A roof is one of the biggest jobs a home ever needs. The company you pick decides whether it lasts. The trouble is that anyone with a ladder can call themselves a roofer. Knowing what to check protects you and your home.
Watch out for storm chasers
After a big storm, out-of-town crews flood the area. They knock on doors, point at your roof, and push you to sign that day. Some do fine work. Many disappear the moment the check clears, and there is no one to call when the roof leaks a year later.
A local company does not vanish. We are here before the storm and long after. When you can drive to the office and shake the owner’s hand, that says something. Do not let post-storm pressure rush you into signing with someone you cannot find later.
Check the license and insurance
This is the part too many people skip. In Pennsylvania, home improvement contractors must be registered with the Pennsylvania Attorney General. In New Jersey, contractors must be registered and the work must meet the standards set by the NJ Division of Codes and Standards. Ask for proof of both registration and insurance before anyone climbs up.
Insurance matters more than people realize. If a crew is not covered and someone is hurt on your property, that can land on you. A legitimate contractor carries liability and workers’ comp and will show it without being pushed.
Look at certifications
Manufacturer certifications are a real signal. A GAF-certified contractor has met the standards to install and warranty those shingles properly. It is not a sticker anyone can buy. It means the crew was vetted. That certification also affects your warranty, which we cover in our post on roof warranties.
Red flags to walk away from
A few warning signs should end the conversation:
- Pressure to sign the same day
- A quote far below every other bid
- No physical address or local references
- A demand for large payment up front
- No written scope or warranty
A bid that seems too cheap usually leaves something out. Tear-off, flashing, or proper underlayment gets skipped, and it shows up as a leak down the road. Ask what the quote includes, in writing.
Ask the right questions
Before you sign, get answers to these. Are you licensed and insured in my state? What does the warranty cover, both material and workmanship? Can I see local references? Is everything in writing? The answers tell you who you are dealing with.
The name behind the work
We have been putting roofs on homes in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania since 1973. Two generations, both Marine Corps veterans, and a track record you can check. Learn more about who we are, or read our roofing FAQ for straight answers to common questions.
Ready for honest, certified work? Call Warren Thompson & Son at (908) 774-9229 for a free estimate.
