In most states, it is illegal for roofing companies to operate without an up-to-date license. Even in states where this is not the case, good licenses are an assurance that the company is known by the state to operate under good practices. They also function as a form of insurance, since a dissatisfied customer can file a complaint with the state licensing board. Speaking of insurance, make sure that they have insurance for both liability and workers’ compensation, at a minimum, to keep yourself safe in the case of an on-the-job accident or damage to your property.

Though it’s standard practice for roofing materials to carry a warranty, you should see to it that the contractor offers a guarantee on the installation. This is a sign of confidence in their work because if anything goes wrong with the installation, they will then be liable for it. You also want all materials to be relatively new and have a warranty that is good for at least 25 years.

While the approval of the state is the bare minimum for operation, word of mouth is where a property owner can find out if a contractor does the job properly. It’s best if you can get some recommendations from savvy friends and neighborhood business owners, as they will be a trustworthy source. Since they will only hand you a list of happy customers, it’s a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau to find out about any complaints, and more importantly, how the company responded to them.

Finally, it’s a good idea to ask about the workers who will be on your property. Does any state governing board license them? Do they have special vocational or safety training? Remember that these people will be on your property for several days. These things will also ensure the quality of work and a minimal chance of on-site injury.