How much should a new roof cost?

Cost depends on your roof size, materials, and local labor rates. Asphalt shingles are cheapest; metal and premium materials cost more. Get multiple estimates to understand the typical range in your area.

Should I hire a roofer recommended by my insurance company?

Insurance companies sometimes provide lists of contractors, but that's not an endorsement. Vet them the same way you would anyone else-check licensing, insurance, and references independently.

What's the difference between a roofing contractor and a roofer?

A roofing contractor runs a business and coordinates projects; a roofer is the worker who installs and repairs roofs. Both should be licensed, but contractors handle bidding and management.

How do I know if a roofer is local?

Ask for their address, phone number, and how long they've served your area. Visit their office if possible. Established local roofers usually have a history in the community and are easier to contact if problems arise.

Roofing guides › How to choose a roofer: a homeowner's guide

How to choose a roofer: a homeowner's guide

Updated 2026-07-02

Hiring a roofer is one of the biggest home improvement decisions you'll make. A quality roofer protects your family and property, while a bad hire can lead to leaks, safety issues, and wasted money.

This guide walks you through the key steps to vet roofers and find someone trustworthy and skilled for your project.

In short: Choosing a roofer means checking credentials, getting multiple estimates, verifying references, understanding warranties, and avoiding common red flags-then confirming everything in a written contract.

Check licensing, insurance, and credentials

Before you call anyone, verify that they hold a valid roofing license in your state or county. Requirements vary by location, but a license proves they've passed exams and meet baseline standards. You can usually check this on your state's contractor licensing board website.

Always ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Liability insurance protects your home if the roofer damages it. Workers' comp protects you from liability if a worker gets injured on your property. A roofer without these is a major red flag.

Also ask how long they've been in business. Established roofers with several years of history are typically safer bets than brand-new companies.

Get multiple estimates and compare them carefully

Never hire based on the first quote. Contact at least three roofers and ask them to inspect your roof in person. A thorough estimate should cover the roof size, materials, labor, timeline, and warranty details. Be wary of estimates given over the phone or without a site visit.

Compare the estimates side by side. If one is much cheaper than the others, ask why. It might mean lower-quality materials, less experienced labor, or that they underestimated the work. A ballpark estimate tool like our free cost calculator can help you understand typical price ranges in your area before you start getting quotes.

Don't pick solely on price. The cheapest option often means cutting corners on materials or workmanship, which costs you more in repairs later.

Check references and online reviews

Ask each roofer for at least three recent customer references you can contact directly. Call or email them and ask about the quality of work, whether the project stayed on budget and schedule, and if they had any issues after the job was done.

Read reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp, but read critically. Look for patterns rather than single complaints. A few negative reviews among mostly positive ones is normal; all one-star or all five-star reviews can be a sign of fake reviews.

Watch out for roofers who have no reviews or an extremely new online presence. Established roofers should have a traceable reputation.

Understand the warranty and warranty terms

A good roofer should offer a warranty on both materials and workmanship. Material warranties typically come from the manufacturer and cover defects in shingles, underlayment, and other products. Workmanship warranties cover installation mistakes and usually last 5 to 10 years.

Ask for the warranty in writing and understand exactly what it covers and for how long. Some warranties are transferable if you sell your home; others aren't. Make sure you understand the terms before signing.

Be cautious of roofers who offer unusually long warranties or seem vague about the details. A realistic warranty from a reputable roofer is better than an unrealistic promise.

Watch for common red flags

Here are warning signs that should make you reconsider a roofer:

They pressure you to decide quickly or offer deals that expire today.
They ask for the full payment upfront instead of a staged payment plan.
They have no physical office or permanent phone number.
They show up unsolicited after a storm and pressure you to file insurance claims.
They can't or won't provide proof of insurance and licensing.
They quote a price that's dramatically lower than competitors with no clear explanation.
They guarantee they can hide damage from your insurance company.

Trust your gut and confirm everything in writing

After vetting a roofer, pay attention to how they communicate and treat you. Do they answer your questions clearly? Do they respect your time? Do they seem professional and organized? Your comfort level matters because you'll be working with them for weeks.

Once you've chosen a roofer, get a detailed contract in writing that includes the scope of work, materials, labor costs, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty information. Don't rely on verbal agreements. A written contract protects both you and the roofer.

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Frequently asked questions

How much should a new roof cost?: Cost depends on your roof size, materials, and local labor rates. Asphalt shingles are cheapest; metal and premium materials cost more. Get multiple estimates to understand the typical range in your area.
Should I hire a roofer recommended by my insurance company?: Insurance companies sometimes provide lists of contractors, but that's not an endorsement. Vet them the same way you would anyone else-check licensing, insurance, and references independently.
What's the difference between a roofing contractor and a roofer?: A roofing contractor runs a business and coordinates projects; a roofer is the worker who installs and repairs roofs. Both should be licensed, but contractors handle bidding and management.
How do I know if a roofer is local?: Ask for their address, phone number, and how long they've served your area. Visit their office if possible. Established local roofers usually have a history in the community and are easier to contact if problems arise.