call their references, you need to dig deeper than just, “Were you happy with the work?”

Smart Questions to Ask a Roofer’s Past Clients:

1.  Communication: How was the communication during the project? Was it easy to get ahold of the project manager when you needed to?

2.  Problem-Solving: Did any unexpected issues pop up? How did the contractor handle them?

3.  Budget and Timeline: Did the final bill match the original quote? Did they finish the project on time?

4.  Cleanup: How well did the crew clean up the job site each day and when the project was finished?

5.  Recommendation: Would you hire them again without a second thought?

The answers to these questions will paint a much clearer picture of what it’s truly like to work with that company. For even more great advice on vetting pros, our guide on how to hire contractors has some excellent tips.

Read Between the Lines of Online Reviews

While you’re checking references, it’s also a good time to revisit their online reviews. Look for patterns in feedback across different platforms. Be wary of a sudden flood of generic, five-star reviews all posted around the same time—that can be a red flag.

Legitimate positive reviews often feel personal. They’ll mention specific details, like the name of the crew leader, a particular challenge that was solved, or how the team went out of their way to protect the landscaping. Negative reviews are just as revealing. Pay close attention to how the business owner responds. A professional, solution-oriented reply shows accountability, while a defensive or aggressive one tells you everything you need to know.

How to Decode Roofing Quotes and Project Costs

Getting a few roofing quotes feels like progress, but the real work starts when you try to compare them. A stack of proposals with wildly different prices isn’t helpful unless you know what’s behind the numbers. This is where your diligence in how to choose a roofing contractor really pays off.

That unusually low bid might look tempting, but it’s almost always the biggest red flag. It rarely signals a good deal. More often, it points to shortcuts, cheap materials, or uninsured labor—risks that can cost you a fortune down the road. A quality proposal is about transparency, not just the bottom-line price.

Anatomy of a High-Quality Roofing Quote

A trustworthy contractor gives you a quote that’s more like a project blueprint than a price tag. It should be detailed, itemized, and leave no room for expensive surprises. Vague lines like “install new roof” are completely unacceptable.

A professional estimate will clearly break down costs, showing you exactly where your money is going. Look for these specific line items:

• Materials: It should list the exact brand and type of shingles (e.g., Malarkey Windsor Designer), underlayment, flashing, and vents. No generics.

• Labor: This section should detail the cost for the crew’s work, including the critical step of tearing off the old roof.

• Debris Removal and Cleanup: A good quote always includes the cost of a dumpster and the labor needed to leave your property spotless.

• Permits: The cost of pulling the necessary city or county permits should be listed clearly.

• Contingencies: Many experienced roofers include a clause for replacing rotted decking, typically priced per sheet. This is a sign of a pro who anticipates potential issues.

The most critical part of any quote is what isn’t there. If a proposal lacks itemized details, specific product names, or a clear scope of work, it’s not a real quote—it’s a sales tactic designed to get a signature before you ask too many questions.

To keep everything straight, use a simple comparison sheet. This helps you compare apples to apples instead of getting lost in confusing document formats.

Roofing Bid Comparison Sheet

Use this table to organize and compare bids, transforming a stack of papers into a clear summary to help you decide.

Quote Element	Contractor A	Contractor B	Contractor C
Total Cost
Material Brand/Type
Labor Warranty
Material Warranty
Cleanup Included
Permit Costs
Payment Schedule

Completing this table will help you see which contractors offer thorough bids and which do not.

Key Factors That Drive Project Costs

Understanding what influences the final price will help you spot a fair quote. Several factors directly impact your total cost, and a good contractor can explain how each one applies to your home.

The material you choose is one of the biggest variables. Standard architectural asphalt shingles are a popular, cost-effective choice for most homeowners. However, if you upgrade to impact-resistant shingles or premium materials like standing-seam metal, the price can jump significantly. You can explore a detailed breakdown of how materials affect pricing in our guide to the 2026 new roof cost.

Other major cost drivers include:

• Roof Complexity: A simple gable roof is far less expensive to work on than one with multiple valleys, dormers, and steep pitches that require more labor and safety gear.

• Roof Size and Layers: The total square footage directly impacts material and labor costs. If there are multiple layers of old shingles to tear off, expect to pay more for the extra labor and disposal.

• Accessibility: If your home is surrounded by delicate landscaping or is hard for trucks to access, labor costs might be higher to account for the extra care and time.

Once you understand these elements, you can have a much more productive conversation with potential contractors. Ask them to walk you through their quote and explain how your roof’s unique features factored into their pricing. A true professional will welcome the chance to justify their numbers and prove their expertise.

The Contractor Interview Questions You Must Ask

A detailed quote tells you what a contractor plans to do, but a face-to-face conversation is where you discover how they actually work. This interview is your last and most important step in vetting a roofer. It’s your chance to get a feel for their professionalism, communication style, and day-to-day processes before you sign on the dotted line for a massive home project.

Think of it less like a formal Q&A and more like a real conversation. You’re trying to see if this is someone you can trust and build a comfortable working relationship with. The right questions will pull back the curtain on their entire operation, from on-site management to how they handle the inevitable surprises. This is a critical part of learning how to choose a roofing contractor you can truly rely on.

Questions About Project Management and Communication

Clear, consistent communication is the absolute bedrock of a smooth roofing project. You need to know who’s running the show, how they’ll keep you in the loop, and what the daily routine is going to look like. So many homeowner frustrations start with simple misunderstandings in these areas.

To set clear expectations from day one, start with these questions:

• Who will be my single point of contact throughout the project? You need one person—a project manager, a crew foreman—who is your go-to for everything. Juggling calls between the salesperson, the office, and the crew is a recipe for confusion.

• How often will I receive updates, and how? (call, text, email)? A great contractor already has a system. Maybe it’s a quick text at the end of each day or a more formal weekly check-in. What matters is that they have a plan.

• What time will your crew typically arrive and depart each day? This isn’t just about your schedule; it’s about their professionalism. Knowing their workflow helps you manage your own routine and avoid surprises.

These questions aren’t just about logistics. They’re a window into how organized and customer-focused the company really is. If a roofer can’t give you a straight answer about who your contact will be, it’s a red flag that they’re probably disorganized in other areas, too.

Questions About the Crew and Their Training

At the end of the day, the quality of your new roof comes down to the skill of the people hammering the nails. You have every right to know who will be working on your home. The difference between direct employees and a crew of subcontractors is a big deal, especially with the skilled labor shortages plaguing the industry.

A contractor’s investment in their team is a direct reflection of their commitment to quality. Well-trained, long-term employees are far more likely to follow best practices and deliver consistent results compared to a revolving door of subcontractors.

Drill down on the details of their workforce with these questions:

• Will the crew working on my home be your employees or subcontractors? Employee-based teams generally mean more accountability and consistent training. If they do use subs, ask how long they’ve worked with that specific crew. You don’t want your home to be their first project together.

• What kind of training and certifications does your team have? Get specific. Ask about manufacturer certifications, like being a “Malarkey Certified Contractor.” This proves they are trained experts in installing the exact materials you’re paying for.

• Is there always a supervisor or foreman on-site? An experienced leader on the job is absolutely essential for quality control and solving problems the moment they pop up.

Questions About Property Protection and Cleanup

Let’s be honest: a roofing project is messy and disruptive. A true professional anticipates this and takes proactive steps to protect your property and clean up thoroughly. Their plan—or lack of one—is a huge indicator of their overall professionalism.

Don’t just assume they’ll watch out for your new flower beds or the A/C unit. Ask directly:

• What specific steps will you take to protect my landscaping, driveway, and siding? Look for detailed answers. They should mention using tarps for plants, leaning plywood against siding and windows, and having a plan to prevent a heavy dumpster from cracking your driveway.

• How do you handle cleanup at the end of each day? A good crew won’t just vanish, leaving a mess. They should secure materials and leave the site reasonably tidy and safe.

• What is your process for finding and removing stray nails? This is a big one, especially if you have kids or pets. A responsible roofer will run magnetic sweepers over your yard and driveway—not just once, but multiple times.

Asking these targeted questions helps you see beyond the price tag. The answers will paint a clear picture of a contractor’s experience, their process, and their commitment to you, the customer. It’s what empowers you to make a confident and informed final decision.

Finalizing the Deal: Contracts and Warranties

You’ve done the hard work of vetting candidates, comparing quotes, and asking all the right questions. Now comes the most critical step: locking in the agreement. This is where you move from promises to a legally-binding plan that protects your home and your investment.

Before you even think about signing on the dotted line, it’s time to put the contract and warranties under a microscope. A handshake won’t cut it for a project this big. Your written contract is the single most important document you’ll have—it’s the rulebook that holds everyone accountable.

What Every Good Roofing Contract Must Include

A vague contract is a giant red flag. A true professional will give you a detailed document that leaves nothing to guesswork. If the contract you’re looking at is missing any of the items below, you need to insist they’re added in writing. No exceptions.

Here’s a checklist of the absolute must-haves:

• A Detailed Scope of Work: The contract should spell out exactly what’s being done. This means tear-off of the old roof, how damaged sheathing will be handled, and the specific brands and models of all materials being installed, right down to the flashing and underlayment.

• A Clear Project Timeline: It needs to list a start date and an estimated completion date. Sure, weather happens, but a professional timeline sets clear expectations and shows the contractor is serious about managing the job.

• Itemized Costs and Payment Schedule: The contract must line up perfectly with your final quote. It should break down the total cost and lay out a clear payment schedule. Never, ever pay for the entire job upfront. A typical, fair structure is a small deposit (10-20%), another payment when materials arrive, and the final balance only after the job is done and you’re satisfied.

• Lien Release Waiver: This is non-negotiable. It’s a document stating that once you’ve paid the contractor in full, they—and their suppliers or subcontractors—give up any right to put a mechanic’s lien on your property. It protects you from claims by third parties.

A contract isn’t just a formality; it’s your ultimate protection. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is rushing this part. Read every line. If you don’t understand something, ask. A good contractor will happily clarify any point.

Understanding the Two Types of Warranties

Warranties can be confusing, mainly because there are two of them, and they cover completely different things. You need to understand both.

1.  Manufacturer’s Warranty (Materials): This comes from the company that made the shingles, like GAF or Malarkey. It covers defects in the materials themselves. These warranties can sound great—some last for decades—but they often have very strict installation rules. If your contractor doesn’t follow those rules to the letter, the warranty could be void.

2.  Contractor’s Workmanship Warranty (Labor): This is the warranty your roofer provides. It covers mistakes made during the installation. Honestly, this is the more important of the two, because most roof failures come from bad installation, not bad shingles. A confident, reputable roofer will stand behind their crew’s work with a solid warranty, often for 5 to 10 years or more.

When you review the workmanship warranty, look for specifics. What exactly does it cover (like leaks from installation errors)? And just as important, what does it exclude (like storm damage or damage from someone walking on the roof)? This document is a direct reflection of a contractor’s faith in their own skills.

A Final Litmus Test: Are They Up on Modern Roofing Trends?

Beyond the paperwork, there’s one last thing you can do to feel confident in your choice. Test their knowledge of where the industry is headed, especially around sustainable and energy-efficient roofing. A contractor who stays current is usually running a healthy, forward-thinking business.

The roofing world is changing fast. For instance, 75% of residential roofers in the U.S. expect their solar sales to grow by 2026. That’s a massive leap from the 24% offering it in 2024, showing a clear shift toward energy efficiency and storm resistance. You can dig into the full analysis in the 2026 State of the Roofing Industry Report.

Ask your final candidates about their experience with options like these:

• Cool Roofs: These use special reflective materials to bounce sunlight away from your house, which can make a real dent in your summer cooling bills.

• Solar Shingles: They look much sleeker than traditional panels because they integrate right into the roofline.

• Impact-Resistant Shingles: If you live in an area prone to hail or high winds, these are a no-brainer. They’re built tough to handle extreme weather.

Even if you’re just getting standard asphalt shingles, a contractor who can speak intelligently about these options proves they are a true professional who is invested in their craft. It’s one more piece of the puzzle that helps you choose a roofer who will protect your home for decades to come.

Answering Your Final Questions About Choosing a Roofer

Even after doing all your homework, a few last-minute questions always pop up before you sign on the dotted line. That’s completely normal. Choosing the right roofer is a big decision, and it’s smart to get every concern addressed.

Think of this less as a test and more as finding the right partner for your home. These final tips will help you sort through your options with the confidence of a pro.

How Many Quotes Should I Get for a New Roof?

The magic number is three to five quotes from contractors you’ve already vetted. There’s a good reason this is the industry standard.

If you only get one or two bids, you have no real way of knowing if the price is fair for your area. You could easily overpay or, worse, fall for a bid that’s suspiciously low. On the flip side, chasing down more than five quotes usually creates more confusion than clarity. You’ll get buried in paperwork and appointments, leading to decision fatigue.

Sticking to that sweet spot of three to five quotes gives you enough information to compare pricing, materials, and warranties without overwhelming yourself. It makes it easy to spot outliers—both the high-end bids and the ones that seem too good to be true.

What Are the Biggest Red Flags to Watch Out For?

Knowing what to avoid is just as crucial as knowing what to look for. Some things are universal signs of trouble, and if you spot them, it’s best to just walk away.

Keep an eye out for these classic warning signs:

• A Huge Upfront Deposit: No reputable roofer will ask for the entire payment or a massive cash deposit before starting. A demand for more than 20% of the project cost upfront is a major red flag.

• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of the “today only” special or the contractor who claims to have “leftover materials” from a job down the street. These are designed to rush you into a bad decision.

• No Physical Business Presence: A legitimate company has a local office, a real business phone number, and a professional website. A P.O. box and a cell phone are hallmarks of a “storm chaser” who won’t be around to honor their warranty.

• Reluctance to Show Paperwork: If a roofer hesitates to provide their license, proof of insurance, or a list of references, consider it an immediate deal-breaker. True professionals have this information ready and are proud to share it.

Is the Cheapest Roofing Bid Always a Bad Idea?

Let’s be clear: a strangely low bid isn’t a bargain—it’s a warning flare. While saving money is always tempting, the cheapest price often ends up costing you far more in the long run.

A contractor with a rock-bottom price is almost certainly cutting corners somewhere. This could mean they’re using subpar shingles, hiring uninsured or unskilled labor, or skipping crucial steps in the installation process. Any of these shortcuts can lead to a leaky, failing roof and thousands in future repairs.

Instead of focusing on price alone, evaluate each bid on its total value. A quality proposal might cost more upfront, but it buys you better materials, a stronger warranty, and the peace of mind that comes from a job done right the first time.

How Do I Actually Confirm a Roofer Is Licensed and Insured?

Never, ever take a contractor’s word for it. You have to verify their credentials yourself. It’s a simple step that protects you from huge financial and legal risks.

Here’s exactly how to do it:

1.  To Verify Their License: Head straight to your state’s contractor licensing board website. Most states have a free, searchable database. Just type in the company’s name or license number to confirm it’s active and in good standing.

2.  To Verify Their Insurance: Ask for a “Certificate of Insurance,” or COI. Critically, this document must be sent to you directly from their insurance agent, not from the contractor. This proves it’s legitimate. Make sure it lists both general liability and worker’s compensation coverage. For total peace of mind, you can even call the insurance agent listed on the certificate to confirm the policies are active.

Get Quotes From Trusted Local Roofing Professionals

Replacing your roof doesn’t have to be stressful. The easiest way to get accurate pricing is to compare quotes from trusted local contractors who understand your area’s climate and building requirements.

👉 Get matched with vetted roofing professionals in your area:

 

 

You’ll be able to explore options, compare estimates, and choose the best solution for your home with confidence.