The first step in getting a new roof on your building or having having repairs made to your existing roof should be to carefully evaluate the roofing contractor to assure the job is done properly. Below is a list of things that you may consider in choosing a roofing contractor:

• Check to see if the roofing contractor has a permanent place of business, telephone number, and tax identification number where applicable.
• Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job.
• Look for a roofing contractor with a proven track record that offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.
• Insist on a detailed, written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.
• Discuss with the roofing contractor about his list of roofing manufacturers with which his firm is a licensed or approved applicator. Most roof systems require special application expertise to achieve lasting quality.
• If the work required is patching or repair to your existing roof and your existing roof is under warranty make sure that the roofing contractor is licensed or an approved applicator by the manufacturer which holds the warranty.
• Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered, and watch for provisions that would void it.
• Choose a company committed to worker safety education. Ask the contractor what type of safety training is provided for workers and what industry education programs they have attended. Ask what the roofing contractors Experince Modifier Rate (EMR) is. These rates show the effectiveness of their safety programs in reducing accidents and maintaining a safe working environment. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who install the roof system.
• Be skeptical about lowest bids or those considerably lower than the others written for the same work. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor.
• Professionalism, experience and quality workmanship should also weigh heavily in your decision.
• You may also contact the National Roofing Contractor’s Association at 1-800-USAROOF (872-7663) or www.nrca.net for assistance in locating a professional contractor in a specific geographic area.