A smart homeowner guide for evaluating roofing contractors with more confidence in the Raleigh market.
Hiring a roofer is a big decision. These questions will help you separate professional contractors from those who will cause problems.
Ask for their NC General Contractor's license number and verify it. Request a certificate of insurance—your homeowner insurance won't cover damages if an uninsured worker gets hurt on your property.
Will they use employees or subcontractors? If subcontractors, are they insured? Get names. If the "roofer" is just a salesman who hires day labor, walk away.
Hidden damage is common. Ask: What's the cost per sheet of plywood? What's the hourly labor rate? Get this in writing before work starts.
Get TWO warranties in writing: Manufacturer warranty (covers materials, typically 25-50 years) and workmanship warranty (covers installation, typically 1-10 years). Ask who's responsible for warranty claims.
Ask for 3 addresses of recent jobs. Drive by. Talk to homeowners if possible. Online reviews can be faked—physical proof can't.
Get start date and expected completion. Ask what happens if weather causes delays. In Raleigh's rainy seasons, this matters.
These warning signs mean you should look elsewhere for your Raleigh roofing project.
Legitimate contractors don't solicit door-to-door after storms. That's a storm chaser—they'll be gone when problems arise.
Never pay the full amount before work begins. A reasonable deposit is 10-30%. More than that is a scam warning.
Get everything in writing. Verbal agreements aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Insist on detailed scope of work.
Contractors with out-of-state plates often disappear after storms. Look for local addresses and local license plates.
"Sign today or you'll miss out!" is a classic sales tactic. Legitimate contractors don't pressure you into instant decisions.
If it seems too good to be true, it is. Rock-bottom prices mean cutting corners on materials or labor—or they'll find ways to add costs later.
Connect with pre-vetted roofing contractors who have been verified for quality, licensing, and insurance.