Most people think of putting on a new roof as a very stressful experience. When you work with the right roof contractor, though, it doesn't have to be. There are a few things that great contractors have in common, and when you look for these key signs, you know you're going to have a good experience.

1. Narrow Down the Field Early
If you just do a Google search or even check the Yellow Pages, you'll find dozens of roofers. It's easy to be overwhelmed, so start early by narrowing your options. Here's how to do that:

Look at Reviews
Online reviews are an important part of judging a business these days. Those review sites are where satisfied and dissatisfied customers go to express their concerns. Look at the star ratings, but read a few reviews, too. Bear in mind that having a poor review here and there shouldn't be a deal-breaker. After all, it's not uncommon for unscrupulous competitors in any profession to post fake reviews to tank other businesses in their area.

But if you see a lot of negative reviews, and particularly if they all complain about the same issues , it might be wise to move on. Pay attention also to the way the contractor replies to negative reviews and complaints. Sometimes these replies can tell you even more about a company than an actual review!

Look at Longevity
A great roof contractor has to know what they're doing, and it takes time to get to that point. That doesn't mean every new business is a bad one, but when you're dealing with something as integral to the value of your home as the roof, you'll rest easier knowing someone with a long track record and experience is on the job.

Look for Local
At certain times of the year, and especially after a big storm, roofing contractors sprout up like weeds. Many of them are storm chasers looking to make some quick money. You have no assurance they won't leave your project in the middle, no way of knowing if your initial payments are actually being used to buy supplies for your project or are just being used to pay off old debts, and very little recourse if something goes wrong with your roof six months later.

An established local business has a local reputation to consider. If their service or work is sub-standard, word will get around. And since they have an office right there in town, it means something real when they give you a guarantee about the life of your roof. If there's a leak or any kind of problem with the work, you know just where to go.

3. Check for Insurance and Licenses
In Texas, there's no requirement for a roof contractor to be licensed, but the good ones will be anyway. A license gives you some assurance that the company is serious about their work and expertise and not afraid to have other professionals check on them. Licensing also comes with requirements for ongoing education, so you can be sure your contractor is up on the latest materials and methods. Look for licensing by a reputable state-wide organization like the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.

Insurance is equally important. If your contractor doesn't have insurance, you have no guarantees and could be putting your home and future at risk. If a workman is injured on your property and the roofer has no liability or workman's compensation insurance , you could be held liable. Insurance also protects you in the rare event that there's damage to your home because some element of the installation wasn't done properly. Roofers without good insurance may offer a lower rate, but what they're offering isn't a deal: it's a huge risk.

4. Ask Around
Once you've narrowed your field to local companies with an established presence and a good online reputation, and you've verified insurance and licensing, the next step is to ask real people in your circle what they know. If anyone has used any of the contractors you're considering, ask about their experience. Here are some questions to consider:

    Was their estimate and the final cost very close?

    Was it easy to communicate with them?
    Did you feel safe at all times with them working on your home?
    Did they keep their promises?


5. Ask for Estimates
A good roof contractor will be happy to offer you a free estimate after an in-person visit. If a contractor tries to offer a specific estimate over the phone, hang up and move on. Even if you know the precise dimensions of your building and exactly what sort of roof you want, it's still impossible to give an accurate estimate without seeing the building in person. And those are the sorts of estimates that tend to start out small and keep getting larger as the project moves along.

Get your estimate and all job details in writing and make sure you know in advance what size crew will be working on the project and how long they believe it will take. Be sure to talk about all terms before you officially hire anyone. Ask how often the company goes over budget or misses deadlines and how they deal with it if they do. An experienced roofing contractor will rarely, if ever, go over budget or miss a deadline because they know just what they're doing. If for some reason, they do, they will make it good unless the change was something you specifically requested along the way.

6. Note How Well They Communicate
Even before you actually contract with a roofer, you should get an idea of how well they communicate based on the way they respond to your initial inquiries and the estimate. Did calls get returned right away? Did they send all the documentation you asked for and follow through on any requests or clarifications? If not, chances are you don't want to work with them for something as big as a roofing project.

7. Consider Certifications
When a roofing company is certified on multiple types of roofing materials and styles, you know they have the training necessary to satisfy all requirements . This is important because it can affect your warranty. Lower-quality roofers cobbling together a roof for you from what they happen to have leftover from the last project might offer you a five-year warranty. But many of the best roofing materials now come with 20-, 30-, and even 50-year warranties.

The catch? These materials must be installed by a contractor certified in those particular materials, or the warranty is invalid. Some certifications to watch out for, include: Duro-Last PVC products, GAF Master certification, and coating certification, Mule-Hide Products PVC and bitumen, Owens Corning, Master Shingle, and more.

8. Consider Roof Type Expertise
Some contractors specialize in only one type of roof. The problem with this is it makes them hammers: and to a hammer, everything looks like a nail. They're always going to suggest the type of roof they can do and won't be able to give you good advice on the truly best choice for your unique situation. Look instead for roofing professionals who can do residential or commercial, metal, shingle, tile, flat, bitumen, and all other types of roofs.

You may know what you want already, but it never hurts to get an expert opinion. Even more importantly, asking each contractor your considering to give their advice about what type of roof you need will give you another chance to evaluate them . You'll get a better sense of their professionalism, how easy they are to work with, and whether they're just in this to get as much money as possible out of you or to provide you with a truly great customer experience.

9. Look for Financing Options
Roofers know that a roofing project is an investment and that not everyone can simply pay out of pocket for a project this big. A good roofer will be able to offer you financing options and be willing to at least try to work with you even if you have poor credit. Look for loan terms around 10 to 15 years, and there should be no pre-payment penalty.

Choose the Best Roofing Professionals for Your Job
Austin Roofing and Construction is Austin's most reliable roofing contractor. We've been in this business for more than three generations, and we have a long history of serving and supporting the local community. At Austin Roofing and Construction, you'll find friendly professionals dedicated to caring for each other as they offer you the best possible customer service.

We're licensed, bonded, and insured to the max for your protection, and we're certified in many of the best materials for your roofing project. Whatever type of roof you need, we can make it happen. Contact Austin Roofing and Construction in Austin, TX today to arrange an in-person visit and a free estimate for your project: or just stop by our office for some free advice! We're proud to be the best roofing company in Austin, and we can't wait to prove it to you.