A roof is one of the more expensive and important investments one can make on the home.  Many considerations come into play when selecting a roofing material from durability and cost to architectural influences.  Most homeowners opt to hire roofing contractors to replace or repair their homes’ roofs as the work effort is physically challenging and requires specific trade knowledge.  Spending the time to adequately vet out roofing contractors prior to hiring them is critical with a roofing project as your home’s integrity relies on a quality roof.  Good roofing contractors will educate their clients about the roofing options available as well as have a thorough understanding of roofing components such as sheathing, flashing,  drainage, ventilation, and their clients’ homes’ roofing structure.

Spend time researching roofing contractors to better ensure a satisfactory roofing project experience.  Below are some guidelines from the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association; www.nrca.net) to help assist you in selecting the right roofing contractor for your job.

• Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D. number, and where required, a business license.
• Insist on seeing copies of the roofing contractor's liability insurance coverage and workers' compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job. (Note: U.S. workers' compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state's laws to determine workers' compensation insurance requirements.)
• Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.
• Check to see whether the contractor is properly licensed or bonded. Check to see what your state’s requirements are here:  www.contractors-license.org and if your state does require a license, verify that the roofing contractor’s license is in good standing. 
• Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.
• Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry associations, such as NRCA.
• Call your local Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints that have been filed.
• Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion.
• Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, price is only one criterion for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily on your decision.