What are the best tips for hiring a new roof contractor?
Short answer. Get two or three written, itemized bids built on the same scope, verify insurance and a local address, and read the warranty before you sign. Walk away from anyone who offers to cover your deductible, wants a large cash payment up front, or pressures you to sign that day.
- Start with an inspection, not a price. A good roofer gets on the roof, checks the attic, and shows you photos before quoting.
- Compare scope line by line. Layers to tear off, underlayment type, ice and water shield in valleys and around penetrations, new drip edge, new flashing versus reused, ventilation, and a written per sheet price for any decking.
- Verify the company. A local office, a certificate of insurance mailed from the agent, and reviews that read like real homeowners.
- Read both warranties. The manufacturer covers the shingles; the roofer covers the labor. Ask how long the workmanship warranty runs and whether the manufacturer warranty will be registered. Our guide to roofing warranties explains the difference.
- Know your payment terms. Reasonable deposits, final payment after completion and cleanup. If the contract depends on an insurance claim, Georgia law lets you cancel if the claim is denied; read your contract for the window.
- Never accept a deductible deal. Waiving or rebating a deductible is illegal in Georgia.
- Ask who your contact is and how you will get updates and photos.
- Ask about cleanup, including a magnetic sweep for nails in the yard and driveway.
Then read what the day itself looks like in roof replacement day, and use our contractor checklist when bids come in.