How to Choose a Residential Roofing Contractor: 7 Crucial Steps

Selecting the right roofing contractor is just as important as choosing the right roofing material. A quality contractor ensures proper installation, stands behind their work, and provides lasting value. Follow these seven essential steps to find a contractor you can trust with your most important investment.



Step 1: Verify Licensing and Insurance

Before considering any roofing contractor, verify they hold all required licenses and insurance coverage. This fundamental step protects you from liability and ensures you're working with legitimate professionals.

A reputable residential roofing contractor should possess a valid contractor's license issued by your state or local jurisdiction. Equally important is insurance coverage. Contractors should carry:

• General liability insurance to protect your property
• Workers' compensation insurance to cover worker injuries
• Commercial auto insurance for vehicle incidents

Request copies of insurance certificates and verify them directly with providers. Legitimate contractors willingly provide this documentation. Learn more about our credentials and commitment to professional standards.

Step 2: Check References and Reviews

Past performance predicts future results. Research potential contractors through online reviews, references, and their track record in your community. Start with Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns rather than isolated complaints.

Contact homeowners who've worked with the contractor and ask about their experience, quality of work, whether projects stayed on schedule and budget, and how problems were handled. Check out our customer reviews and browse our project gallery to view completed work.

Step 3: Evaluate Experience and Specialization

Look for contractors with substantial experience in residential roofing, ideally with your chosen material. Ask how long the company has been in business, how many similar projects they've completed, and their experience with your specific roofing material.

Consider whether the contractor offers related services like gutter installation or siding replacement. Comprehensive service providers often deliver better value and coordination. Whether you need services in Hillsboro, Vancouver, or Tigard, ensure your contractor has extensive local experience.

Step 4: Obtain Multiple Detailed Estimates

Never accept the first estimate. Obtain at least three detailed written estimates to compare pricing, scope, and materials. Quality estimates should include:

• Itemized costs for materials, labor, permits, and disposal
• Material specifications including brand and quality grade
• Complete project scope with detailed work description
• Timeline with start and completion dates
• Warranty information for materials and workmanship

Be wary of estimates significantly lower than others. Extremely low bids often indicate corner-cutting or inferior materials. Request your free estimate from RedBird Roofing today.



Step 5: Assess Communication and Professionalism

The contractor's communication style during estimates often reflects their project performance. Responsive contractors return calls within 24 hours, arrive on time, listen carefully to concerns, answer questions thoroughly, and provide clear written documentation.

Trust your instincts about compatibility. Choose someone you feel comfortable with who demonstrates genuine interest in your satisfaction. Contact us to experience our commitment to professional communication.

Step 6: Understand Contract Terms and Warranty Coverage

Carefully review all contract terms before signing. The contract should specify complete scope of work, total project cost with breakdown, payment schedule with milestone amounts, project timeline, permit responsibility, and warranty information.

Never pay the full amount upfront. Typical structures involve:

• Initial deposit of 10 to 25 percent
• Progress payments at specific milestones
• Final payment upon completion and inspection

Manufacturer warranties typically cover material defects for 20 to 50 years, while workmanship warranties should cover installation errors for at least 5 to 10 years. Ask about financing optionsand current special offers that might reduce costs.

Step 7: Verify Permits and Code Compliance

Proper permits protect you legally and ensure your roof meets safety standards. Most jurisdictions require permits for roof replacement and major roof repair projects.

Professional contractors should obtain all necessary permits, schedule required inspections, and ensure work meets code requirements. Skipping permits can cause complications with insurance claims, difficulties when selling your home, fines, or orders to remove unpermitted work. Professional roofing services always include proper permitting.

Red Flags to Avoid

Certain warning signs should immediately disqualify a contractor:

• Demands large upfront payments exceeding 25 to 30 percent
• Lacks proper licensing or insurance documentation
• Refuses to provide written estimates or contracts
• Pressures immediate decisions
• Offers suspiciously low bids
• Has no local references or permanent address
• Suggests skipping permits
• Shows up unsolicited after storms

Consider contractors who can handle related services like gutter repair, siding repair, or gutter replacement with equal expertise.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right residential roofing contractor requires time and diligence, but the effort pays dividends in quality workmanship, fair pricing, and peace of mind. By following these seven crucial steps, you'll be well-equipped to select a contractor who delivers excellent results and stands behind their work for years to come.

Ready to work with a roofing contractor you can trust? Contact RedBird Roofing for a free estimate and experience the difference that professionalism, expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction make. Serving homeowners in Portland, Battle Ground, West Linn, and throughout our service areas, we're here to protect your home with quality roofing solutions.