Finding a Contractor

By Vickie Sharples, RCS Partner.

Tips and advice on finding a reliable contractor.

When you type in “roofing contractor” in your search engine of choice, you’ll get many results that want to help you “find a contractor in your area.”  Some sites offer basic information or tips like AskARoofer, but most of those sites are designed to collect your information and sell the lead to a contractor.  They say the contractors are pre-screened but how are they pre-screening them?  We hope they make sure they are licensed and insured, but have they seen their work?  The best way to find a contractor is through word of mouth or by asking for referrals.  If they did a good job for your friend, relative or neighbor and they come highly recommended, give them a call.  

If it was me, I would look up my local roofing distributor and ask them.  To find them, type in “roofing materials” and your zip code in Google and contact one of the distributors that appears in your search results.  Why a distributor?  Roofing contractors are their customers, that’s where contractors buy their materials and supplies.  Distributors know who pays their bills on time, what companies are prepared for deliveries, if there are problems on their jobs and if the company is run like a professional business.  All those things are important for the smooth installation of your roof.  While the roofing distributors cannot account for the quality of their work, you can expect that the contractor they recommend is not going to take off with your money because those kinds of contractors don’t pay them either. 

Another good thought is to call your local roofing trade association.  They would love to connect you with a member in good standing.  If you are tempted by the door knocker, flyer in the mailbox or an attractive website, we suggest doing some research.  Ask the door knockers where they buy their materials and call that distributor for a reference.

If your state requires contractors to be licensed, go online and look them up to see if they are in good standing.  Look up their website and see if they have good information and have a permanent place of business.  Nothing is wrong with working out of their houses, but they need to have some permanence.  Read reviews on their website, Yelp, Next Door or another social platform.  Ask for references and jobs that they have done in the area.  Call the references and drive by the jobsites.  If they don’t have any references, that’s a red flag.

There are many talented and reliable roofing contractors, you just need to know where to look for them.

Have a question? AskARoofer.

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory.