Before hiring a roofing contractor, be sure to get a written estimate for the job. Ask the contractor to include both labor and materials. You can improve the estimate by taking pictures of the damage and writing down the size of your roof. It is also helpful to keep track of the materials you need. You may also want to have your contractor submit a warranty for his work. Once the work begins, it’s important to follow up on the progress.

Check the contractor’s license. If you’re hiring someone to repair your roof, make sure they have a good record of customer satisfaction. You can also look at online reviews and talk to past clients to see how satisfied they were with the job. Ask them to provide the contact information for three previous roofing projects. Make sure you get a list of references so you can read more about the company’s quality and service.

Ask about the contractor’s experience and business history. Most contractors include a clause in their contracts stating that you can’t back out after three days. You should make sure that the payment structure works for you. Be clear on when payments are due, and if you will be charged a late fee. Lastly, ask about the company’s payment policies. While you can surmise the company’s business history and contact information from a website, there’s no substitute for a phone call.

Insurance is another important factor. Ask about the roofing contractor’s liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. These two types of insurance protect the contractor and homeowners in case something goes wrong. If your contractor is injured on the job, you could end up paying for the medical expenses of their employees. And, if the roofing contractor’s workers get injured or damage your property, you might be liable for their damages. In this case, liability insurance is essential.

You can also ask about the warranty. Roofing materials are expensive, and a warranty protects your investment. Make sure your contractor offers a written warranty to protect your investment. Even if the contractor doesn’t offer a warranty, you should still ask about the manufacturer’s warranty for the materials. A manufacturer’s warranty should be 25 years or more. If it’s not, you should look elsewhere. You won’t regret the decision you made.