Tips for Choosing A Roofing Company

Choosing a roofing company isn’t something most homeowners do very often, and when it is time to do it, the stakes are high. Your roof protects your entire home—and choosing the wrong contractor can lead to costly mistakes, insurance headaches, and unnecessary stress.

Here are 7 essential tips to help you confidently choose the right roofing company for your next project.

1. Look for Local Experience and Reputation

When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, local matters—and not just because of proximity. A company that’s established in your area is more likely to understand:

• Local building codes and permit requirements

• Common roofing styles and material preferences in your neighborhood

• The climate’s unique wear-and-tear on roofing systems (like hail, heat, or high winds)

But it goes deeper than that. A local company depends on its reputation. They’re not just trying to finish the job and disappear—they’re building a name they want homeowners to trust for years. That means they’re more likely to offer fair pricing, communicate clearly, and stand behind their work long-term.

Why it matters: Many storm chasers or out-of-town companies set up shop quickly after major weather events, then vanish after collecting a few checks. If warranty work is needed down the road, they’re nowhere to be found.

Ask for proof of local projects, testimonials from nearby homeowners, or even addresses of roofs they’ve replaced that you can drive by. A good local roofer will be proud to show off their work.

2. Verify Insurance and Licensing

Reputable roofing companies carry General Liability (GL) and Workers’ Compensation (WC) insurance—not only to protect themselves, but more importantly, to protect you as the homeowner. These policies cover property damage and job-site injuries, so you’re not left on the hook if something goes wrong.

Also, in most states (including Tennessee), a company can’t even obtain a roofing license without proof of active GL and WC coverage. If a contractor isn’t properly insured, they’re either unlicensed or cutting corners—neither of which you want on your roof.

Don’t just take their word for it—ask for copies or verify with your local licensing board.

To check on a particular contractor and verify their license, you can visit the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors website and look up a contractor you’re considering to use for your roof repair or roof replacement project. In Tennessee, for projects between $3,000 and $25,000, a home improvement license is required. A state-issued contractors license is required for projects valued at $25,000 or more.

3. Read Real Reviews – And Dig a Little Deeper

Online reviews are one of the best tools you have to evaluate a roofing company, but it’s not just about the number of stars. Look beyond the surface to get a real sense of how the company operates.

Start by checking Google, Facebook, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and even Nextdoor. Focus on recent reviews from people in your area who had similar work done—especially full roof replacements or insurance-related claims.

What to look for:

• Responsiveness – Did the company communicate clearly and consistently?

• Punctuality and professionalism – Did they show up on time and respect the homeowner’s property?

• Clean-up and follow-through – Was the job site left clean? Did they honor their warranty or address issues quickly?

• Handling of problems – Every contractor runs into unexpected issues from time to time. What matters is how they handled it. A company that owns its mistakes and makes things right is often more trustworthy than one with only generic 5-star reviews.

Also, read how the company responds to negative reviews. Do they take feedback seriously? Do they try to resolve concerns respectfully? This gives you insight into their customer service values.

Red flag: Be wary of companies with only perfect reviews, all posted around the same time, or ones that look copied and pasted. Real feedback usually sounds like real people—and it includes both praise and constructive criticism.

4. Avoid Storm Chasers and High-Pressure Sales Tactics

After a major storm, your neighborhood can quickly become a target for storm chasers—roofing crews from out of town (or even out of state) looking to make fast money and move on. These companies may knock on your door, pressure you to sign paperwork on the spot, and promise to “work with your insurance” before they’ve even looked at your roof.

Here’s why that’s risky:

• They may not be licensed or insured in your state.

• They often do subpar work and disappear before you realize it.

• If you have issues months later, it’s nearly impossible to get them back for warranty work.

High-pressure sales tactics are another red flag—even from local companies. A trustworthy roofer will educate you, not rush you. They’ll explain your options, offer honest recommendations, and encourage you to make an informed decision at your own pace.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are they pushing me to sign before I’m ready?

• Are they unwilling to provide references or licensing info?

• Are they vague about what’s included or what’s not?

If the answer to any of these is “yes,” it might be time to look elsewhere.

5. Ask for a Detailed, Written Estimate—Not Just a Ballpark Number

Before committing to any roofing project, you should receive a clear, written estimate that breaks down more than just a single price tag. A professional contractor will walk you through every part of the scope of work and put it in writing so there are no surprises later.

A good estimate should include:

• Roofing materials: brand, type, quantity (shingle grade, underlayment, flashing, etc.)

• Labor and removal: including whether old materials will be removed and how debris will be disposed of

• Project timeline: estimated start and completion dates

• Cleanup plan: details like magnet sweeps for nails and property protection

• Warranty terms: both material and workmanship warranties

It should also clarify how change orders will be handled, in case hidden damage is found after tear-off.

Why this matters: Vague estimates leave you vulnerable to unexpected costs and poor communication. A detailed quote protects you and shows the contractor is organized, transparent, and committed to doing things right.

6. Don’t Agree to a Large, Upfront Deposits

Be cautious of any roofing contractor who asks for a large upfront payment before any work begins. While it’s normal for reputable contractors to request a small deposit (typically 10–20%) to secure materials and schedule your job, a demand for 50% or more is a red flag.

Here’s why:

• You lose leverage. Once a large deposit is paid, a disreputable contractor has little incentive to stay on schedule, finish the job properly, or even return at all.

• It signals poor cash flow. Established roofing companies should have the financial stability to order materials without requiring half the job paid up front.

• Insurance jobs don’t require prepayment. If your roof is being paid for through an insurance claim, your contractor should be able to start the project with little or no money down and bill through proper documentation as work is completed.

Protect yourself by asking:

• What is the deposit for, exactly?

• When are the remaining payments due?

• Can I pay based on project milestones?

And make sure the payment schedule is clearly laid out in the written contract, with no vague language or open-ended terms.

Bottom line: If someone insists on a huge check before showing up with tools or materials, find another contractor. Trustworthy roofers earn your confidence through professionalism—not pressure.

7. Inquire About Their Manufacturer Relationships and Roof Warranties

When selecting a roofing company, it’s essential to ask about their relationships with roofing material manufacturers and the warranties that come with your new roof. Not all warranties are created equal, and working with a contractor who has strong manufacturer ties can save you headaches down the road.

Why Manufacturer Relationships Matter

Top roofing manufacturers—like Owens Corning, CertainTeed, GAF, and others—often offer extended or enhanced warranties for roofs installed by their certified contractors. These contractors have met specific training, quality, and workmanship standards set by the manufacturer, meaning your roof is more likely to be installed correctly the first time.

If a roofer isn’t certified by a reputable manufacturer, you may be limited to only the basic warranty on materials, which usually covers defects but not workmanship. That can leave you vulnerable if installation errors cause problems later.

What to Ask Your Roofer

• Are you a certified installer for the roofing materials you recommend?

• What kind of manufacturer warranties come with the materials?

• Do you offer a workmanship warranty, and how long does it last?

• How do you handle warranty claims if an issue arises?

• Can you provide written documentation of all warranties?

Understanding Roofing Warranties

• Manufacturer Warranty: Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves—such as shingles failing prematurely due to factory defects.

• Workmanship Warranty: Covers errors or issues caused by the installation process, like improper flashing or missed nails.

Good contractors stand behind both, offering peace of mind that your roof will protect your home for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right roofing company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. From verifying insurance and licensing to reading honest reviews, avoiding high-pressure sales, and understanding warranties—you now have the tools to make a confident, informed choice.

Remember, your roof protects your biggest investment—your home—and working with a reputable, local contractor who stands behind their work can save you time, money, and stress down the road.

If you’re ready to find a trustworthy roofing partner who prioritizes quality, transparency, and customer care, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation or inspection. Taking the time to ask the right questions today means peace of mind tomorrow.

Ready to Get Started?

At Revival Roofing & Restoration, we’re committed to providing Nashville-area homeowners with honest advice, expert craftsmanship, and dependable service from start to finish. Whether you need a free roof inspection, a second opinion, or a full roof replacement, our team is here to help.

📞 Call us today at 615-619-ROOF
📧 Or fill out the form online at revivalroofs.com/inspection to schedule your free consultation.

Let us help you protect your home with confidence!