Finding a good roof contractor can seem daunting, but it’s not too difficult to find a competent roofing company. The best place to start is with friends and acquaintances that recently used a roof contractor. Though a roof contractor need not specifically have a roofing contractor license in most states, he should be qualified to do the necessary work.

Evaluating a Roof Contractor

There are certain basic questions to ask any roof contractor or roofing company:

• Are you a member of any national or regional associations? This shows that a roofing company is committed to professionalism.
• Do you have insurance and how much? A roofing company should have at least a million dollars worth of liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance for each roof contractor.
• Do you offer a warranty? Generally a roofing company will guarantee a roof for three to five years on workmanship and shingle manufacturers will offer an additional guarantee on their product.
• Do you use subcontractors? The average roofing company will subcontract. However, it’s important that subcontractors are either covered by the main roof contractor’s insurance policy, or they have their own.
• When can you start and how long will it take? It is good to get a start date and to know when a roofing company or roof contractor will start. Roofing jobs typically take from one to four days, depending on weather, so if the roof contractor says it will take longer, it is generally best to look elsewhere.
• Will you negotiate price? Normally, a roofing company would rather negotiate price than lose the job. The average roof contractors may offer extras for the same price.

Roofing Company Tips

It is always best to know a bit more about a roof contractor/roofing company to ensure that your job will be completed on time, within budget, and correctly. In order to do so, here are some tips:

• A roofing company should be able to provide references of past jobs, and having a roofing license should be preferable.
• Be wary of bids that are considerably below others, as they may be uninsured or may do substandard work.
• Choose a company concerned with worker safety.
• Contact the local Better Business Bureau to ensure there have been no recent complaints.
• Get more than one estimate from multiple companies.
• Insist on a detailed proposal of work that will be done.
• Make sure the roof contractor has a permanent address, telephone number and contractor license to provide services.
• Make sure to confirm any roofing license or contractor license.

Using Your Gut to Choose a Roof Contractor

As with choosing any professional, a homeowner must know that she can work well with the roof contractor that that she’s chosen. There are a few basic things to look at when choosing a roofing company, such as confirming a roofing contractor license. It’s usually best to use a local roof contractor, as he’ll know all the local regulations. Finally, if you don’t feel feel comfortable with a roof contractor, consider going with another roofing company.