Your guide to evaluating roofing contractors and avoiding costly mistakes when choosing a roofer near you.
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Generally, roofing contractors need a license to operate legally, and licensed contractors have a more solid reputation and better chances at getting work. But licensing is just the starting point.
You should only hire a company that has all the insurance roofing contractors are required to have, as roofing is dangerous work. Without proper coverage, you may face potential liability if a negative event occurs on-site with an uninsured contractor.
The most reputable contractors go beyond basic requirements. Many participate in credentialing programs from manufacturers like CertainTeed, which establish their business as knowledgeable and indicate their degree of professionalism and commitment to their trade.
Residential roofing companies should carry at minimum two types of insurance policies: liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Here’s why both matter for your protection.
General liability insurance protects you if the contractor causes damage to your home or property during the project. Without liability coverage, you may be responsible for any repairs or damages incurred. Liability insurance covers damage to your property while the project is ongoing, absolving you from any responsibility and the need to shell out personal funds should anything go awry.
Workers’ compensation is equally critical. Without workers’ compensation insurance, you or your homeowner’s insurance may be responsible for the injured worker’s medical bills. Roofing is a high-risk job, and accidents can happen. Without this coverage, you could be held liable for an injured worker’s medical bills and lost wages.
If the roofer says they have liability insurance, ask to see the certificate to confirm that the coverage is still valid. Professional contractors like Owens Corning Roofing Platinum and Preferred Contractors hold at least $1MM in general liability insurance and will share their certificate of insurance coverage.
Don’t accept vague assurances. General health, life or auto insurance held by your contractor doesn’t count. You need to see specific proof of both liability and workers’ compensation coverage before any work begins.
Some states and cities require contractors to be licensed, and licensed contractors often have to pass a written exam in their specialty. A quick check with your local licensing authority will clarify which licenses are applicable to your region.
But don’t stop at basic licensing. A certified contractor is a professional who has been trained and tested by a specific manufacturer to install their products. To become certified, a roofing company must meet strict standards set by the manufacturer, which often include proving their financial stability, having a good reputation, and undergoing specialized training.
Hiring a certified contractor means they are up-to-date with the latest installation techniques and product specifications. For example, a roofer certified by a top brand like GAF or CertainTeed has demonstrated their commitment to quality.
The benefits go beyond just knowledge. This certification often gives you access to enhanced warranties that are unavailable through non-certified installers, providing you with superior long-term protection for your investment.
A standard business license is a tax requirement, and does not speak to a contractor’s competence. Look for contractors who have invested in manufacturer training and certification programs that demonstrate their commitment to quality workmanship.
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Most roofing professionals are hardworking and ethical, but there are a few bad apples to watch out for. Recognizing warning signs early can save you from costly mistakes and legal headaches.
Beware of contractors who show up uninvited, claiming to have spotted issues with your roof. Reputable contractors do not resort to such tactics. How likely is it that someone with roofing experience just happens to be driving by your home and spots serious damage to your roof from a moving vehicle? Not very. If you think they might have a valid observation, get a second (and possibly third) opinion.
After a severe storm, “storm chasers” might come to your area offering quick fixes. These roofers are often from out of town and might do shoddy work, then disappear. They often target areas recently affected by severe weather, claiming to offer quick and discounted repairs.
High-pressure sales tactics are often the first sign of a roofing scam. Deals that sound too good to be true or situations in which the roofer insists that you have a major problem that urgently needs to be fixed are meant to coerce homeowners into signing legally binding contracts without giving them a chance to do their own research. A legitimate roofing contractor will understand if you want to get a second opinion or take the time to get multiple bids.
One of the most common roofing scams involves a contractor who pressures you to sign a legally binding contract on the spot without giving you time to check that their company is legitimate. Most people are susceptible to high-pressure salespeople, so this is an easy way for scammers to make a quick buck. They’ll use all kinds of tactics to keep you “hooked” on their sales pitch, including making you feel guilty for wasting their time or silly for not trusting them. When in doubt, just walk away. Honest, quality contractors want you to feel good about choosing them and won’t pressure you to make an on-the-spot decision.
If your roofing problem is dire, you will be able to tell without the help of a roofer, and it will be obvious to you as a homeowner. If a roofing contractor offers you discounted materials, waived deductibles, or discounts for signing now, they are likely scamming you and breaking the law.
Demanding large upfront payments is a significant red flag because it often leaves homeowners vulnerable to losing money if the contractor fails to complete the work or performs substandard work. Some roofing scams begin with a contractor asking for half or more of the total cost right away. They claim it’s needed for materials, then disappear. Reliable roofing companies have credit with suppliers and don’t rely on your deposit to fund the job.
A contractor who requests a large down payment might be scamming you. It could be a sign that they plan to take your money and run. Instead, look for a contractor who asks for a reasonable down payment and outlines further payment terms in a contract. A reasonable down payment is typically 15% or less of the total project price.
While some deposit is standard, be wary of any contractor requesting more than 10-20% upfront, especially without a detailed contract. Down payments shouldn’t exceed 20% of the projected total bill. If you receive an estimate from a contractor with a 50% down payment or higher, that’s a big red flag they might be a scammer.
Watch out for other financial tricks too. Unusually low estimates are a red flag—companies that bid low often make changes to the bid after they secure your business. Contractors may give you a low bid during your first meeting; however, without your knowledge, they will add additional expenses for undocumented issues. The final cost is then much higher than what the homeowner expected.
Select roofers with a long-standing presence in your community. Established companies are more likely to provide quality work and honor warranties. Always do your due diligence, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. Remember, a reliable roofer will be transparent, communicative, and committed to providing quality service.
The investment in finding the right contractor pays dividends for years. Hiring a certified and insured contractor is the most reliable way to ensure a successful roofing project. By verifying these credentials, you protect yourself from liability, guarantee quality workmanship, and secure the best possible return on your investment.
When it’s time to choose a roofing company for your Putnam County, NY home, don’t settle for anything less than a contractor who brings proper credentials, transparent communication, and the experience to handle your local weather challenges. Your roof is too important to trust to anything but the best—and now you know exactly what to look for. We at Certified Contracting Services Inc are here to help you experience the difference that proper credentials and local expertise make.
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