How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: What to Look For

Choosing a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. A quality contractor protects your home and your investment; a poor choice can lead to substandard work, warranty problems, and ongoing headaches. Here's how to find a contractor you can trust.

Start with Research

Don't hire the first contractor who knocks on your door. Do your homework.

Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors. Personal referrals are valuable because you can see the work and ask about the experience.

Check online reviews on Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns in feedback—both positive and negative.

Verify credentials through your state licensing board. In Alabama, contractors should be licensed for the work they're performing.

Look for local presence. A physical office address and local phone number indicate a contractor who's established in the community.

Essential Questions to Ask

When evaluating contractors, ask these key questions.

Are you licensed and insured? Request proof of current liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. This protects you if someone is injured on your property.

How long have you been in business? Experience matters, especially local experience. A contractor who's worked in your area understands local weather challenges and building codes.

Do you use your own crews or subcontractors? Know who will actually be on your roof. Some contractors subcontract everything, which can affect accountability.

What warranties do you offer? Understand both manufacturer warranties on materials and the contractor's workmanship warranty. Get warranty terms in writing.

Can you provide local references? Ask for contact information for recent customers in your area. Actually call them and ask about their experience.

Will you handle permits? A reputable contractor knows local requirements and handles permitting as part of their service.

Getting and Comparing Estimates

Get multiple estimates—three is a common recommendation.

Written estimates should detail the scope of work, materials to be used (brand, type, color), total cost broken down by components, payment terms and schedule, project timeline, and warranty information.

Be cautious of estimates that are significantly lower than others. This could indicate inferior materials, inexperienced crews, or corners being cut.

Compare apples to apples. Make sure estimates cover the same scope of work and similar quality materials.

Red Flags to Watch For

Certain behaviors should make you cautious.

High-pressure sales tactics like demanding immediate decisions or offering deals that expire today are warning signs.

Door-to-door solicitation, especially after storms, often indicates storm chasers rather than established local contractors.

Requests for large upfront payments are risky. Reasonable deposits are normal, but paying most of the cost before work begins puts you at risk.

No physical address or inability to provide local references suggests a fly-by-night operation.

Unwillingness to provide written contracts or proof of insurance is unacceptable. Walk away.

Offering to waive your insurance deductible is illegal (insurance fraud) and should disqualify any contractor immediately.

The Storm Chaser Problem

After major storms, out-of-town contractors descend on affected areas. While some may be legitimate, many are not.

Storm chasers often use high-pressure tactics to sign contracts quickly. They may do substandard work that looks fine initially but fails early. They typically disappear after the job, making warranty claims impossible. They may engage in insurance fraud that could affect your coverage.

Protect yourself by insisting on local contractors with verifiable addresses and references.

Trust Your Instincts

Beyond credentials and references, pay attention to how you feel about a contractor.

Do they communicate clearly and promptly? Are they patient with your questions? Do they provide detailed written information? Do they seem more interested in helping you or closing a sale?

A good contractor wants informed customers who are comfortable with their decision.

Why Choose River City Roofing Solutions

At River City Roofing Solutions, we check every box.

We're local and family-owned. We've built our business in North Alabama and plan to be here for generations.

We're properly licensed and insured. We'll happily provide documentation.

We offer strong warranties and stand behind our work.

We have extensive local references. Ask us for customers in your neighborhood.

We handle everything, including permits, insurance communication, and cleanup.

We don't pressure. We want you to make the right decision for your home, even if that decision takes time.

Choosing a roofing contractor is about more than price—it's about trust, quality, and long-term protection for your home. Take your time, do your research, and choose a contractor you feel confident about.