Most people wait until water is dripping through the ceiling before they start looking for a roofer. That panic hire almost always ends badly. A little legwork now saves you a soaked attic and a lighter wallet later.
What to Look For
Find someone who's been in business at least five years. New companies fold fast, and you don't want to chase a ghost when shingles start lifting. Look for a physical address — not just a P.O. box and a cell phone. A local yard with a sign tells you they plan to stick around. Check that they carry both general liability and workers' comp. If a guy on your roof gets hurt and he's uninsured, that hospital bill lands on your doorstep. Ask for proof of insurance directly from the carrier, not a photocopy the guy pulls from his truck.
Questions to Ask
Ask how they handle unexpected problems. Rotten decking under old shingles is common — does the quote cover that or will they tack on extras mid-job? Ask who shows up. The person you talk to might be a sales guy, not the crew leader. Get the crew leader's name and ask how long they've worked together. A crew that's been together for years is a good sign. Ask what brand and grade of shingles they use, and get the exact model number. Then look up that product's warranty yourself. Manufacturers often have fine print that shifts responsibility back to you.
Red Flags
A guy who demands cash up front is a hard no. Deposits over ten percent should make you suspicious. If they knock on your door after a storm and say they "just happen to be in the neighborhood with extra materials," shut the door. That's a storm chaser. They'll do shoddy work and be gone before the first rain. Anyone who says they don't need a permit is either lazy or cutting corners. Permits exist so inspectors catch bad work. Skip the permit, skip the inspection, and you own the risk. Also trust your gut — if the person seems evasive about references or insurance, walk.
How Ratings Help You Choose
Ratings are a shortcut, not a guarantee. A five-star average with a hundred reviews tells you more than a perfect score from five friends. Read the bad reviews. Look for patterns — complaints about leaks, missed deadlines, or rude crews should scare you off. A single angry customer might be a fluke. Ten people saying the same thing means the company has a real problem. Pay attention to how the owner responds to criticism. Defensive or nasty replies tell you they won't handle problems well. Good ratings plus good responses mean you're probably dealing with a solid outfit.
Compare local roofers side by side on RatingsNearMe before you pick up the phone.