Whether you are hiring a roofer for the first time or you are hiring a roofer to repair your roof, there are several tips that you can follow to ensure that you hire the best roofer.

Check out a roofer's work history

Whether you are getting your home re-roofed or you have a roof that is damaged, you'll want to check out a roofer's work history before you hire him. The best way to do this is to call up several companies for quotes. You can also find reviews of contractors on the Internet.

The Better Business Bureau also has a listing of roofers. These reviews can be helpful in determining whether a contractor is trustworthy. You should also check out a roofer's social media pages. Reputable roofers will post pictures of their completed projects. You can also visit the websites of the Better Business Bureau and Angie's List to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.

You can also find out more about a roofer by calling his references. These references will be able to give you more details about the work he has performed. You should ask to see a sample of his work and you can also ask him for a list of references.

Get everything in writing

Getting everything in writing when hire a right roofer is a surefire way to guarantee you don't get ripped off. It can also help you avoid unpleasant confrontations and avoid the costly mistake of hiring the wrong contractor for the job.

There are many reasons to get everything in writing, but the most obvious is that it makes things easier for you. Having everything written out makes it much easier to negotiate terms and make changes to the original scope of work. If you're not sure how to go about getting everything in writing, check with the local Better Business Bureau or trade association.

A good roofing contractor will offer you a warranty, so you should ask about this before signing a contract. While you're at it, you may want to ask if the contractor has a licensing requirement. Many states require roofing contractors to be licensed, so make sure you ask.

It's also a good idea to get all of the nifty tidbits in writing, such as the cost of the materials and the cost of installing a new roof. If you're a bit on the fence, you can ask your contractor for a list of references. This way, you can find out if the company is any good or not.

Avoid hiring the cheapest roofer

Choosing the cheapest roofer may seem like a good idea in the beginning, but it can prove to be costly in the long run. When hiring a roofer, it's important to consider several factors.

The first thing you need to consider is whether the roofer has any insurance. If they don't, they might be liable for any injuries they may cause to you and your family. It's also important to check whether the roofer is licensed in your state. If they aren't, they might be doing illegal work.

You should also consider the quality of the materials the roofer will use. If they use inferior materials, your roof will likely need to be replaced much sooner than it would if you had purchased high-quality materials.

Another thing to consider is the contractor's experience. Choosing an inexperienced roofer can result in subpar work. A licensed roofer has experience performing more complex tasks, which can benefit you.

Another important factor to consider is the quality of the roofer's work. Some "discount" roofers don't take the time to complete the job correctly. They might use poor quality materials or take shortcuts, which can lead to a subpar job.

Get a free estimate

Getting a free estimate for your roofing project can be a great way to save money and time. It also helps you compare estimates from various contractors.

Free estimates usually include a physical inspection of the property. You'll want to get a detailed estimate that includes everything from the cost of labor to the cost of materials. A good estimate also includes warranty information on materials and workmanship. You should ask questions about the company's credentials and whether they will stick to the estimate.

Roofers may also suggest periodic roof cleaning or changing the gutters. This should be included in the final estimate. A good estimate should also include proof of liability insurance and workman's compensation.

In addition to a thorough inspection of your roof, the roofing estimator may also walk around the property. This will reveal areas that need repair or may have unusual features.

A good estimate should also detail a timeframe for the project. It should also include a breakdown of costs, including labor, materials and permits.