A roof is a big purchase from someone you have probably never hired before. Here are eight checks that weed out most bad roofers, the red flags to watch for and the questions to ask.
How to choose a roofing contractor: 8 checks
1
Check the license
In North Carolina, the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors says a general contractor must be licensed if the project is valued at $40,000 or more. Search the company on its register either way and make sure the name matches the contract.
2
Get proof of insurance
Ask for certificates for general liability and workers’ compensation, sent by the insurer rather than a photocopy.
3
Look for a local address
A real office and a local phone number matter when you need warranty work in five years.
4
Read the reviews, not just the stars
Look for volume, for recent reviews and for how the company replies to bad ones.
5
Ask about manufacturer certification
Programs such as GAF Certified and Master Elite decide which extended warranties a roofer can register on your roof.
6
Get two or three written estimates
Same shingle line, tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and decking price per sheet, so you compare like with like.
7
Read the warranty
Know how long the workmanship warranty is, and who stands behind it.
8
Watch the payment terms
Be wary of large cash deposits or pressure to sign the same day. Never sign over insurance money before the work is agreed in writing.
Door knockers who arrive after a storm and push for a same-day signature. Quotes with one number and no breakdown. No license number or no local address. Requests to pay in cash. NC DOI warns against signing blank forms or anything “as proof” of a visit. See our roofing scams guide.
Questions to ask
Ten questions to ask any roofer
What is your NC license number, and is the company name on it the one on this contract? Who will be on my roof, your crew or a subcontractor? Which shingle, underlayment and ventilation are you quoting? How do you price rotten decking? Who pulls the permit? How do you protect the yard and landscaping? How long is your workmanship warranty? Which manufacturer warranty will you register? Who do I call if something goes wrong? Can I speak to a recent customer nearby?
Want to see how local roofers compare on public numbers? See our rankings for Raleigh, Cary and Durham.
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Choosing a roofer: questions
Does a roofer need a license in North Carolina?
The NC Licensing Board for General Contractors says a general contractor must be licensed if the project is valued at $40,000 or more. Check any roofer on its register.
How many roofing quotes should I get?
Two or three written estimates for the same scope is enough to see a fair price.
What insurance should a roofer have?
General liability and workers’ compensation. Ask for certificates sent by the insurer.
What does GAF Certified mean?
It means the roofer is certified by GAF and can offer GAF system warranties. Master Elite is GAF’s top tier.
Should I pay a deposit to a roofer?
A reasonable deposit for materials is common. Be wary of large cash deposits or pressure to pay before a written contract.
