How to Choose the Right Roofer (Without Getting Burned)
So the roof’s leaking...
So the roof’s leaking. Or maybe you just
spotted a shingle hanging on for dear life after the last windstorm. Either
way, it’s time to call in a pro. And if you’ve ever typed “roofing contractor
near me” into a search bar, you already know how chaotic that can get.
Dozens of options. Questionable reviews. “Free inspections” that somehow turn
into surprise invoices.
Here’s how to cut through the noise and actually find someone who shows up,
does the job right, and doesn’t leave you with a tarp and a broken promise.
1. Don’t Build a Spreadsheet. Get One Solid
Recommendation.
You don’t need six estimates and a decision
tree. You need one roofer who’s actually good. If you have friends or neighbors
who’ve had roof work done, ask them who they used. And more importantly — would
they hire them again?
Not everyone wants to hand out a referral, but if someone lights up and says,
“Oh, these guys were awesome,” that’s gold.
No personal referrals? Use a vetted service (like Lynx). We don’t do the
guessing game. We send someone we’d hire ourselves.
2. Ask for Paper — Not Just Promises
Anyone can say they’re licensed, bonded,
insured, and have 20 years of experience. That doesn’t mean they do. Ask to see
documentation. A legit roofer will have it ready, no drama. The license should
match the name on the contract. The insurance should be current.
Why it matters: If someone falls off your roof or damages your property and
they’re not insured? You could be liable. Not worth the risk.
3. Who’s Actually Coming to Your House?
Sometimes the person giving the quote isn’t
the person doing the work. That’s not necessarily bad — big companies work like
that — but you should know who’s showing up.
Ask: Will the crew be employees or subcontractors? How long have they worked
together? Will there be a foreman on-site?
Good roofing companies are proud of their team. If the answers feel vague or
dodgy, move on.
4. Get the Timeline in Writing (Weather Happens)
Roofing jobs are weather-dependent — fair.
But you still deserve a clear sense of:
- When they can start
- How long it’ll take (realistically)
- What happens if there’s a delay
Also ask: Will they tarp the roof if rain’s in the forecast? Do they finish the
job all at once or split it over several days?
Pro tip: Delays happen. What separates the good ones is how they communicate
when it does.
5. A Wildly Low Quote Is a Red Flag, Not a Win
If one quote is dramatically cheaper than
the others, it’s usually not a favor — it’s a shortcut. Maybe they’re skipping
permits. Maybe they’re using off-brand shingles. Maybe they’re just desperate
for work and plan to upsell you later.
Ask: What’s included in this price? Does it include tear-off and cleanup? What
kind of shingles are you using? Are we talking full replacement or just
patchwork?
Cheap work on your roof can cost you thousands down the line. Don’t fall for
the trap.
6. Look for Follow-Through, Not Just Finish
A good roofer doesn’t just finish the job.
They clean up, walk you through what was done, and follow up if something isn’t
right.
Ask if they provide before-and-after photos. Ask how they handle touch-ups or
small issues after the job’s done. Good pros want a five-star review — and they
know that means finishing strong.
Bonus Tip: Let Lynx Handle It
At Lynx, we don’t sell you a list. We send
you one roofer — licensed, top-rated, and vetted. You tell us what’s going on.
We handle the rest.
We’ve already done the background checks. We’ve already looked at the ratings.
We know who shows up, who communicates, and who actually earns their paycheck.
Still not sure?
That’s fair — it’s your roof. Send us your
question. Or better yet, tell us what’s going on, and we’ll send help. No
lists. No noise. Just someone solid.
