How to Find a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

Very few people wake up in the morning saying, “I can’t wait to pay to have my roof replaced today!” Getting your roof repaired or replaced is a necessary maintenance expense that comes around every couple of decades—and it’s never fun. However, if you find a roofing contractor you can trust, the process will be as painless as possible. The worst case scenario would be to pay someone full price to replace your roof and then have it leak, deteriorate, or need repairs again within five years.

A quick search for “roofing contractors near me” will quickly return an overwhelming amount of results. Where do you start?

You don’t have to know everything about roofing to make a good decision, but there are a few key things to consider when looking for a good, reputable, and reliable contractor. You want to be sure you can have excellent communication, a reasonable price, the necessary insurance and licensing, a written contract, and ongoing support for their work.

1. Make sure you have an open line of communication.

The best start to any business relationship is an open line of communication. Make sure you know how to contact them. Get the name of the person you talk to, make sure they have a physical location, and make sure you have a phone number to call if you have a question. Many people like to find someone a bit more local so they know they can get in contact easily.

Read some reviews. Make sure that they have a history of open communication with their clients. A good roofing company won’t expect you to know everything, but they’ll explain what they can.

2. Don’t just choose the lowest price—find a roofing contractor with insurance and consistent quality.

Don’t just go for the lowest price – sure, price hunting can help, but if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. If you pay cash for the first person that comes along, you might get a cheaper deal, but it may be uninsured, unlicensed, and you may have no recourse if things go wrong. A good contractor should also have options for financing available. Roof financing is a growing trend among homeowners according to The International Roofing Expo. Financing allows homeowners to have a quality job that’s licensed, insured, and made for quality without having all the cash up front. Often, roofing providers have a same as cash offer.

3. Make sure they’re licensed and certified for the job. 

Homeowners don’t need to know about all the certifications available to roofers, but one example, and one of the best certifications is the GAF certification. This certification indicates that a contractor is licensed, adequately insured, has a proven reputation with clients, and is committed to ongoing professional training. Another great organization to look for is the National Roofing Contractors Association. – Though not as detailed as the GAF certification, it ensures that a contractor has passed online and hands on examination to ensure they can do the job.

4. Get it all in writing. 

If you have a good contractor, you’ll be able to trust their word, and their contract. There’s no reason not to have the details of the job written out – and all their guarantees included. This may seem simple, but is too easily overlooked.

5. Consider what guarantees they have to offer. Find a roofing contractor with a warranty.

Many contractors offer a lifetime guarantee, so you know you won’t have to pay for roofing repair out of pocket shortly down the road. It’s worth thinking a bit ahead and making sure that there’s a plan in place for the next time something goes wrong. Find a roofing contractor who has a warranty and a plan. The last thing anyone wants is to pay to fix a leak in a brand new roof.

In conclusion

Finding a roofing contractor doesn’t need to take over your life, but it’s worth spending a couple hours researching a roof you’ll use for years to come, and we’re glad you did. 

If you have any further questions, you can always contact our roofing specialists with questions at 616-622-6343 – even if you don’t buy from us. – You have our word.