Find a Contractor
A Seven-Step Checklist to Find and Choose the Best Roofing Contractor
Table of Contents
- Hire a Roofer Through a Reputable Shingle Manufacturer
- Ask Family and Friends Who Have Recently Had Their Roof Replaced
- Check Out Their Website and Reviews
- Get Quotes From Multiple Roofers
- Ask Your Potential Roofing Contractor for Proof of Insurance, License and Health and Safety Protocols
- Find Out if They Have Any Additional Qualifications
- Choose a Roofer Who Stands Behind Their Work
Embarking on a search to find an experienced and trustworthy roofing contractor can feel like a big job. Replacing your roof is a significant investment, so, of course, you want to make sure you put your home and your roof in the hands of a capable, professional roofing contractor who will stand behind their work.
As a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of residential roofing products, IKO wants homeowners to be able to make the most educated decision possible when choosing a roofing contractor. This step-by-step checklist will help you, the homeowner, know what to look for in a roofing contractor and what questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor.
1. Hire a Roofer Through a Reputable Shingle Manufacturer
Shingle manufacturer websites are ideal places to start your search for a roofing contractor in your area. IKO ROOFPRO®, for example, is IKO’s contractor loyalty program available to roofing contractors in the U.S. and Canada. You can search for a ROOFPRO contractor near you using the Contractor Directory on the IKO website.
IKO ROOFPRO contractors are not subcontractors, employees, agents or representatives of IKO, and selecting the best roofing contractor for the job at your home should still include the rest of the steps in this article; but it is a fantastic place to start.
If you hire an IKO ROOFPRO, you are eligible for IKO’s Iron Clad Extended Protection Limited Warranty. Added warranty protection gives you, the homeowner, a significantly higher level of peace of mind.
2. Ask Family and Friends Who Have Recently Had Their Roof Replaced
Just like with any other business, when pursuing the best roofing company near you, a great place to start is with personal referrals from people you trust. If any friends, neighbors, coworkers or family members recently worked with a roofing company near you, they will be able to provide an honest reference.
If you seek out referrals, always lean on trusted contacts to help you find a good roofing contractor (rather than, say, a social media post from a stranger). Ask your family and friends the last time they had their roof replaced. If it was recently, ask whether they enjoyed working with the contractor. Did the roofing company provide proof of insurance? Did they communicate well? Did they clean up around your property after the job was finished? What kind of shingles did they use?
By asking your friends or family these questions before you reach out to potential roofers, you’ll be one step ahead.
3. Check Out Their Website and Reviews
Most established roofing companies will have an online presence where you can learn more about them. Using Google, search “best roofing company near me” or “qualified roofer near me” to find a list of professional roofing companies in your area.
A good roofing company should include information about their background, how long they have been in business, their expertise, qualifications and testimonials from happy customers.
Google reviews and ratings are also a great way to gain insight into the roofers in your area. Pay attention to reviews where customers had a positive experience relative to quality of work, communication and timelines. But exercise caution with any roofing contractors who have repeated negative reviews or roofing contractors who do not respond to or resolve complaints.
4. Get Quotes From Two to Three ROOFPRO Contractors
Replacing your roof is a significant investment, which is why you want to be well-informed before you decide who is the best roofing contractor for the job. When you get multiple quotes, you can make a better-informed decision.
Comparing estimates from multiple ROOFPRO contractors helps you in a few different ways, including giving you a greater insight into varying labor costs and materials. Additionally, requesting a quote before committing to any particular roofing contractor will give you a chance to understand their communication levels.
It will also reduce the likelihood of suffering from buyer’s remorse after your roof replacement is completed. When we make decisions in haste, without considering all the options, we may select a roofing contractor who uses low-grade materials or subpar workmanship.
If, for example, one roofing contractor provides a quote for a job that will require three to four days of labor, and another roofing contractor says he can complete the job in one day with the same number of laborers, this is a red flag and an opportunity to ask more questions. Not sure what a roof replacement entails or what steps are typically involved? Watch our video about what to expect during a reroof for more information so that you can make sure that the contractor you hire doesn’t miss any of these important steps.
Ultimately, getting multiple quotes makes you a better and more informed buyer. It helps ensure you get the greatest value for your investment and reduces the risk of making a hasty decision.
5. Ask Your Potential Roofing Contractor for Proof of Insurance, License and Health and Safety Protocols
These are some of the most important questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor! While the rules and regulations will vary slightly based on the state or province you live in, any good roofing contractor should be able to provide you with:
- A list of references.
- A contract that includes the scope of work and terms of payment.
- A valid manufacturer’s warranty.
- Proof of their work-related insurance certificate.
- A copy of their roofing license (if required in your state or province). Check out IKO’s Complete Roofer License Resource for more information about local requirements.
- Proof of some form of health and safety policy for their workers.
These are all basic forms of paperwork that any trustworthy roofer should be able to provide.
6. Find Out if They Have Any Additional Qualifications
Find a roofing contractor, if possible, who has additional qualifications, like installing roofs using the IKO CodePlus™ method. This performance application method was designed to apply roofs that can better withstand the impact of high winds. The manual contains detailed steps for fastening the roof deck, sealing the roof, securing the edges, and installing the Performance shingles. By choosing a roofer who employs the IKO CodePlus method, homeowners can trust a comprehensive approach that prioritizes quality, durability and the long-term integrity of their roof. You can learn more about the IKO CodePlus method here.
7. Choose a Roofer Who Stands Behind Their Work
If you are wondering what to look for in a roofing contractor, lean toward roofers who offer a comprehensive workmanship warranty in addition to the standard manufacturer warranty.
Most roofing shingles come with a basic limited warranty, typically covering homeowners against manufacturer defects.
However, the extent of protection varies depending on the manufacturer. This means homeowners may be responsible for labor charges related to the removal and replacement of failed shingles. Manufacturer warranties also tend to offer prorated coverage after the initial years. This period varies by manufacturer and ranges from an industry standard of 10 years to IKO’s Iron Clad 15-year warranty.
In addition to these manufacturer warranties, the contractor’s workmanship warranty plays a pivotal role in ensuring the roof’s durability. Experienced and reliable roofers stand behind their installations with workmanship warranties, which safeguard against material and roof failures resulting from installation errors. These warranties often cover both labor and materials required for necessary repairs, including damages to the home’s interior and personal belongings. However, they may exclude issues unrelated to installation workmanship, such as storm damage or alterations made after installation.
When hiring a roofing contractor, it’s crucial to prioritize factors, such as the contractor’s reputation, experience and commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction. By opting for a roofer who offers both manufacturer and workmanship warranties, homeowners can enhance the protection and reliability of their investment.
How To Choose a Roofing Contractor: A Summary
Replacing your roof is one of the most significant investments you might make as a homeowner, so you want to make sure that you find a roofer who will do the job right!
First, check with reputable shingle manufacturers to see who they recommend.
Lean on family and friends for referrals, check out your potential roofing contractor’s online presence, compare quotes from multiple roofers, ask for their license and insurance, consider additional qualifications and favor roofers who stand behind their work with a workmanship warranty in addition to the standard manufacturer’s warranty.
By following this seven-step process, you will certainly feel more prepared and know what to look for when you hire a roofing contractor.
