Roofing Contractor 101: How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Finding the right roofing contractor boosts your home's first line of defense – your roof. This unsung hero shields you from the blazing sun, torrential rain, and freezing winter cold. Skilled roofing contractors keep your roof in top shape so that you can stay comfortable and protected year-round. However, choosing an experienced and qualified professional can be difficult if you don't know where to turn. We are here to help you find the right roofing contractor for your next project.

How do you find the right roofing contractor?

When it comes to your roof, you don't want to hire just anyone for the job. Nationwide, the average cost of a new roof is about $10,000, which is a big expense for most households. Homeowners pay an average of $1,103 for a roof repair, with minor repairs costing as little as $150 and major repairs costing $3,500 or more.

A qualified and skilled roofing contractor will make sure that all work on your roof is completed properly and meets the industry standards. You can have peace of mind that your home or business will remain protected for years. In nearly all cases, the best choices are professional roofing contractors and specialized roofing companies.

Overview of professional roofer responsibilities

Roofing contractors perform various tasks associated with installing, maintaining, and repairing roofs. Their key responsibilities include:

• Inspections: If you have an issue with your roof, these contractors can fully inspect its structure and materials to spot problems and recommend solutions.
• Repairs: Once they identify any damage, roofing contractors make the necessary repairs. They may fix leaks, replace damaged shingles or tiles, and address structural issues compromising the roof's stability.
• Installations: Professionals know how to install roofing materials, such as shingles, tiles, metal sheets, and membranes. They use installation techniques intended to give you results that last several decades.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance prevents potential issues and extends the roof's lifespan. These professionals perform routine checks and maintenance tasks, including cleaning gutters, removing debris, and addressing any signs of wear and tear.
• Safety: Roofing contractors adhere strictly to safety standards and regulations throughout all phases of their work. They leave no room for error when implementing proper safety measures for themselves and their team members. They also make sure you stay safe while they work on your home.
• Documentation: Roofing contractors and companies know they must provide you with all the necessary documents for the job. These professionals make sure they outline all contracts, warranties, and timelines in a clear and concise manner.

How roofing contractors differ from roofing companies

The biggest difference between roofing contractors and roofing companies is the scale of their operations. Most roofing contractors work in a specific area around their primary location and rarely venture farther. Roofing companies tend to operate on a much bigger scale, possibly even nationwide, so they have access to a wider range of materials and talent.

The price differences between roofing contractors and roofing companies depend on a number of factors. A roofing contractor might not be able to get the same deals from manufacturers that larger companies get, so their material costs may be higher. Roofing companies generally send highly trained teams of roofing specialists with specialized equipment to do the work. While this means they may charge more for labor, the quality can be well worth the extra expense.

Another difference is that roofing contractors often use subcontractors for certain jobs to complete a project, while roofing companies tend to have an end-to-end project manager and a team of professionals under them that work for the same company. Some homeowners prefer the simplicity of dealing with a single company that has its own employees.

Roofing contractors vs roofing companies

Roofing Contractors:

Roofing companies:

5 steps: How to find the right roofing contractor

1: Verify licensing and insurance

Finding a residential or commercial roofing company or contractor should be the first step. With proper licensing, you can be sure the roofing professional you choose possesses the required qualifications for the job. Roofing companies typically run background checks on anyone who works for them, but verify this with the company you hire. An unlicensed and uninsured roofer may provide low-cost work, but the finished product will not be up to industry standards. Plus, without insurance, you could be held liable in case of accidents or damage during the project. Don't move forward until you have verified proof of both licensing and insurance.

2. Check experience and expertise

Experience speaks volumes in the world of roofing. An excellent track record demonstrates the ability of a contractor or roofing company to handle various challenges and consistently deliver quality work. Before hiring a roofer, always ask about their experience, especially in jobs similar to yours.

Additionally, make sure they have expertise in working with different roofing materials. For example, if the roofer has only handled asphalt roofs, they may not be a good choice for a metal roof installation. A seasoned roofing company or contractor brings industry knowledge and problem-solving skills to your project.

3. Read references and reviews

Take the time to research and seek out references and reviews from previous clients. A trustworthy and reliable roofing contractor or roofing company representative will be more than happy to provide you with references. By talking to these individuals, you can learn more about their work quality, communication skills, and whether they finished the assignment on time. Make sure to check out the professional's website as well. You can see what other clients say about their workmanship and professionalism.

4. Get written estimates and contracts

Once you have shortlisted a few companies or contractors based on experience, licensing, and references, the next step is to get detailed written estimates and contracts. With that documentation, you prevent any misunderstandings during and after the project.

A reputable commercial or residential roofer will always provide you with a written estimate that breaks down all the costs associated with your job. They will also give you a clear timeline for completion. If you have any questions, ask the roofer. Once you and the contractor or company agree, you will want a detailed contract.

This contract must outline the specifics discussed in the estimate. You will also have details about the payment schedules, job milestones, and other terms and conditions. A contract acts as a roadmap, showing how the project will proceed from initiation to completion. Before signing, thoroughly understand all terms laid out in the agreement.

5. Consider warranty offerings

Any type of roofing work can be costly. You'll want to know that the work is covered should anything go wrong. A reputable roofer stands behind their work. 

Manufacturers’ warranties generally provide basic limited lifetime coverage for the shingles.

Roofing companies often offer warranties on both materials and labor, while roofing contractors may provide warranties that cover workmanship but not materials. Whichever type of roofer you hire, make sure to check the warranty details.

With a solid warranty, you have peace of mind, knowing that the contractor or company will address any issues arising from the installation or materials. Steer clear of roofers who do not offer warranties.

What’s the hiring process for a roofer?

The process for hiring a professional roofer should involve these three steps: scheduling consultations, comparing quotes, and signing the contract.

Initial consultation

This meeting kickstarts your partnership with the roofing contractor or company representative. You will want to use this opportunity to discuss your goals, express your expectations, and evaluate the roofer's suitability.

Don't go empty-handed. You should have a list of questions that center on their experience, the expected timeline, and any challenges your job may present.

Remember, this meeting is not just about gathering information. This is the time to assess the roofing company or contractor’s communication style and ability to understand your project goals.

Obtaining and comparing quotes

The next step is getting detailed quotes from the roofing professionals you’re considering. These quotes should have a breakdown of costs, materials, labor, and additional expenses. You can compare the prices and each contractor's or company’s offerings when you have multiple quotes.

While cost is an important factor, consider the value and quality in your decision. Remember that the lowest quote may not necessarily translate to the best deal. Often, you will get superior materials, craftsmanship, and long-term satisfaction with a higher investment.

Contract signing and project commencement

After selecting the ideal roofer and thoroughly reviewing the detailed estimate, it's time to finalize the terms and conditions in a formal contract. The agreement covers all aspects discussed during the initial consultation and specified in the written estimate.

You always want to read through the contract. Feel free to ask questions if any points are vague or require clarification. The agreement must outline the project scope, timeline, payment schedule, and other important details. Only sign the contract when it accurately represents the agreed-upon terms.

With the contract signed, the job can officially begin. The roofing contractor or roofing company crew can start the necessary preparations, such as securing permits, ordering materials, and scheduling the workers.

Communication is important during this time. A reputable company or contractor will keep you informed about the project's progress. If any unforeseen issues arise during the work, they’ll inform you about any problems and work with you to find solutions.

Once the work is completed, the roofing contractor or company representative will perform a full inspection of the finished product. If you are happy with the results, you can sign off on the paperwork. However, the roofing professional’s work doesn’t end there. If you have any questions or problems, the roofer will address them.

Find the best roofing company or contractor for your project

Choose a qualified and skilled roofer if you want the best professional for your roofing repairs, installations, and maintenance visits. You should never settle for anything less than industry-standard services. You can verify a roofing company or contractor's licensing, experience, and references with an in-depth hiring process. If you’re hiring a contractor, ask about the qualifications of any subcontractors, too. Whatever you do, always make sure they put everything in writing. With this knowledge, you can find the right roofing professional for your next job.