Consumer Home:

Key Points for Hiring a Roofing Contractor:
A consumer guide

So it's time to re-roof your home? The following information will help you make a more educated decision about your upcoming project.

Depending on what type of roof you have, your options will vary a great deal. Remember that not all roofing contractors are the same, and by informing yourself, you will gain an advantage in combating unscrupulous individuals who are only out to get your money.

• If your state requires licensure, make sure you check to see that they currently hold a license. You could save yourself some major headaches with this step alone. To find out if your state requires a license, click here: State License Check
• Make certain that the contractor has insurance that covers general liability AND workers comp. This should be stated in your contract, and you should verify this information. It is very easy to forge an insurance paper so call the insurance company and ask them to verify the policy.
• Buying on price is not a good policy. We all want to save money, but as with most things, you get what you pay for.
• Don't assume that a contractor does good work simply because they have a good record with the Better Business Bureau. It is extremely easy to "buy" a good rating. This is a reasonable place to start, but ALWAYS check a company's references. Ask for a reference from a customer where the contractor had a problem. How that problem was handled goes a long way in determining how they might handle your problem if a situation arises. 
• Some contractors will ask for a deposit to order materials for your project. Some states and municipalities do not allow this practice. You can expect to pay a deposit if you have specialty materials or custom-made items involved. Typically these items are non-refundable, so choose wisely.
• NEVER PAY A FINAL INVOICE UNTIL THE PROJECT IS COMPLETE. So many times we hear about people who were ripped off by a contractor who gave them a "sob-story" about not having enough money to finish the job, need to buy food for the kids, etc. Chances are, if they are asking for more money and are not finished with the project, they are not planning to finish it. One exception to this would be if there was a change-order issued where you are upgrading or requiring more work than you/they originally expected.

Keep a watchful eye and make informed decisions and you can be extremely happy with your new roof and the company who installed it.

P.S. If the Roofing Contractor does a good job, please tell your friends and family, and take the time to write a letter of recommendation. Roofing is a relatively thankless job because everyone needs a roof, but the expense is often unforeseen. A little good-will goes a long way.

Contributed by: National Roof Group Contractors