Are you looking for a residential roofing contractor and want to know how to select the right one?


When it comes to selecting an experienced roofing contractor, it is important to take into account the type of quality work they can provide you and what they do to protect you and your property.  When you’re ready to choose a roofer for your home, you should compile a list of multiple candidates that have the proper roofing licensing and insurance.  In addition, be sure to only choose candidates who have built a great reputation in your area.  To find out how to find that perfect residential roofing contractor keep reading!

Here are our top ten steps to choosing the right residential roofing contractor in Pittsburgh:

  1. Find Three roofing contractors.  Act as though you are getting ready to hire a new employee.  If you make a bad decision at this point, the rest of the decisions to follow in this process will be affected.  Give yourself the best possible choices and the opportunity to have a fantastic experience with your new roofer.

  2. Ensure that your roofing contractor carries the appropriate business licenses for the state and within your local area.  If you’re not sure about their licensing, you can always contact the licensing board for that profession in your state.  You can also use the licensing website to see if a license is required in your area.


  1. Make sure you are considering a legitimate roofing contractor by asking for their tax identification number, business address, website, and email address.  Of course, you will also have their business phone number. 

  2. Ask the roofing contractor to show you their proof of insurance which should include worker’s compensation and liability coverage.  Not all states require insurance, however, keep in mind that injuries on your property are your responsibility, so ensuring your roofer carries his own insurance for accidents while working on your home can protect you from lawsuits.

  3. Request a list of past client references from your residential roofing contractor.  You can also research the reviews left online on multiple review sites or by checking out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site for complaints.  You can also call the BBB to find out more about the company as well.

  4. Ensure that the products your roofer is installing on your home are those that the roofer is certified to install.  As a roofing contractor, having proof of being certified by the particular roofing manufacturer whose materials will be used during an installation is key. Many roofing materials and manufacturers offer training and certifications for their materials to ensure proper installation.  Without proper installation for most products, warranties are void.

  5. Confirm the number of roofers who will be working on the roofing project.  This will allow you to assess how much supervision is needed and approximately how long the roofing job will take.  If you have one person doing a large roof, you can expect the job to take longer than three to five people on a large roof.


  1. Ask to read the roofing warranty information and make sure that you and the roofing contractor understand it.  Ensure that all items required will be addressed in order to ensure a viable warrantied product once the roof is installed.

  2. Ask for a detailed proposal in writing on the job that will be performed by the roofing contractor.  The contract should include the type of material to be used, the time it will take, the start and end times each day, the safety procedures and precautions to be taken, the amount of payment due and the payment schedule, and how the property will be cleaned up when the work is completed.

  3. Be sure to research and obtain the service, fees, and warranties from several residential roofing contractors BEFORE you make your final hiring decision.  Hiring solely based on the lowest price is not always the best decision, as the lower costs may not provide the same value and quality as a contractor whose price may be slightly higher.