Why a professional roofing contractor? A professional generally is recognized as a person who has hands-on experience, specialized knowledge and received intensive training.

So how can you tell a qualified contractor from an unqualified one? There are no foolproof methods, but there are some important things that you can do to help make the best possible decision.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that you prequalify contractors. It may require some extra work, but experience shows that it goes a long way toward making sure you get the kind of results you expect--a roof system that works!

You can prequalify contractors on a project-to-project or annual basis if you regularly deal with the same group of contractors. Your criteria may vary according to the job requirements, but all professional roofing contractors should be able to provide you with the following:

A permanent place of business
Confirm that your contractor is well-established with a permanent address, telephone number, tax identification number and, where required, a business license. A professional has these readily available.

Knowledge of roof systems
The introduction of new roofing materials and application techniques has sparked a tremendous change in the roofing industry over the past 10 years. A professional roofing contractor is familiar with the different types of roof systems and will help you make the best decision for your building and budget. Be sure you are comfortable with the roof system(s) your contractor suggests.

Affiliated with an industry organization
Ask the contractor if his company is a member of a local, state, regional or national industry association. Involvement in a professional organization tends to keep a contractor better informed about the latest developments and issues in the industry.

Committed to education
Choose a company that is committed to the safety and education of its workers. Ask the contractor what types of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry programs the workers have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who install the roof system. Insist on having trained, experienced roof mechanics.

Insured and committed to safety
Don't hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of insurance certificates that verify workers' compensation and general liability coverages. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of your job. If a contractor is not properly insured, you, the owner, may be liable for accidents that occur on the property. Many building owners and homeowners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. (Note: U.S. workers' compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state's laws to determine workers' compensation insurance requirements.)

Licensed and bonded
Many states require that roofing contractors be licensed; some states have specific licensing requirements. In addition, some contractors are able to obtain bonding from surety companies, while others are not. Check to see if a prospective roofing contractor is properly licensed and/or bonded. Your state's department of professional regulation or licensing board will have this information.

Financial stability
A professional contractor will be able to supply you with current financial information. This should include: current assets, net fixed assets, current liabilities, other liabilities and references from a financial institution or auditing firm.

Application expertise
Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Some materials require special application expertise to provide a quality roof system that will last.

Insist on a written proposal
Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications. Be sure the proposal includes the approximate starting and completion dates, payment procedures, and any additional issues such as landscape damage prevention and debris cleanup.

Warranties
There are two basic categories of roofing warranties: the contractor's warranty, which covers workmanship, and the manufacturer's warranty, which covers (as a minimum) materials. Be sure that your contractor offers a warranty that covers workmanship. A manufacturer's warranty alone will not protect you if the roof is improperly installed. Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it.

Completed projects
Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects.

References
When making the final selection, ask the roofing contractor for a list of recent clients. Check with these customers to see if they were completely satisfied with the quality of materials and workmanship provided. You also may contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have received any customer complaints about the contractor.

Provisions for on-site supervision
Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion.

A professional maintenance program
Professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year. These inspections will help ensure that your project complies with the standards specified in the warranty. A maintenance program usually consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof system, flashing, insulation and related components to identify any potential trouble areas.

Here are some important questions that the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) recommends asking about any roofing company you may be considering. Please use this list as an aid to ensure that the contractor you choose will be there to provide ethical and responsive service before, during AND AFTER your project is complete.

1. Are they in good standing with the Better Business Bureau?

2. Are they a member of a roofing association that holds its members to high standards, such as the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (www.ntrca.com) the National Roofing Contractors Association (www.nrca.net,) the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (www.rooftex.com) or the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (www.mrca.org)?

3. How many years of experience do they have as a roofing contractor in North Texas?

4. Are they insured? What type of insurance coverage do they have and what and how much does it cover? Don’t hesitate to ask a roofing contractor for proof of insurance and make sure the coverage is in effect throughout your project. You don’t want to be liable for accidents that occur on your property (and you will be if the contractor is not properly insured)!

5. Who will supervise your roofing project? How much experience do they have? How can you contact that person?

6. Where is the roofing company located? Has your prospective contractor just come to town with the storms? Drive by and check out their business address. You probably don’t want to hire a roofer who is operating out of his pickup truck or temporary P.O. Box.

7. What is the roofing contractor’s warranty on labor? What is the manufacturer’s warranty? Get warranty information in writing. Consider how long your contractor has been in business and where they are located when looking at their labor warranty.

8. Do they have credit references? Ask for a list of local suppliers, and call them to ensure the roofing contractor is in good standing. You don’t want to be left footing the bill for roofing materials.

9. Do they have customer references they can provide? Get a list of previous customers and call them.

10. Will they give you a detailed, written proposal with complete descriptions of the work, start and completion dates and payment schedule?

11. Is the contractor going to obtain the appropriate municipal permits?

12. Are they asking for money upfront? End users should beware of paying before the job is complete. A partial payment for materials, however, after they have been delivered to your project location, is not unusual.

13. Which roofing manufacturers are they certified to install? You can go to the manufacturer’s website to see which roofing contractors are certified to install their roofing system.

14. Is the roofer offering to “take care of” or “eat” your insurance deductible? Talk directly to your insurance company to ensure that any “deal” is legitimate and not insurance fraud.

15. If the bid is significantly lower than their competitors, why? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Price is only one consideration when selecting a roofing contractor. Make sure you don’t pay more later by hiring a contractor that is uninsured, performs substandard work and/or leaves North Texas shortly after the storms do. Also, a low price that is below other contractors’ costs is an indicator that the roofing materials being used may be stolen goods, a growing problem in North Texas that is a federal offense