In addition to asking friends and relatives who have recently had the work done for suggestions, contractor referral websites might be a smart place to start when looking for a roofer. This is particularly crucial if you’re changing the roofing material. Ask for a recommendation and whether the person had a positive experience with their contractor if, for instance, you know someone in the area who had a comparable project completed and you are replacing asphalt with metal or composite. You should always inquire for recommendations of recently finished projects in your neighborhood, and the majority of roofing contractors are transparent about the roofing materials they install.

Next, the fundamentals of using any contractors: Work with those who have insurance and a license, and make sure they are both current. Usually, a roofing bid is one figure that covers labor and material costs; however, you should ask your contractor how many roofing squares you have and what percentage of the total represents each. This might assist you in determining how much work costs you by researching material prices online. Certain roofing manufacturers, such as those that produce asphalt shingles, permit their superior contractors to provide homeowners with an extended warranty.

With this extended warranty, labor and materials are typically covered in the event that the roof system fails, such as a leak occurring a year after the new roof is installed. Pay attention to the prorated amounts of repairs, the manufacturer’s guarantee duration, what is and is not covered, and whether the roof’s warranty is transferable.