We understand the decision on who to hire to replace your roof is a major one that can cause a great deal of stress and turmoil for a homeowner. Hiring the wrong roofing contractor can lead to installation flaws, costly delays, miscommunication, and even result in your roof needing premature replacement. Sadly, roofing is one of the least regulated home service industries and often has a high rate of consumer dissatisfaction.

To help you navigate this critical process, we’ve put together a quick guide to steer you toward hiring the right, reputable roofing company that will do the job correctly the first time.

Common Mistakes When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Mistake #1: Ignoring Roofing Contractor Licensing Requirements.

This may sound like common sense, but unlicensed contractors install roofs every day. You should always ask to see a copy of your roofing contractor’s license and verify that it is current and belongs to the company performing the work.

Mistake #2: Skipping Insurance Verification.

Hiring a contractor without the proper insurance is incredibly risky. If an accident occurs on your job site, all liability can fall back on you, the homeowner. This can lead to catastrophic claims and years of lawsuits. Simply ask for and verify their roofing insurance certificate. Any reasonable contractor will be happy to share a copy.

Mistake #3: Failing to Check Manufacturer Certification.

Leading shingle manufacturers like CertainTeed, GAF, and others offer valuable certifications that contractors can earn by completing specific training. These certifications ensure the contractor is knowledgeable about proper installation techniques for their roofing products.

Mistake #4: Overlooking the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating.

Any reputable business understands the importance of maintaining an A+ BBB accreditation. It provides you, the consumer, with a third-party resource in the event of a dispute. A poor rating signals a lack of commitment to customer satisfaction.

Mistake #5: Choosing a Roofing Contractor with Limited Operating History.

Why is experience important? Because less than 5% of roofing contractors remain in business after ten years. What good is a 20-year warranty if the company is gone? We strongly recommend choosing a contractor with a long track record of continuous operation and service.

Mistake #6: Not Confirming NRCA Membership.

Look for a roofing contractor who is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). This association sets the standards for roofing building codes and proper installation techniques. Membership demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the roofing craft.

Mistake #7: Hiring a Roofer Without Verified Third-Party Endorsements.

Great contractors are happy to provide you with a list of verifiable endorsements, whether they are community group affiliations, broadcast endorsements (like the Inside Outside Guys on 760 WJR), or referrals from past clients. Check their references and online reviews.

Mistake #8: Prioritizing the Absolute Lowest Price.

As a general rule, the best contractors are not the cheapest. A contractor who prides themselves on being the cheapest often cuts costs in critical areas—be it insurance coverage, team pay, product quality, or even the scope of work they deliver. Look to hire a roofing contractor focused on providing the best value and quality for their work, not just the lowest bid.

The Importance of Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Ultimately, a successful roof replacement project hinges on clear communication and a foundation of trust. It is incredibly important that you genuinely like and trust your contractor. Any sense of reservation or distrust should automatically disqualify that contractor, no matter how “great of a deal” you may be getting. An ounce of prevention can save thousands of dollars and years of pain later.

Here is the great news: meeting and working with the team at Four Seasons Kanga Roof will check all eight of these boxes. However, we still encourage you to meet with our team. If you do not get the right vibes or feelings, then you should continue meeting with contractors until you find the right one for you. We understand that while we are proud of our team, our processes, and who we are, we are not the right fit for every client.

If you are interested in meeting with us to see if we’re the right local roofing contractor for you, then give our team a ring at 586-566-0308 or you can always schedule your inspection online right now by CLICKING HERE.

In the meantime, we hope this article helps you find a trusted roofing company, and we hope you have a “Kanga-Rific” day!

Sincerely,

Bill Burkhardt, Jr

VP of Marketing-Four Seasons Kanga Roof

Top 8 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Roofing Contractor: A Must-Read Guide