Roofing Contractors to LOOK FOR -

• Facebook Reviews and Google Reviews (on Google Maps) submitted by friends and family in your circles are definitely a plus in determining a good roofing contractor - but Instant Message your friends to determine if the comments reflected reality or if your friends made a white lie in the process.
• Reviews by BBB and Houzz. These are good sources, but also consider if the reviewer is reliable if a review's negative.
• Who show examples their roofs online especially if they continually post the current work site on social media. This is proof positive that there's pride and perfection throughout their work.
• Those who have been approved by the manufacturer of the roofing material installed. Most manufacturers put their trust in good Roofing Contractors. Unfortunately, this may come with a high price tag as well.
• Who can easily explain working around chimneys and roof-to-wall installations. Well-versed roofers are typically good at their jobs.
• Bonded and Insured - a roofing contractor should have no problems giving out their certificate of insurance and contractor's bond number when requested. Often, you'll find this information printed on business cards, work vehicles, or even prominently on their website.

Roofing Contractors to AVOID -

• Contractors who promise to specialize in all types of roofing materials with the exception being large Roofing Contractors who have the manpower and resources to do so.
• Contractors who depend entirely on stock photos for Advertisements, Online Websites and social media announcements.
• Contractors who lack at least 4 references.
• Whose price is either well above or well below total costs. Don't be afraid to ask about all warranties provided by the job. As the age old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely it is.
• Roofing Contractors you don't feel comfortable with. If they seem untrustworthy or have something to hide, ask questions to satisfy your gut feeling. If still unsatisfied, don't give in to pressure - get a second or a third opinion about the job and requirements.

Roofing Contractors to BE ON THE FENCE ABOUT -

• Large print Yellow Page ads may measure the monetary success of a contractor but may miss the mark when you're searching for a contractor whose qualities include craftsmanship, excellent materials and competitive pricing.
• Online reviews, specifically, Angie's List, Yelp! and Home Advisor are forms of medium which revenue streams are largely dependent on a Pay-To-Play to play model thereby eliminating Contractors who don't pay for those listings or memberships. Online reviews from sources such as Angie's List, Yelp! and Home Advisor have been found to be questionable as Georgios Zerva concluded that at least 16 percent in a study researching those companies. Use ALL Online Rankings and reviews with a grain of salt. Testimonials from family and friends who you trust should be considered first.

Finally, DO YOUR HOMEWORK -

• Start by searching the Better Business Bureau Search at https://www.bbb.org/search for reviews.
• Go to the Roofing Contractors Website and Social Media pages. Also do a search (Google, Bing, i.e. your preferred search engine) under those account names to see if his reputation is mostly untarnished.
• Find out the expected warranty for the type of roofing materials chosen
• If possible, get at least 2 quotes for the job before making any final decisions.
• Trust your Instinct, however, do your own research (both online and off) before moving ahead with a project.