Hiring the right roofing contractor can significantly impact the durability and value of your home. With roofing services making up a $56.7 billion industry, homeowners are often overwhelmed by options. So, what really sets a reliable roofer apart? From material expertise and legal licensing to transparent pricing and warranties, knowing what to evaluate can save you from costly mistakes and ensure your roof is built to last.

1. Material Expertise
You have many roofing materials to choose from when building or updating your roof. However, some roofers have specialties, and you should find someone experienced in the type of roof installation you want. Therefore, if you want a metal or ceramic tile roof, don’t hire someone who only has a track record of installing asphalt tiles.
2. Reliability
Have you ever hired someone who didn’t show up on time, or at all? Imagine that happening during a roofing emergency. Check for your roofer’s reliability based on customer reviews, direct referrals, and Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) ratings. The BBB also lists any unresolved complaints. You want someone who returns correspondence, only uses quality materials, shows up on time, and sticks to the work timeline.
3. Transparent Pricing
If you’re not careful, you can easily get ripped off by an unscrupulous contractor. One of the best ways to avoid this is by getting an itemized list of roofing expenses before they start work. You should know the specific costs of labor, materials, permits, and more. This way, you’ll be able to budget properly.
4. Legal Right to Work
Don’t cut corners by hiring a contractor that doesn’t have legal rights to work. A roofing contractor should have the certification and license to work in your state and won’t be afraid to show it to you. Also, check for insurance. This will protect you in case something goes wrong on the job.
5. Warranties
What if something goes wrong after the installation or repair? Does your roofer provide a guarantee if they have to come back and update previous repairs? Some contractors may have a warranty of a few months, a year, or a few years. Make sure you clarify this issue to have peace of mind, so you won’t have to spend more money to fix the problem again.
Proper research before hiring a roofing contractor can save you many problems later. You want someone with the proper roof training, good referrals, and expert experience. When you’re ready for roof maintenance, repairs, or replacement, give Lakes Country Roofing a call.