The contractor matters as much as the shingles. A great crew makes a mid-range roof last; a bad one can ruin a premium one. After a big storm, fly-by-night operators flood neighborhoods, so knowing how to vet a roofer protects your money and your home.

Verify the non-negotiables - License. Confirm the contractor holds the license your state or city requires. Ask for the number and check it. - Insurance. Demand proof of both liability insurance and workers' compensation. Without it, an injury on your roof can become your financial problem. - Local presence. Favor established local companies with a real address over out-of-town storm chasers who disappear after the check clears.

Read the warranty carefully There are two warranties: the manufacturer's warranty on the materials, and the contractor's workmanship warranty on the installation. A confident installer offers a solid workmanship warranty, often multiple years, because most leaks come from installation errors, not bad shingles.

Watch for warning signs Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign immediately, asks for full payment upfront, offers to waive your insurance deductible (which is often fraud), or cannot provide local references. A fair roofer is patient, transparent, and happy to put everything in writing.

Get it in writing Your contract should spell out the materials, scope, timeline, payment schedule, cleanup, and warranty. Avoid large upfront payments; a reasonable deposit with the balance on completion is standard.

Compare more than price Line up at least three written quotes and weigh credentials, warranty, materials, and communication, not just the lowest number. The cheapest bid is rarely the best value when the roof over your head is on the line.