When dealing with a large roofing repair or installation project, it’s essential to thoroughly vet potential roofers to ensure you’re hiring a reliable, skilled, and trustworthy professional. Here’s a guide on how to check out a roofer before making a decision:

1. Verify Credentials

• License and Insurance:
  • License: Check if the roofer holds the proper state or local licenses required for roofing jobs in your area. This ensures they are legally authorized to perform the work.
  • Insurance: Confirm the roofer has both liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage. This protects you in case of accidents or damages during the job.
  • Why It Matters: A licensed and insured roofer provides assurance that they meet industry standards and that you won’t be held responsible for accidents or damages.

2. Check Online Reviews and References

• Online Reviews:
  • Look up the roofer on trusted review platforms such as Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to gauge the roofer’s overall reputation.
  • Look for patterns in feedback related to workmanship, professionalism, punctuality, and how the roofer handled any issues.
• References:
  • Ask for references from previous clients who have had similar large roofing repairs. Speaking directly to past clients gives you insight into the roofer’s quality of work and reliability.
  • Why It Matters: Online reviews and references help you assess the roofer’s credibility and ensure you’re hiring someone with a solid track record.

3. Evaluate Experience and Specialization

• Experience:
  • Ask how long the roofer has been in business and if they have experience with large, complex roofing repairs similar to yours.
  • Specialization: If your repair involves a unique material (e.g., slate, tile, metal), ensure the roofer has specific experience with that material.
  • Why It Matters: Experienced roofers are more likely to provide high-quality work, especially for large or complicated repairs.

4. Get Multiple Quotes

• Why It Helps: Obtaining several quotes gives you a sense of the market rate for your roofing project and helps you identify any unusually high or low prices.
• How to Compare:
  • Ensure the quotes include a breakdown of labor, materials, and any other associated costs (e.g., disposal of old roofing material, permits).
  • Be cautious of significantly low estimates, as they might reflect subpar materials or workmanship.
• Why It Matters: Comparing multiple quotes allows you to assess fair pricing and ensure you’re not overpaying for the job.

5. Discuss the Timeline and Project Management

• Timeline:
  • Ask for a clear timeline, including the start date, projected completion date, and any potential delays (e.g., weather).
  • Understand how the roofer plans to manage the project, including any subcontractors they might hire.
• Why It Matters: A detailed timeline helps set expectations and ensures the project progresses smoothly. It also helps you plan for any disruptions to your home.

6. Review the Warranty and Guarantee

• Warranty:
  • Ask about the warranty on both labor and materials. A reputable roofer should offer a warranty for their work, which can range from 5 to 25 years, depending on the project.
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty: Check if the roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty and what it covers.
• Why It Matters: A warranty provides peace of mind that if something goes wrong after the repair, the roofer will address it at no additional cost.

7. Inspect Previous Work

• On-Site Visits:
  • If possible, visit a current or recent job site the roofer is working on. Observe their work and professionalism.
  • Before and After Photos: Ask for before-and-after photos of similar large roofing projects they’ve completed.
• Why It Matters: Seeing their work firsthand allows you to assess the roofer’s attention to detail, quality, and the scope of their expertise.

8. Ask About Permits and Local Codes

• Permits:
  • Ensure the roofer handles the necessary permits for the project, as roofing work typically requires permits for safety and code compliance.
• Local Codes:
  • Discuss how the roofer will ensure the repair complies with local building codes and regulations.
• Why It Matters: Obtaining permits and adhering to local codes ensures the job is done legally, safely, and to code, which can prevent future problems or legal issues.

9. Review the Contract in Detail

• Contract Details:
  • Make sure the roofer provides a written contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, materials, payment terms, and any warranties or guarantees.
  • Review the terms carefully, and ensure there are no hidden fees or clauses that could cause issues down the road.
• Why It Matters: A clear, detailed contract protects both parties and ensures that there’s no confusion or miscommunication during the project.

10. Trust Your Instincts

• Why It Matters: While all the above steps are essential, trust your instincts about the roofer’s professionalism, reliability, and communication.
• How to Do It:
  • If something feels off about the roofer—whether it’s their attitude, their communication style, or their level of experience—it might be a red flag. It’s better to find someone you feel confident in, especially for a large repair.

By thoroughly vetting potential roofers and following these steps, you can ensure that your large roofing repair is handled by a qualified, trustworthy professional who will provide high-quality work and excellent customer service.