3 Things to Look for When Hiring a Roofer

SUNNYVALE — A roofing project is a major investment—not only in terms of money but also in terms of your home’s long-term integrity. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a contractor that will give you confidence in the lasting value of their work. Here are three things to look for in a roofer that will help ensure a quality hire:

1. License
California law requires any roof to be installed by a licensed roofing contractor. This ensures the work is overseen by an individual who is well-versed in and adheres to the state’s building code standards. Any legitimate roofer has a license that’s registered with the state, so it’s a good idea to verify this before hiring. You can do this by looking up the roofer’s license number at www.cslb.ca.gov.

2. Insurance
Liability insurance and workers’ compensation are critical credentials because they protect both the contractor and the homeowner from liability in the event of an injury or other mishap on the job. Ask to see the contractor’s insurance certificates, make sure all the information matches and check that they’re up-to-date.

3. Price
You don’t want to go with the cheapest roofer you can find (the quality of their work may reflect their price), but you also don’t want to overpay. That’s why you should get multiple quotes—ideally from at least three different contractors. This will allow you to compare apples to apples when making your choice. By weighing several factors (including credentials, reviews and price) and following your instincts, you’ll be able to make a well-considered hiring choice.