How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in 2026 — 10-Point Checklist
Roofing scams spike 300% after major storms. The wrong contractor can void your manufacturer warranty, fail a home inspection, and leave you with a leaking roof and no legal recourse. This guide gives you the exact 10-point checklist professionals use — plus 7 red flags that should immediately end any conversation.
10-Point Contractor Checklist — Quick Reference
The 10-Point Contractor Checklist
Verify State Licensing Non-Negotiable
Every state has different requirements. Search your state contractor board online (most have free lookup tools). In Texas, search TDLR; California, CSLB; Florida, DBPR. Unlicensed contractors leave you with no recourse if work fails.
Confirm General Liability + Workers' Comp Insurance Non-Negotiable
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Minimum recommended: $1M general liability + workers' compensation. Call the insurer to verify the policy is active — fraudulent COIs are common after storms. Without this, you're liable if a worker is injured on your property.
Check Local Presence (Not a Storm Chaser) Non-Negotiable
After hail or hurricane events, storm-chasing contractors flood affected areas. They take deposits, do poor work, and disappear. Verify: local physical address, at least 3 years in your area, local phone number (not an 800 number), and reviews on Google/BBB from local customers.
Get 3 Written Quotes
Never accept the first bid. Get at least 3 itemized written quotes specifying: materials (brand, product line, weight), labor scope, warranty terms, payment schedule, start/completion dates, and who pulls the permit. The lowest bid is not always the best value — compare scope carefully.
Ask for Local References (Past 12 Months)
Request 3–5 references from jobs completed in the last year in your area. Call them. Ask: did work start/finish on schedule? Were there unexpected charges? How did the crew leave the jobsite? Would you hire them again?
Understand the Warranty Structure
Two warranties matter: (1) Manufacturer warranty: 25–50 years on materials. Often requires a certified contractor for full coverage. (2) Workmanship warranty: contractor's warranty on labor, typically 2–10 years. Get both in writing and confirm the manufacturer's warranty requires certified installer.
Confirm Permit Responsibility
A building permit is legally required for roof replacement in most jurisdictions. Always have the contractor pull the permit in their name — if you pull it yourself, you take on the liability. Permits ensure inspections that protect your home's resale value and insurance coverage.
Review the Payment Schedule
Standard practice: 10–30% deposit, remainder upon completion. Never pay more than 50% upfront or pay in full before work is done. Pay by check or credit card (never cash) to maintain a paper trail. Full upfront payment is a major red flag.
Clarify the Cleanup Plan
Ask specifically: how is debris removed (truck, dumpster, or hauled)? What happens if nails or granules damage your landscaping or HVAC? Who is responsible for dumpster placement permits? Good contractors use magnetic rollers to collect nails daily.
Get Everything in Writing — Signed Contract
Never proceed on a verbal agreement. A written contract must include: scope of work, materials specified, start/end dates, total price, payment schedule, cleanup responsibilities, permit responsibility, and warranty terms. Review before signing.
7 Red Flags — Walk Away Immediately
| Red Flag | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Demands full payment upfront | Legitimate contractors don't need full prepayment. This is the #1 scam pattern. |
| No physical local address | Storm chasers use P.O. boxes or out-of-state addresses. You need someone who will be accountable. |
| Pressures you to sign immediately | "This price expires today" is a pressure tactic — quality contractors don't need to use it. |
| Can't provide proof of insurance on request | Should have Certificate of Insurance (COI) ready to email same day. Delay = red flag. |
| Claims they can waive your deductible | This is insurance fraud in most states. A contractor offering to eat your deductible to win the job is committing a felony and your policy can be canceled. |
| Won't pull the permit or says it's not needed | Permits are required. Unpermitted work: voids manufacturer warranty, fails home inspection at resale, and can void your homeowners insurance claim. |
| No written contract or vague scope | Verbal agreements are unenforceable. Vague contracts invite scope creep and disputes. |
Manufacturer Certifications Worth Looking For
Certified contractors unlock better warranty coverage that standard installers can't offer. If you're buying premium shingles, use a certified installer — it's the difference between a 10-year and a 50-year warranty.
| Certification | What It Means |
|---|---|
| GAF Master Elite® Contractor | Top 3% of GAF contractors. Qualifies for Golden Pledge® warranty (50 years materials + 25 years workmanship). |
| Owens Corning Preferred Contractor | Pre-screened OC contractors. Offers Platinum Protection warranty only through certified installers. |
| CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster™ | Certified for CertainTeed's SureStart PLUS warranty (5 years no-dollar-limit coverage). |
| NRCA Member | National Roofing Contractors Association membership. Indicates industry involvement and code access. |
| BBB Accredited (A or A+) | Resolved complaints, vetted business practices. Not foolproof but removes obvious bad actors. |
The Storm Chaser Problem
After any major hail, wind, or hurricane event, out-of-state contractors flood your area within days.
After Hurricane Helene (2024), the North Carolina AG office received over 2,800 contractor fraud complaints within 60 days. The pattern is always the same: knock on doors in affected neighborhoods, promise quick insurance claim management, collect deposits, do minimal or substandard work, and disappear before warranty issues surface.
Legitimate Local Contractor
- Local physical address you can visit
- 3+ years of local Google reviews
- Licensed in your state (not just home state)
- Doesn't pressure immediate signature
- Will wait for your insurance claim decision
- Provides local references you can call
Storm Chaser Warning Signs
- Door-to-door solicitation right after a storm
- Only reviews from other states
- Claims to "specialize in insurance claims"
- Offers to waive your deductible
- Demands large deposit (>50%) immediately
- Can't provide local references
Frequently Asked Questions
Know Your Costs Before You Call Anyone
Use our free calculator to get a baseline estimate — so you can tell if a contractor's quote is fair.
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Related Roofing Guides
- Roof Replacement Cost Calculator — get a baseline before comparing quotes
- 12 Signs You Need a New Roof — know what you're dealing with
- Roof Insurance Claim Guide — don't sign with a contractor before understanding this
- Roof Replacement Financing Guide — if you can't pay cash
- Repair vs. Replace — make sure you actually need a full replacement