Choosing a Roofing Contractor

(Updated August 2025)

Your roof is more than shingles and nails—it’s the system that protects your entire home, your belongings, and the people you love. When it comes time for roof repair, roof replacement, or even just routine maintenance, choosing a roofing contractor isn’t something to take lightly.

Unlike picking a new restaurant or deciding which movie to watch, a roofing job is a major investment. If a contractor cuts corners or installs your roofing system incorrectly, you could face leaks, structural damage, and thousands of dollars in repairs. That’s why it’s critical to hire a roofing company you can trust—one that not only promises to do the job right but stands behind their work for years to come.

What Should You Look for When Hiring a Contractor?

The first step in choosing a roofing company is knowing what separates professional contractors from the rest. Here are a few key points to check:

• Licensing and insurance: A reputable roofer should be licensed to work in your state and carry general liability insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong during the job.
• Experience and training: Ask how long they’ve been in business and what types of roofing systems they specialize in. Asphalt shingles? Metal roofing? Flat roofs? Make sure they can properly install the material you want.
• Reputation: Look at reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and local directories. Pay attention to how contractors respond to both positive and negative reviews—it says a lot about professionalism.
• Warranties and guarantees: A reliable roofing contractor will stand behind their work. Ask what warranties cover both the roofing materials and the contractor’s work.

When a company has all of these in place, you can feel confident they’ll protect your home and complete the roofing job correctly.

How to Research Roofing Companies Online

Most homeowners start their search online—and that’s a smart move. But don’t stop at the first result. Here’s how to dig deeper:

• Check their website: It doesn’t need to be flashy, but it should clearly outline services, years in business, and examples of work.
• Look at specialties: If you’re considering a roof replacement with metal roofing, check that the contractor showcases metal projects. If they only list asphalt shingles, they may not have the right expertise.
• Confirm licensing: In Washington, every roofing contractor must be registered with the state. You can look them up to verify.
• Scan social media and directories: Even a simple Facebook page can provide insight into recent jobs, customer comments, and how the contractor communicates.

If you can’t find a contractor online at all, or their information doesn’t match across platforms, that’s a red flag. Established roofing companies should be easy to find, easy to contact, and transparent about their work.

Should Price Be the Deciding Factor?

It’s natural to think about cost first, but price shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when choosing a roofing contractor.

• Estimates that change constantly: While it’s true some hidden damage isn’t visible until the existing roof is removed, constant upselling or unexplained add-ons should raise suspicion.
• Lowest bid doesn’t always mean best value: Fly-by-night contractors may give you a low number but fail to complete the job—or worse, install a roof incorrectly. That can cost you far more in repairs later.
• Fair pricing includes explanation: Professional contractors will walk you through the estimate, explain the cost of roofing materials, and offer alternatives if needed. They don’t pressure you into services you didn’t ask for.

Think of price as part of the equation, but not the whole picture. The cheapest bid could end up being the most expensive mistake.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Roofer

Homeowners often ask: “What are the warning signs of a bad roofing contractor?” Watch for these red flags:

• No physical business address or website
• Refusal to show proof of insurance or licensing
• High-pressure sales tactics (“sign today or lose the deal”)
• Demanding large upfront payments before work begins
• Vague contracts that don’t clearly state materials, costs, and timelines
• Unwillingness to provide references or photos of past roofing jobs

These are signals that the contractor may not complete the work properly—or may disappear altogether. Protect your home by walking away from anyone who raises these concerns.

Why Insurance and Warranties Are Essential

Roofing isn’t just about installing shingles. It’s about protecting your investment in case something goes wrong.

• General liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your home during the project. Without it, you could be stuck paying out of pocket.
• Workers’ compensation insurance ensures you’re not responsible if a crew member gets hurt while completing work on your property.
• Manufacturer warranties cover the roofing materials, while workmanship warranties cover the contractor’s work. Together, they give you peace of mind that your roof will perform for decades.

A professional roofing company should gladly provide proof of insurance and explain their warranties before the job starts.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Sometimes homeowners aren’t sure whether to schedule a roof repair or a full roof replacement. A trustworthy contractor will help you weigh the options.

• Roof repair may be enough if you’re dealing with minor leaks, missing shingles, or localized damage.
• Roof replacement is often necessary if your existing roof is at the end of its lifespan, the damage is widespread, or you’re upgrading to a new roofing system (like switching from asphalt shingles to metal roofing).

If a contractor always pushes replacement without even inspecting your existing roof, that’s another red flag. The right roofing contractor will give you honest advice about the most cost-effective solution.

How to Compare Roofing Contractors Side by Side

Once you’ve narrowed it down to two or three companies, compare them carefully:

• Experience: How many years have they been in business? Do they specialize in the type of roof you have?
• Credentials: Are they members of professional organizations like the Better Business Bureau?
• Transparency: Do they provide written contracts, clear timelines, and accurate cost breakdowns?
• Reputation: What do past customers say about the contractor’s work, communication, and follow-up?
• Professionalism: Are they respectful during inspections, on time for appointments, and willing to answer all your questions?

By comparing roofing contractors this way, you’ll quickly see who takes shortcuts and who is committed to protecting your home with quality work.

Why Warner Roofing & Construction Is a Trusted Choice

Since 1992, Warner Roofing & Construction has been serving homeowners across Clark County with professional roofing services. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, and our team has decades of combined experience working with all types of roofing systems—from asphalt shingles to metal roofing.

When you choose Warner Roofing, you get:

• Thorough inspections and free estimates
• A wide selection of durable roofing materials
• Workmanship that stands the test of time
• Professional contractors who respect your home
• Clear communication from start to finish

We don’t just complete roofing jobs—we build lasting relationships with our customers by standing behind our work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Roofing Contractor

1. How do I know if I need roof repair or replacement?
   If the damage is minor (like a few missing shingles), repairs may be enough. If the roof is near the end of its lifespan or has widespread issues, replacement is often recommended.
2. Should I hire the cheapest roofing company?
   Not necessarily. Low bids can signal inexperience or poor-quality work. Focus on reputation, insurance, and warranties instead of just cost.
3. Why is general liability insurance important for roofers?
   It protects you if the contractor damages your home during the roofing job. Without it, you could be responsible for expensive repairs.
4. What roofing materials last the longest?
   Metal roofing, slate, and tile can last 50 years or more. Asphalt shingles are more affordable but typically last 20–30 years.
5. What red flags should I watch out for when hiring a contractor?
   Avoid roofers who pressure you, won’t show proof of insurance, or demand large upfront payments. These are signs of an unreliable contractor.

Call Warner Roofing & Construction for Roofing You Can Trust

Hiring a roofing contractor doesn’t have to be stressful. When you work with Warner Roofing & Construction, you get a team of professional contractors who are licensed, insured, and committed to protecting your home. Whether you need roof repair, roof replacement, or guidance on the right roofing system, we’re here to help.

Call Warner Roofing & Construction today for a free estimate and expert roofing advice.