Looking For a Roofing Contractor? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know Before You File

When a storm hits and your roof takes a beating, the clock starts ticking. You know you need to file an insurance claim, and you know you need a contractor to fix the damage. It’s a high-stakes moment for any property owner. Your home isn't just a building; it’s your biggest investment, and your roof is its first line of defense.

At NPA Adjusting, we see ourselves as your advocates. We’ve watched thousands of claims pass through our desks, and we’ve seen how the choice of a roofing contractor can either streamline your recovery or turn a simple claim into a logistical nightmare. We believe in a collaborative approach where the contractor handles the craftsmanship and we handle the policy protection.

Before you pick up the phone to file that claim, let’s talk about how to vet the person who will be standing on your roof. Here are the 10 things you need to know to protect your home and your insurance claim.

1. Verify Licensing and Insurance (The Non-Negotiables)

This is the baseline. If a contractor can't produce a valid license and proof of insurance, the conversation ends right there. We aren't just talking about a business license; we mean a trade-specific license required by your state or municipality.

Furthermore, verify that they carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance along with workers' compensation coverage. Why does this matter for your claim? If an uninsured worker falls off your roof, that liability could land on your doorstep. We want to protect you from being sued for a project that was supposed to fix your house, not cause a legal crisis. Always ask for updated copies of these credentials and verify them with your state’s licensing board.

2. Check Experience and Years in Business

The roofing industry is notorious for "storm chasers": companies that pop up overnight after a hail storm and vanish just as quickly. While everyone starts somewhere, we recommend looking for a contractor who has been operating under the same business name for at least three to five years.

Longevity is a sign of stability. It means they have a track record of honoring their work and standing by their word. When we advocate for your claim, we want to know that the contractor providing the repair estimates is a seasoned professional who knows how to spot hidden damage that a rookie might miss.

3. Review the Track Record and Real References

Online reviews are a great starting point, but they aren't the whole story. Ask for a list of recent clients: specifically people who had work done in the last six months.

When you call these references, don't just ask "Did they do a good job?" Ask about the details:

• Did they stick to the timeline?

• Did they leave the job site clean (no nails in the driveway)?

• How did they handle unexpected issues?

A quality contractor is proud of their reputation and will be happy to show off their satisfied customers. At NPA Adjusting, we believe transparency is the foundation of a successful project. You can learn more about our commitment to transparency on our About Page.

4. Examine Their Project Portfolio

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in roofing. Request a portfolio of completed projects that are similar to your specific needs. If you have a commercial flat roof, a contractor who only does residential asphalt shingles might not be the best fit.

Seeing their versatility and workmanship gives us peace of mind. We want to ensure that the person rebuilding your roof understands the specific architectural requirements of your property. High-quality work is the best way to safeguard your investment for the long haul.

5. Verify Manufacturer Certifications

Top-tier roofing manufacturers, like GAF or Owens Corning, offer certifications to contractors who meet their high standards for installation. Hiring a certified contractor often means you get access to better warranties that are backed by the manufacturer itself.

Ask the contractor if they are "Master Elite" or "Preferred" installers. This tells us they have invested in their own education and are committed to using the best materials available. When we look at your claim through our MaxClaims process, knowing that high-quality, certified materials are being used helps us ensure the settlement reflects the true value of your roof.

6. Obtain a Detailed Written Estimate

Vague estimates are the enemy of a successful insurance claim. We’ve seen "handshake deals" lead to massive "supplement" requests later that the insurance company might refuse to pay.

A professional contractor should provide a detailed proposal that outlines:

• Labor costs

• Specific material types and brands

• Disposal fees

• Approximate start and completion dates

• Payment procedures

This level of detail allows us to cross-reference their quote with your insurance policy to make sure everything is covered. If you’re unsure if your estimate covers what it should, feel free to reach out for an initial consultation.

7. Understand the Warranty (Both Labor and Materials)

There are two types of warranties you need to look for: the manufacturer's warranty (on the shingles or materials) and the contractor’s workmanship warranty (on the labor).

A great contractor should stand behind their work for several years. If the roof leaks six months from now because a flashing was installed incorrectly, you shouldn't have to pay a dime to fix it. We advocate for our clients by ensuring they aren't left high and dry by "tailgate warranties" that expire the moment the contractor drives away.

8. Check Industry Memberships and the BBB

Is the contractor a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)? Do they have a solid rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?

While these aren't the only markers of quality, they show that the contractor is engaged with the professional community and is held to a certain standard of conduct. We value these credentials because they reflect a commitment to the industry that matches our own professional standards at NPA Adjusting.

9. Ask About Project Supervision and Quality Control

Who is actually going to be on your roof? Is the person who sold you the job the same person who will be supervising the crew?

Ask for the name of the project manager who will be on-site. You want to know there is a point of contact for quality control. If a contractor just drops off a crew and disappears, mistakes are more likely to happen. We believe in active intervention and protection, and we expect the same level of oversight from the contractors we work alongside.

10. Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone

This is perhaps the most important piece of advice we can give. In the world of insurance claims, the lowest bid isn't always the best. In fact, an unusually low bid is often a red flag. It might mean the contractor is cutting corners, using inferior materials, or doesn't have the proper insurance.

Insurance companies are required to pay for the "Fair Market Value" of a repair. If a contractor bids significantly lower than that, they might be leaving money on the table that should be going toward your home’s restoration. We help you navigate this balance to ensure you get the highest quality work without being overcharged.

Why a Public Adjuster and a Contractor are the "Dream Team"

Choosing the right contractor is half the battle. The other half is ensuring your insurance company pays what is actually owed under your policy.

At NPA Adjusting, we work in harmony with reputable roofing companies. While the contractor focuses on the physical roof, we focus on the policy language and the financial recovery. We act as your dedicated advocate, ensuring that the contractor’s expert findings are properly communicated to the adjuster in a way that maximizes your claim payout.

If you are a contractor looking to ensure your clients are treated fairly, or a homeowner ready to start the repair process, let’s protect your investment together. We can handle the heavy lifting of the paperwork through our eFile system and ensure every detail is accounted for.

Ready to get started?

Don't go it alone. Whether you’re just starting to look for a contractor or you’ve already received a low-ball offer from your insurance company, we are here to help.

Schedule your initial consultation today!

Let’s protect what’s yours.

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