How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: 10 Things Every Homeowner Should Look For
Learn how to choose a roofing contractor with 10 essential things to look for. Illinois and Wisconsin homeowner guide to hiring a trusted roofing professional.
Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner will make. The right contractor protects your home, your investment, and your peace of mind for decades. The wrong one can leave you with shoddy workmanship, voided warranties, and expensive repairs down the line. With so many options available, knowing how to choose a roofing contractor you can actually trust is essential.
At Avondale Roofing, we have served Illinois and Wisconsin homeowners since 1988. Over 35+ years in business, we have seen what separates a great roofing company from a forgettable one. This guide walks you through the ten most important things to look for before signing a contract, so you can hire with confidence and avoid the pitfalls that catch so many homeowners off guard.
Why Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor Matters
Your roof is the first line of defense against everything Mother Nature throws at your home. From summer hailstorms to heavy winter snow loads, a properly installed roof determines how well your home stands up to the elements. According to the Better Business Bureau, home improvement contractors consistently rank among the most-complained-about industries, with roofing scams especially common after major storms. Taking the time to vet your contractor properly is the single best way to protect yourself from costly mistakes.
Here are the ten things to look for.
10 Things to Look for When Choosing a Roofing Contractor
1. Proper Licensing and Insurance
Any reputable roofing contractor should hold a valid license to operate in your state. In Illinois, roofers must be licensed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Wisconsin requires contractors to be registered through the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Always ask for the contractor's license number and verify it before signing anything.
Equally important is insurance. A trustworthy contractor will carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Without these, you could be held financially responsible if a worker is injured on your property or if your home is damaged during the project. Ask for proof of insurance in writing, not just a verbal assurance.
2. Manufacturer Certifications
Manufacturer certifications are one of the strongest signals of contractor quality. Major shingle manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed only award certifications to contractors who meet strict standards for workmanship, training, and customer satisfaction. The highest of these honors, GAF Master Elite, is held by less than 2% of roofing companies nationwide. GAF President's Club is even more exclusive.
Avondale Roofing holds both certifications, which means our installations come with extended warranties unavailable through non-certified contractors.
3. Local Reputation and Years in Business
Longevity matters in the roofing industry. A contractor who has been serving Illinois and Wisconsin homeowners for decades has earned that staying power through quality work and honest dealings. Newer companies aren't always bad, but an established local presence usually signals reliability.
Ask how long the contractor has been in business at their current location. Avondale Roofing has been serving the region since 1988, with permanent offices in both Edgerton, Wisconsin and Elgin, Illinois.
4. Verified Customer Reviews and References
Online reviews are one of the easiest ways to gauge a contractor's reputation. Check Google Business Profile, Facebook, Yelp, and the BBB for unbiased feedback from past customers. Look for patterns in the reviews: Are customers happy with the workmanship? Do they mention clear communication? Were issues resolved promptly?
In addition to online reviews, ask the contractor directly for three to five references from recent projects. A contractor who hesitates to provide references is a red flag.
5. Detailed Written Estimates
Never accept a verbal quote or a vague one-page estimate. A professional roofing contractor will provide a detailed written estimate that includes:
Scope of work and materials being used
Brand and product line of shingles or roofing membrane
Tear-off and disposal costs
Labor charges
Permit fees
Cleanup and final inspection
Estimated start and completion dates
Warranty terms
This level of transparency protects both you and the contractor. It also makes apples-to-apples comparisons between bids much easier.
6. Warranty Coverage
Roofing warranties come in two main forms: manufacturer warranties (covering the materials themselves) and workmanship warranties (covering the contractor's installation). Both matter. A great contractor offers strong warranties on both fronts and explains exactly what is covered and for how long.
Be cautious of contractors who offer unusually short workmanship warranties or who can't clearly explain what their warranty covers. The best roofing companies stand behind their work for years.
7. Local Office and Permanent Address
Avoid contractors operating out of the back of a pickup truck. A trustworthy roofing company has a permanent local office, a physical address you can visit, and a verifiable presence in your community. This is especially important when warranty issues or follow-up questions arise months or years after the project is complete.
After major storms, "storm chasers", out-of-state contractors who appear briefly to chase insurance claims, often disappear once they have collected payment. A local contractor with deep roots in the community will still be around when you need them.
8. Safety Standards and OSHA Compliance
Roofing is one of the most dangerous trades in construction. A reputable contractor takes worker safety seriously, with OSHA-compliant practices, proper fall protection, and comprehensive training for every team member. Don't be afraid to ask how the contractor approaches safety on the job site. Their answers will tell you a great deal about their professionalism.
9. Clear Communication and Professionalism
Pay attention to how the contractor communicates from your very first interaction. Do they return calls promptly? Are they patient with your questions? Do they show up on time for the inspection? Are they respectful of your home and your time?
These small signals matter. A contractor who communicates clearly during the sales process will almost always communicate clearly during the project itself. Poor communication early on is a strong predictor of bigger problems later.
10. Willingness to Provide Free, No-Obligation Inspections
A trustworthy contractor is happy to inspect your roof and provide an honest assessment with no pressure to sign on the spot. Be wary of any contractor who pushes you toward an immediate decision or who tries to convince you that you need a full replacement before they have even climbed on the roof.
Avondale Roofing offers free, no-obligation roof inspections throughout Illinois and Wisconsin as part of our full-service residential roofing and commercial roofing offerings. Our team takes the time to explain what we find, walk you through the options, and let you make the right decision for your home on your timeline.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Just as important as knowing what to look for is knowing what to avoid. Watch out for these warning signs:
Door-to-door solicitation immediately after a storm, often a sign of a storm chaser
High-pressure sales tactics or demands for an immediate decision
Requests for full payment upfront before work begins
No physical office address or verifiable local presence
Vague or missing written estimates
No proof of license or insurance
Significantly lower bids than competitors, which often signals corner-cutting
Negative online reviews or unresolved BBB complaints
If you notice any of these signs, walk away. There are plenty of trustworthy contractors who will treat your project, and your home, with the care it deserves.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Before you commit to any roofing contractor, get clear answers to these questions:
Are you licensed and insured in my state?
Do you hold any manufacturer certifications?
How long have you been in business?
Can you provide references from recent projects in my area?
What is included in your written estimate?
What warranties do you offer on materials and workmanship?
Who will be on site managing the project day to day?
How will you protect my landscaping and property during the work?
What is your payment schedule?
What happens if unexpected issues are discovered mid-project?
A contractor who answers these questions clearly and confidently is one you can trust. For more depth on this topic, see our companion guide on key questions to ask a roofing contractor.
Why Illinois and Wisconsin Homeowners Choose Avondale Roofing
When you work with Avondale Roofing, you get the peace of mind that comes from hiring a contractor who checks every box on this list:
35+ years of local experience, serving Illinois and Wisconsin homeowners since 1988
GAF Master Elite and President's Club certification, the highest honors in residential roofing
Fully licensed and insured in both Illinois and Wisconsin
Permanent offices in Edgerton, Wisconsin and Elgin, Illinois
Free, no-obligation inspections with detailed written estimates
Strong manufacturer and workmanship warranties that protect your investment
Clear communication from your first call to final cleanup
We treat every home like our own, because protecting what matters most to our neighbors is what we have built our reputation on.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today
Choosing the right roofing contractor doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right questions and a clear sense of what to look for, you can hire with confidence and protect your home for decades to come.
If you're ready to talk to a roofing contractor you can actually trust, contact Avondale Roofing today for a free, no-obligation roof inspection. Our certified team will walk your roof, give you an honest assessment, and answer every question you have.
Call us at 855-819-ROOF (7663) or schedule your free inspection online. Avondale Roofing, the trusted name in Illinois and Wisconsin roofing since 1988.