The most challenging obstacle homeowners encounter when looking to replace or repair their roof is actually choosing a roofing company to do the job. If it’s a simple repair or update, you have some time to research and vet companies. But if your roof was badly damaged by a storm or natural disaster, time is of the essence. In either case, how do you go about choosing a roofing company?

12 Tips to Make Choosing a Roofing Company Quicker and Easier

1. Look for Local Referrals

There’s less chance of scams or potential issues when you choose a roofing company from your own community. They’re more familiar with the code regulations and local rules and have good relationships with suppliers of roofing materials and area crews.

2. Check Manufacturer Designations

Roofing contractors with manufacturer designations are considered trustworthy and reliable, as the manufacturer designations are only issued to roofing contractors who meet certain requirements and are factory-certified. Not all roofing companies receive manufacturer designations. It is like a badge of honor, trustworthiness and reliability that is only given to companies who pass stringent tests.

3. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Ratings

It’s a good idea to check reviews and ratings on the Better Business Bureau website when choosing a roofing company. Stay away from roofing companies who are not registered with the Better Business Bureau. Once you’ve shortlisted a few roofing companies, ask for their business credentials such as registered address, email, website, and contact number.

4. Make Sure You Get an Extensive Warranty

Not all roofing companies provide customers with manufacturer warranties that are inclusive of the company’s workmanship. If the company installs the roof incorrectly, it may take weeks, months, or even years for the damage to become visible — and it won’t be covered by insurance. If the roofing company doesn’t fix it (or is no longer in business), the only option you’re left with is to pay for their mistake and hire another company to do the work.

5. Consider Your Safety

Make sure the roofing company you choose employs trained professionals with the necessary certifications, such as the ProForeman Certification Program by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Even if the roofing contractors have good online ratings, ask about their training programs and check if they are trained to work with the latest roofing materials and methods.

6. Check for Insurance and Proper Licensing

The roofing industry has specific standards that must be followed to keep both contractors and homeowners safe, which can vary state to state. In Illinois, a roofing contractor must pass an exam to obtain a license to work in the state. The contractor must also obtain all the proper permitting for each project. Unfortunately, unlicensed contractors cannot be stopped from attempting to take up roofing projects, so make sure you ask your contractor for a copy of their license and confirm their license status online.

7. Pay Your Deductible

If a roofing company claims they can handle your roof repair project without you having to pay your insurance deductible, they may be committing insurance fraud and putting you at risk. Paying your insurance deductible is your responsibility, and it’s the duty of the roofing contractor to add the deductible in the quote without blowing up the estimate to cover the entire deductible or a part of it.

8. Handle Your Claim

If your home is damaged by a storm or natural disaster, you need to file an insurance claim to cover the loss. Generally, only the homeowner, an attorney, and a public adjuster can discuss the claim with the insurance company. Most roofing contractors can only meet with an insurance company adjuster and point out the damage. However, Illinois is one of the only states where a person can be both a contractor and a public adjuster. Find out if your contractor also acts a public adjuster and perform proper due diligence to determine if you want to use those services.

9. Don’t Get Pressured

Avoid yielding to a roofing contractor’s pressure to sign the contract before the damage estimation has been done. Some contractors are ready to work on any quote provided by your insurance company. However, you need to ensure it’s not just any sum, but the correct amount. The roofing contractor should thoroughly evaluate the condition of your home and make sure the insurance provider has covered all the damages.

10. Know the Material That Will Be Used

A roofing company that does not provide you with different roof material options is not looking at the best solutions for you. The color and style of the roof you install can influence the resale value of your home or your rental income. If your insurance company is bearing the cost of the new roof, you can leverage the opportunity to upgrade your roof or give it a makeover.

11. Get Everything in Writing

Don’t settle for verbal commitments. Make sure you have everything in writing before starting the project and that the documents include the time required to complete the job along with the details of the contractors who’ll work on your project.

12. Assess their Responsiveness

Did they respond to your email or return your call promptly? Are they willing to answer all your questions? Have they shared the documentation you asked for? If the answer to these questions is “No,” move on to the next roofing company. If a company doesn’t communicate professionally at the early stage, chances are they won’t improve after you’ve signed a contract.