• A Permanent Place of Business – Confirm that your contractor is well-established with a permanent address, telephone number, tax identification number and appropriate business license.  A professional roofing contractor has these readily available.

• Knowledge of roof systems - The introduction of new roof systems, techniques, and materials has sparked a tremendous change in the roofing industry during the past 10 years.  A professional roofing contractor should be familiar with the different types of roof systems to help you make the best decision for your building and budget. 

• Affiliated with Industry Organization – Ask your contractor if he is a member of local, state, regional or national associations.  Involvement in a professional organization tends to keep a contractor better informed about the latest developments and issues related to the industry.

• Committed to Education – Choose a company that is committed to the safety and education of its workers.  Ask the contractor what types of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry programs they have attended.  The best roofing contractors is only as good as the workers who actually install the roof system.  Insist on having a trained, experienced roofing crew.

• Licensed & Bonding – Check with State of Michigan Department of Regulation and/or Licensing Board to be sure that the prospective roofing contractor is properly licensed.

• Application Expertise - Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which there firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements.  Some materials require special application expertise to achieve a quality roof system.

• Insist on a Written Proposal – Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of there work and specifications.  Be sure the proposal includes the payment procedures and any additional issues such as debris cleanup.

• Warranties – There are two basic categories of roofing warranties:  The contractor’s warranty that covers workmanship and the manufacturer’s warranty that covers materials.  Be sure your contractor offers a warranty that covers workmanship.  A manufacturer’s warranty alone will not protect you if the roof system is installed improperly.  Carefully read and understand any roof warranty offered and watch for provisions that could potentially void your warranty.          

• References – When making the final selection, ask the roofing contractor for a list of recent clients.  Check with these customers to see whether they were completely satisfied with the quality of materials used and workmanship provided.  You also may contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if any customer complaints about the contractor have been received.

• A Professional Maintenance Program – A professional roofing contractor will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year.  These inspections will help ensure your project complies with the standards specified in the warranty.  A maintenance program usually consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof system, flashing, insulation and related components to identify any potential trouble areas.

• Free Services – NRCA offers two free services to help building owners locate a roofing contractor.  Lists of NRCA –contractor members in specific geographic areas can be- obtained from NRCA’s Web site at www.nrca.net Contractors can be selected by the type of roofing work that they perform and location.

Source: National Roofing Contractors Association