The best way to choose a roofer is to compare at least three local contractors and hire the one with verifiable licensing, adequate insurance, relevant experience, a detailed written estimate and clear warranty terms. Do not automatically choose the lowest bid.

A trustworthy roofer should explain the problem, recommend the right repair or replacement, document the work in writing and give you time to make a decision.

Roofer Selection Checklist

Check What to look for
License Verify the contractor's license with your state or county, if local licensing applies
Insurance Confirm general liability and workers' compensation coverage
Experience Similar roofs, materials and repair or replacement work
References Recent customers with comparable projects
Estimate Detailed scope, materials, quantities, price and schedule
Contract Written terms for payment, changes, warranties and cleanup
Safety A clear plan for worker and property safety
Warranty Separate manufacturer and workmanship warranty information
Reputation Consistent reviews and no unresolved complaint pattern
Payment terms Reasonable deposit, progress payments and no demand for full payment upfront

The Federal Trade Commission recommends checking contractor credentials, getting several written estimates, reviewing references and avoiding contractors who demand full payment before work begins.

1. Decide Whether You Need a Repair or a Roof Replacement

Before contacting roofers, work out what kind of project you may need:

  • Minor repair: An isolated leak, damaged flashing, missing shingles or a small puncture.
  • Partial replacement: Widespread damage in one roof section.
  • Full replacement: An old roofing system, extensive damage or repeated failures.
  • Emergency protection: A temporary tarp or emergency repair after a storm.

Ask each roofer to provide:

  1. Photos of the damage.
  2. The suspected cause.
  3. The recommended solution.
  4. The expected remaining service life if you choose a repair.
  5. Problems that may appear after the roof covering is removed.

A roofer who recommends replacement without a careful inspection should not be your first choice.

2. Find Local Roofers With Relevant Experience

Start with recommendations from people you trust, local building professionals and established businesses in your area. Online reviews can help, but they should support your decision rather than replace credential checks.

Look for experience with:

  • Your roofing material, such as asphalt shingles, metal, tile, slate or flat roofing.
  • Your roof's pitch and design.
  • Homes of a similar age and construction.
  • The work required, whether repair, reroofing or complete tear-off.
  • Local weather conditions, including wind, hail, snow or heavy rain.

A roofer who mainly installs asphalt shingles may not be the right choice for slate, tile, standing-seam metal or a low-slope membrane roof.

Ask for two or three recent references for similar projects. Contact them and ask whether the roofer:

  • Started and finished when promised.
  • Protected landscaping and other exterior property.
  • Communicated problems clearly.
  • Completed the cleanup.
  • Returned to address warranty issues.

3. Verify the Roofer's License and Insurance

Do not rely only on a contractor's website or business card. Verify the information independently.

Check:

  • State or county licensing records, where applicable.
  • The company's legal business name.
  • The contractor's physical address and working phone number.
  • General liability insurance.
  • Workers' compensation insurance.
  • Required local permits or registrations.

Ask for a current certificate of insurance. For a substantial project, verify it with the insurance agent. Workers' compensation coverage can help protect you from liability if an employee is injured on your property.

Licensing requirements differ by location. Confirm the rules with your state, county or city government. The FTC also recommends confirming a contractor's license with the relevant government authority and asking for proof of insurance.

4. Get Detailed Written Estimates

Obtain written estimates from at least three qualified roofers. The estimates do not need to use the same format, but each one should describe the work clearly enough for comparison.

A useful roofing estimate should identify:

  • Roofing material, manufacturer, product line, color and style.
  • Whether the existing roof will be repaired, overlaid or removed.
  • The number of existing roof layers to be removed.
  • Underlayment and ice and water protection.
  • Flashing replacement or repair.
  • Drip edge and ventilation work.
  • Replacement of damaged roof decking.
  • Ridge caps, pipe boots and other accessories.
  • Permit and inspection fees.
  • Debris disposal and magnetic nail cleanup.
  • Start and estimated completion dates.
  • Total price, taxes and possible extra charges.
  • Payment schedule.
  • Workmanship and manufacturer warranties.

A low estimate may leave out important work. Compare the scope line by line instead of comparing only the final price.

For example, one roofer may include new flashing and removal of two existing layers. Another may price only the installation of new shingles over the current roof. Those are different bids for different work.

The FTC advises consumers to get a written estimate covering the work, materials, completion date and price. It also advises against choosing a contractor only because the contractor offers the lowest bid.

5. Ask How Hidden Roof Damage Will Be Handled

Roof decking, flashing and ventilation problems may not be visible until the old roofing material is removed.

Your contract should explain:

  • How damaged decking will be documented.
  • The price per sheet or square foot for replacement.
  • Who approves extra work.
  • Whether the roofer will provide photos.
  • Whether work stops until you approve a change order.
  • How unexpected structural damage will affect the schedule.

Do not accept a vague clause allowing the roofer to charge "additional costs as needed." The contract should state the pricing method and approval process.

6. Check the Contract Before Signing

A roofing contract should include the contractor's:

  • Legal business name.
  • Address and phone number.
  • License number, where applicable.
  • Insurance information.
  • Start and estimated completion dates.
  • Full description of the work.
  • Materials and product specifications.
  • Total price and payment schedule.
  • Change-order procedure.
  • Cleanup responsibilities.
  • Warranty terms.
  • Cancellation rights required by local law.

Make sure promises from the sales conversation appear in the contract. Do not sign a document with blank spaces.

Be cautious if a roofer:

  • Pressures you to sign immediately.
  • Offers a major discount only if you decide that day.
  • Refuses to provide a written estimate.
  • Uses a contract belonging to another company.
  • Requests cash only.
  • Asks you to sign over insurance benefits without explaining the legal effect.
  • Says a permit or inspection is unnecessary without checking local rules.

7. Use a Sensible Payment Schedule

Avoid paying the entire project price upfront. A payment schedule may include:

  1. A deposit when the contract is signed.
  2. Progress payments after defined stages are complete.
  3. Final payment after installation, cleanup and inspection.

The legal deposit limit may depend on your state. Check with your local consumer protection agency before signing.

Do not make the final payment until:

  • The agreed work is complete.
  • The property is clean.
  • Scrap and nails have been removed.
  • Any required inspection is complete.
  • You have received warranty documents and paid-in-full confirmation.
  • Outstanding defects have been addressed.

The FTC advises consumers not to pay the full amount upfront and recommends checking local rules about deposits.

8. Ask About Workers, Subcontractors and Safety

Ask whether the roofer uses its own employees or subcontractors. If subcontractors will work on the project, clarify:

  • Who supervises the work.
  • Who is responsible for insurance.
  • Whether the same contract and warranty apply.
  • Who will be on site each day.
  • Who handles permits and inspections.

Roofing is hazardous work. OSHA provides fall-protection guidance for residential roofing and reroofing, so a contractor should be able to explain how workers will be protected and how materials will be managed around your home.

A roofer who treats harnesses, ladders, roof access and cleanup as afterthoughts may also be careless with the installation.

9. Understand the Warranties

Roofing projects usually involve two separate warranties.

Manufacturer's Warranty

The roofing-material manufacturer covers product defects under its stated terms. Coverage may vary by product, installation method and whether the contractor meets the manufacturer's requirements.

Workmanship Warranty

The roofer covers installation-related problems for a specified period. Ask:

  • How long the warranty lasts.
  • What it covers and excludes.
  • Whether it is transferable.
  • Who handles claims if the company closes.
  • Whether manufacturer-approved installation is required.

A long warranty period does not prove that a roofer does high-quality work. The contract should explain the remedy, exclusions and claim process.

10. Be Especially Careful After Storms

Storm damage creates urgent demand and attracts unreliable contractors. Be cautious if someone:

  • Arrives without being asked immediately after a storm.
  • Claims to have "extra materials" from another job.
  • Insists that your roof must be replaced without a proper inspection.
  • Promises to get your insurance company to approve the claim.
  • Asks for full payment before work begins.
  • Refuses to provide identification, insurance or references.

If you plan to make an insurance claim, photograph the damage, prevent further water entry if it is safe to do so and contact your insurer before authorizing permanent repairs. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends contacting your insurer about newly discovered damage and obtaining proof of workers' compensation insurance from the contractor.

A roofer can document damage and provide an estimate. The insurer determines coverage under the policy.

How to Choose Between Two Good Roofers

Choose the roofer with the clearest written scope, the strongest documentation of similar work and the most transparent process for changes.

Compare:

  1. The written scope.
  2. Documentation of similar projects.
  3. Change-order pricing.
  4. Communication before signing.
  5. The safety and cleanup plan.
  6. Warranty documentation.
  7. The payment schedule.

A low price means little when the scopes are different. Choose the bid you can inspect on paper, question before work starts and verify after the crew leaves.