Choosing a Contractor

1) RESEARCH REGIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS

• Ask friends and neighbors who have recently replaced roofs for recommendations.
• Call your local roofing material suppliers for recommendations.
• Search the Internet and read reviews to find out which companies do a great job and which contractors draw complaints.
• Make sure the contractor you choose has a local address. You want to make sure they are around if you have any issues.

2) NARROW YOUR OPTIONS

• Make sure each roofing contractor you consider has experience installing the roofing material you want. Metal panels, asphalt shingles, and cedar shakes require separate skills that not all contractors have.
• Ask for proof of insurance and licensing.
• Ask for references from past clients. 

3) GET A ROOFING QUOTE

• Make sure you get at least three different quotes.
• Compare those quotes to see what each contractor includes. One estimate may be higher because they include tearing off the old roof, disposing of old materials, and a stipend for replacing damaged or rotten plywood substrate.
• If your quote doesn’t cover those above steps, you can ask the contractor what the additional cost would be to include them.
• Ask each contractor for estimated time lines of project completion.

4) MEET WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR TO DISCUSS the DETAILS OF YOUR ROOF REPLACEMENT

• Decide on a start date.
• Set a reasonable end date for the installation and clean up to be finished.
• Set a payment schedule. It’s a good rule of thumb to set the final payment for when the work is complete.
• Decide where materials should be dropped off and how much space the contractor and crew require to work.
• Discuss any warranties on product or workmanship.
• Include all of these decisions in your contract.