How to Vet a Home Roofing Contractor?

[geopiper]

Thanks for all the good info everyone. Especially Hoosier. I'm in Boise, Idaho.

 

[stokesdale]

What are some real world, down to earth questions to ask or methods to vet a potential roofing contractor for a home? I've read what's online about licensure, bonding, insurance, warranties, guarantees, subcontractors, expense breakdown, material pricing.

The roof currently has a single layer of nearly 30 year old shingles on it.

It depends on how cut up your roof is; if your roof is cut up with a lot of valleys, ridges, dormers, etc., then go with someone that is not the cheapest (you can't worry about costs with a complicated roof), but has a good reputation around your community. If it's a straight roof with only one or two ridges, I wouldn't worry about it a whole lot and simply find someone that's dependable...you can usually tell dependability on the BBB and how responsive they are to your questions when they come out to give you a bid (gut feeling more or less). A straightforward roof is hard to screw up.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

It depends on how cut up your roof is; if your roof is cut up with a lot of valleys, ridges, dormers, etc., then go with someone that is not the cheapest (you can't worry about costs with a complicated roof), but has a good reputation around your community. If it's a straight roof with only one or two ridges, I wouldn't worry about it a whole lot and simply find someone that's dependable...you can usually tell dependability on the BBB and how responsive they are to your questions when they come out to give you a bid (gut feeling more or less). A straightforward roof is hard to screw up.

Overall good advice but don't be confused, I've seen crews that could screws up the roof on a dog house. Also, the BBB is mostly bullshit. You can buy an A+ rating as long as you aren't criminal. Google reviews and Angie's List are more credible.

 

[pantsBoots]

I own a Construction company with permanent offices in three states. We do 300 to 500 roof replacements per year, mostly insurance funded. Check out the following:

Must have General Liability and Workman's Compensation insurance. Require them to provide a cert, make sure they're listed for roofing.

Google reviews and Angie's List. Check local BBB to see if they've had many complaints.

Ask for five local references who they've done work for in the past six months.

Did they have someone get on the roof to look it over? Unless it is an incredibly simple roof, disqualify those who didn't.

It would be rare for the cheapest to be the best.

Ask them about code items and how they'll address that. Valley lining, drip edge, cricket for chimney if needed and ventilation. If they go "huh?", disqualify them.

How long have they been in business? Beware of anyone less than 2 years old.

Minimum of 5 year workmanship warranty.

Most roofing companies use subs these days. I wouldn't worry about that. Ask how long their sub had been working for them. Sub should also have GL and WC insurance.

A deposit of 50% is fine and customary. If concerned, offer to give it to them the day of the job when the materials have been delivered. A decent company shouldn't require your money to buy materials.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Good luck.

Goddamn, Mark, I like your style. I've been a sub, worked for numerous contractors and now am on the other side as an engineer. Preach it!