When it’s time for a new roof, you should do your homework and find the best roofing contractor. You should be confident that they will complete high-quality work. But what do you need to look for? Most people only get a roof replaced once in their lifetime, so many are not familiar with how to check out a roofing contractor.

There are a lot of factors to consider and information to review in a checklist for hiring a roofing contractor, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what to consider when choosing a roofing company:

1. Local Referrals and Reviews

One of the best ways to find a competent and trustworthy roofing contractor is to ask around and get a referral. Have any of your friends, family members or neighbors had roofing work done recently? Ask them a couple of questions about their experience. Were they happy with the end product? How was their experience while the work was being done? Would they use that contractor again? These three questions can tell you a lot of what you need to know about the contractor.

The next place to look is online review sites. Check Facebook, Google, Yelp and anywhere else you can find reviews about the business. This is how you can find honest reviews from people who’ve had work done by them. Remember to take reviews with a grain of salt and read them carefully. Look for longer reviews that include more details rather than just considering the star rating. You may also be able to get leads on reliable contractors from local hardware stores.

Look for companies that have served thousands of satisfied clients. Beyond that, look for roofing companies that have received awards and recognitions from organizations like Angie’s List, Nextdoor, Houzz and many others. Guildmaster Awards, for example, are awarded to companies that demonstrate high-quality customer service in the residential construction industry.

2. Warranties

The next thing to consider is the warranties the company provides. They should have product warranties on each roof they offer in addition to a workmanship warranty. The product warranties are offered by the roof manufacturer, and they cover issues with the roofing materials. The workmanship warranty generally covers issues from how the roof was installed.

Warranties can be vastly different depending on the manufacturer and contractor you choose. Product warranties can be 25 years, 50 years or limited lifetime. Contracting or workmanship warranties in some states must be at least one year but can be as high as 10 years.

Look for information about warranties on roofing company sites. You could also contact the roofing company you’re interested in for more information about its warranties. Ask for information like:

• What do the warranties cover? What don’t they cover?
• How long are your workmanship warranties?
• How long are your material and product warranties?

3. Proper Insurance and Licensing

Roofing can be a dangerous job, so the contractor you choose must have adequate insurance and the required licenses. Insurance is necessary for protecting the roofers, you and your home if an accident were to occur on your property. When you meet with your roofing contractor to get your estimate, ask for copies of the insurance certificates and verify that they are in date.

For added assurance, you could also contact the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation in your state to confirm that the business is licensed in your state.

Roofing companies should list information about their licenses and insurance on their sites. Look for phrases like “fully insured,” and see if the company holds a variety of insurance policies and licenses.

4. BBB Accreditations

You can also review the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings to make sure you are dealing with a responsive business. Keep in mind that most satisfied customers will not leave a review with the BBB, so many company reviews there can skew negative.

However, there is important information you can learn from the business’s BBB page. You can learn a lot by simply looking at their BBB rating. The highest possible rating is an A+, and it indicates that the company is trustworthy and responsive. Remember to read what reviewers have to say beyond looking at the star rating, as well.

5. Long Track Record

Contractors that have been in business for a long time with a positive reputation are what you need to look for. While there may be many trustworthy companies that have only been in business a few years, it is typically much safer to choose one that has stood the test of time. This is especially true when it comes to long-term products such as your home’s roof or siding. These products are meant to last a lifetime, but poor installation can be a major downfall.

With decades of experience, roofing companies develop knowledge and expertise. A long track record in your particular location will ensure roofers understand the climate and inclement weather your roof will face.

6. Recent Certifications

A trustworthy, quality contractor will have many certifications. However, it’s not just the number of certifications that’s important. Look at when they got that certification. Lots of things change over time, such as safety standards, so it’s a great sign if a company has certifications and awards from the last few years. It’s important that the contractors have up-to-date knowledge rather than just relying on old procedures.

Look for roofing contractors that pride themselves on continuing education. Other than reviewing certifications online, you can speak with a roofer to get a sense of their expertise. Ask their opinion on your home’s roofing situation to see what they suggest based on their knowledge.

Choose Sunshine Contracting for Your Roof Replacement

Sunshine Contracting has been serving the people of Virginia for their roofing, siding and general contracting needs since 1993. We strive for exemplary, dependable and friendly service that will exceed your expectations. We have the experience needed to safely and efficiently install a new roof that will stand the test of time. Sunshine Contracting provides expert craftsmanship, competitive pricing and, in many cases, a lifetime warranty on materials and labor.

When you choose Sunshine Contracting, you’re choosing a leader in the industry. We have recently been named as a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor, which means we rank in the top 2% of roofing contractors in the nation.

If you are ready for a roofing contractor, contact us today to get your free in-home consultation and estimate. We even offer financing to clients with approved credit. Want to learn more about us? Read why you should choose Sunshine Contracting.