How to choose the right roofing contractor: An owner’s guide to smart hiring

AAR Expert Wendy Marvin says the best contractor will combine safety and technical expertise with transparency and genuine care for your property.

After nearly two decades owning a roofing company, I’ve seen it all – both the good and the unfortunate. I started my business because I experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find trustworthy contractors. My philosophy was simple, show up, be transparent and genuinely help people understand their roofing needs. That approach has served my clients well, and today I want to share what I’ve learned about selecting the right roofing contractor.   

The reality of today’s world 

We’re living in a “buyer beware” era. Gone are the days when you could hire someone based solely on a handshake and good intentions. For building owners, hiring a roofing contractor ranks among the most challenging decisions you’ll face. The technical jargon, varying opinions and significant investment all contribute to the confusion.   

While asking your neighbor or friend for a recommendation is a natural starting point, it shouldn’t be your only vetting method. Even if their experience was positive, it doesn’t replace you doing your own homework.   

Essential steps for evaluating contractors 

• Get three bids - minimum
  Collect quotes from at least three different contractors. Look for companies certified by major manufactures. While certification isn’t foolproof, it’s a solid starting point for finding reputable contractors who’ve been vetted by industry professionals.

• Standardize your comparisons 
  Do your best to level the playing field. Requests bids using the same manufacturer or similar quality materials.  Read up online about each manufacturer. This creates an apples-to-apples comparison that makes your decision much clearer.

• Check references thoroughly 
  Don’t just collect references – contact them. Ask about their experience with communication, contract fulfillment, cleanup and how smoothly the final inspection went. These conversations often reveal what working with the contractor is really like.

• Read the contract 
  This is crucial - give yourself time to review the contract thoroughly. That means NO signing on the spot. If a contractor pressures you to sign immediately, see that for what it is – a red flag in the trust department. You can use AI to do an informal evaluation but know that it’s not perfect and can’t protect you legally.  

• Do your research and ask questions  
  Read up online to build a basic understanding of the roofing process. While internet knowledge is far from perfect, it helps you ask informed questions. Questions like how long will it take aren’t rhetorical, they’re necessary to understand the process. If your contractor isn’t patient or dodges your questions, that’s a sign to look elsewhere. Your curiosity and attempt to understand isn’t a burden, it’s your right as an owner.   

Making your final decision 

Once you’ve narrowed your choices to several qualified contractors who all look good on paper, the decision often is based on one simple thing. Who do you feel the best to work with?   

Choose to work with the contractor who makes you feel seen and heard. A roofing project should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. This is YOUR home, and YOUR hard-earned money. Find someone you can genuinely trust.   

Trust your instincts 

The best contractor will combine safety and technical expertise with transparency and genuine care for your property. Don’t apologize for asking hard questions. Your home deserves protection and you deserve peace of mind when completing a very non-transparent project. The right contractor will welcome your questions and work alongside you every step of the way.