15 Expert Tips on How to Choose a Roofing Contractor

Choosing a roofing contractor boils down to four must-do checks: confirm a current license, proof of insurance and bonding; look for a strong local track record; insist on a detailed, written estimate; and judge how clearly the company communicates from initial inspection through final walkthrough.

Colorado homeowners know hail hits hard and quotes flood in even harder. One wrong hire can saddle you with sub-par shingles, denied insurance coverage, or a roof that leaks before the next season change. Storm-chasing crews knock on doors, bids rarely match apples to apples, and high-pressure sales tactics turn an urgent repair into a stressful guessing game. The good news: a structured vetting process wipes out that uncertainty. The 15 expert tips ahead walk you step by step through licensing checks, warranty comparisons, safety standards, payment terms, and more so you can sign a contract with total confidence.

1. Verify State Licensing, Bonding, and Proof of Insurance

Roofing licenses in Colorado are issued locally, not statewide. Look up the contractor in the Denver or Adams County database. A valid record plus a surety bond shows basic competence. Then confirm active general liability and workers’ comp—paperwork that shields you if an accident or property damage occurs.

Why It Matters

• Avoid stop-work fines.


• No liability for injuries.


• Bond money finishes abandoned jobs.

Smart Questions to Ask

• “License number and issuing city?”


• “ACORD insurance certificate naming my address?”


• “Bond value and expiration date?”

Red Flags

• Missing documents.


• Expired policies.


• Asking you to pull permits.

2. Prioritize Contractors With Established Local Roots

Part of learning how to choose a roofing contractor is confirming they’re rooted locally. Year-round companies that live in the community have reputations to protect—unlike out-of-state storm chasers chasing quick hail profits.

How Local Presence Protects You

• Fast warranty help after the next hailstorm


• Knowledge of city permitting and inspection quirks


• Easy to verify with past clients nearby

Ways to Confirm Locality

• Verify street address on Google Maps


• Look for branded trucks in your neighborhood


• Check Chamber of Commerce or BBB listings

3. Check Manufacturer Certifications and Specialized Training

Manufacturer programs like Owens Corning Preferred, GAF Master Elite, and CertainTeed ShingleMaster aren’t marketing fluff—they’re earned status. To qualify, roofers must meet strict insurance minimums, complete ongoing training, and maintain stellar customer scores set by each brand.

Benefits for Homeowners

• Extended non-prorated warranties up to 50 years


• Fewer installation errors and callbacks


• Priority help on manufacturer claims

Action Steps

1. Request each certificate’s ID number


2. Look it up on the brand’s site


3. Confirm crew attends annual training

4. Evaluate Experience With Your Roof Type and Climate Challenges

Roofs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Installing Class 4 impact-resistant shingles on a steep Brighton gable is a different animal than sealing a low-slope porch or fastening standing-seam metal in wind-tunnel canyons like Firestone. Make sure the contractor can prove real-world success under Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles, 90 mph gusts, and golf-ball-sized hail.

What to Review

• Photo portfolios of similar material and pitch


• Case studies noting hail or wind performance


• Years in business handling Colorado code updates

Follow-Up Questions

• “How many Class 4 roofs did you install last year?”


• “What fastening pattern do you use for high-wind zones?”


• “Can you show a metal job you maintain after two winters?”

5. Read Reviews and Request At Least Three Local References

Online feedback offers a reality check. Scan Google, BBB, and Nextdoor for consistent themes—punctuality, cleanup, follow-through. A 4.9 rating is nice, but patterns in the comments reveal how to choose a roofing contractor you can trust.

Reference Call Script

• Were they on schedule?


• Did crew protect landscaping?


• Any surprises on price?


• Would you hire again?

Spotting Fake or Biased Reviews

• Generic praise with no roof details


• Dozens posted on the same day


• Reviewer never mentions city or material

6. Insist on Detailed, Written Estimates (Not Handshakes)

Refuse to sign anything until you receive a line-item estimate. A real pro details shingle brand, underlayment, fasteners, labor, permits, dumpster, and a contingency for rotten decking. Estimates should be on company letterhead or sent via e-signature, with totals tied to your roof’s measured squares—not round guesses.

Comparing Apples to Apples

• Plug each quote into a spreadsheet by price per square ( $/sq ) and warranty years.


• Reject bids using different shingle class, underlayment weight, or ventilation scope.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

• Decking replacement cost per sheet


• Change-order markups


• Extra dumpster or clean-up charges after tear-off

7. Compare Material Options and Warranty Coverage

Even the best installer can’t prop up sub-par materials. Ask the contractor to walk you through grade options—Class 3 versus Class 4 asphalt shingles, 24-gauge versus 29-gauge standing-seam metal, synthetic ice-and-water shield versus 15-lb felt underlayment. Each choice affects hail impact resistance, wind rating, and ultimately insurance discounts, so understanding the trade-offs is integral to how to choose a roofing contractor that matches product to performance.

A reputable roofer will present a good-better-best chart and explain how warranties change with each tier. Extended coverage often requires a full “system” install (branded starter strips, vents, and ridge caps) performed by a certified crew—details worth an extra look before you sign.

Types of Warranties

• Manufacturer material warranty – covers defects in shingles or metal panels


• Workmanship warranty – the contractor’s promise on labor quality (often 2–10 years)


• System or enhanced warranty – combines material and labor, sometimes non-prorated for 25–50 years when installed to spec

Key Questions

1. “Who files and registers my warranty—your office or me?”


2. “Is the coverage prorated, and when does that kick in?”


3. “Does the workmanship warranty transfer if I sell the house?”

8. Understand the Proposed Scope of Work and Project Timeline

Read the scope line by line. Does it call for a full tear-off or an overlay? Are new flashings, ridge vents, ventilation upgrades, and gutter tie-ins listed? Knowing exactly what’s included shields you from surprise change orders. Confirm projected start, completion, and clean-up dates so you can plan around noise, debris, and driveway access.

Timeline Milestones

• Material drop & dumpster set


• Tear-off begins, landscape protection


• Mid-roof deck inspection


• Installation completion & city inspection


• Final walk-through and magnet sweep

Dealing With Weather Delays

Contract should outline tarp procedures and how rain days adjust the schedule.

9. Verify Safety Protocols and Crew Training

A crew that skips basic OSHA rules can turn a simple reroof into an injury lawsuit parked on your doorstep. Before you hire, ask for the company’s written safety plan, proof of fall-protection training, and the name of the on-site supervisor responsible for enforcing it. Proper harness tie-offs, ladder stabilizers, and debris fences show the team values both their workers and your property.

Why Safety Saves You Money

• Fewer accidents mean zero medical liens against your homeowner’s insurance


• A tidy, organized jobsite finishes faster—cutting labor overruns and rental fees

What to Observe on Site Visit

• Crew wearing hardhats, harnesses, and non-skid shoes


• Guardrails or rope lines at roof edges


• Ladders secured and extended three feet above the gutter


• Clearly marked first-aid kit and fire extinguisher on-site

10. Ask About Project Management and Communication Practices

A professional roofer assigns a dedicated project manager—not the salesperson—to coordinate crews, deliveries, inspections, and questions. With one accountable point of contact, you get concise status updates and fewer surprises during tear-off, installation, and cleanup. Before signing, ask exactly how and when those updates will arrive.

Communication Tools

• Text alerts for schedule changes


• Photo progress in shared folder


• Cloud-based job log

Setting Expectations

• Preferred call/text hours


• 24/7 emergency contact number


• Written change-order approval

11. Evaluate Help With Insurance Claims (If Storm Damage Applies)

When hail pounds your roof, insurance usually foots the bill. A contractor fluent in claims work can save you headaches by documenting damage, meeting the adjuster, and converting dense Xactimate codes into plain-language repair costs.

How a Good Contractor Adds Value

• Thorough photo report


• Accurate Xactimate estimate


• Direct adjuster negotiation

Caution: Avoid “Deductible-Eating” Schemes

Colorado bans deductible waivers; accept one and you invite claim denials and fraud.

12. Steer Clear of High-Pressure Sales Tactics and Storm Chasers

Hard-selling roofers and out-of-state “storm chasers” descend on Colorado minutes after hail hits, pushing one-day discounts and “free roof” promises. Their goal is speed, not quality. Slow down—legitimate companies will let you compare bids, read the contract, and sleep on the decision without guilt-tripping you.

Warning Signs

• Demands a signature before inspecting the roof


• Refuses to leave a written quote


• Uses scare tactics like “prices jump at midnight”

Self-Protection Checklist

• Verify license and insurance numbers online


• Ask neighbors or your HOA for vetted local names


• Never hand over large deposits at the door

13. Discuss Payment Terms and Keep Upfront Deposits Reasonable

Ask for a written payment schedule. Most solid roofers collect 10 % or less up front, a second draw when materials arrive, and the rest only after you sign off on the final walk-through. Big deposits or full prepayment are red flags.

Secure Payment Methods

• Credit card or check to company name


• Never pay cash or wire funds

When Price Seems Too Good

Labor runs $1.50–$3.00 a square foot, so a bargain quote often hides materials or uninsured labor.

14. Get Everything in Writing: Contract Essentials

A handshake works for barbecues, not a five-figure roof. Demand a written contract that locks every promise into black-and-white.

• Full scope of work


• Specific materials & colors


• Start and completion dates


• Detailed payment schedule


• Change-order procedure


• Labor & material warranties


• Termination and refund terms

Sample Clause Highlights

Include lien waivers, proof of $1 M liability insurance, and mediation / arbitration language to settle any disputes quickly.

Final Walk-Through and Punch List

Hold back final payment until you complete a joint walk-through and sign off on a punch list.

15. Prioritize Customer Service and Post-Project Support

The real test comes months after the crew leaves. Pick a roofer who treats callbacks, leaks, and routine tune-ups as part of the job. Solid post-project support protects your warranty and your wallet—and it’s the last, most telling piece of how to choose a roofing contractor.

Indicators of Long-Term Support

• Written service policy


• Annual inspection program


• Direct warranty hotline


• 24-hour leak response

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. Who answers warranty calls?


2. What’s the typical response window?

Choosing with Confidence

Choosing a roofing contractor no longer has to feel like a gamble. Run every candidate through the 15-point checklist above—license, insurance, local reputation, detailed estimates, clear communication, safety culture, solid warranties, fair payment terms, and responsive service. If a company falters on even one critical box, keep shopping; the roof over your head is too important to settle for “good enough.”

When you do find a roofer who aces each category, the benefits stack up: lower risk of leaks, less hassle with inspectors or insurers, and real peace of mind when the next hailstorm rolls through Colorado. Homeowners who vet thoroughly almost always spend less money over the life of the roof because they avoid early failures and warranty loopholes.

Ready to put this checklist into action? Denver and Northern Colorado homeowners can book a no-obligation roof assessment with Semper Fi Restoration and get expert guidance tailored to their home, budget, and storm history.