How to Hire a Roofer You Can Trust: Questions to Ask and Red Flags to Avoid

Start with a local, established business

Look for a roofer with a real local address, a phone number that a person answers, and a track record in your area. After big storms, out-of-area crews often knock on doors and are gone once the work is done. A local company has to live with its reputation.

Searching "roofer near me" is a fine start, but read past the first ad. Check the Google Business Profile, the Better Business Bureau and Facebook for the same company name, address and phone number. Consistent details across all three are a good sign.

Read the reviews the right way

• Volume and spread: many reviews over time mean more than a handful posted in the same week.
• Specifics: real reviews mention a crew member, the problem, or how the job went.
• Responses: see how the company answers questions and complaints.
• Your area: reviews from nearby towns tell you they actually work where you live.

Check licensing and insurance

Indiana does not issue a statewide roofing contractor license. Some cities and counties require contractors to register or hold a local license, so check with your local building department. Whatever your town requires, ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, and confirm the policy is current. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you do not want that to become your problem.

Questions to ask before you hire

• Will you inspect the roof yourselves and show me what you find?
• Is the estimate written, and what exactly does it include?
• Who will be on the roof, and who do I call with questions during the job?
• How will you protect my landscaping, siding and driveway?
• What happens if you find damaged decking once the old roof is off?
• What warranty comes with the work, and is it in writing?
• Can I see photos of recent jobs or talk to past customers?

Red flags

• Pressure to sign the same day, or a “storm special” that expires tonight.
• A large cash payment up front before any materials arrive.
• No written estimate or contract.
• Promises that insurance will pay for a new roof before anyone has inspected it. Only your insurer decides what is covered.
• No local address, or a phone number that goes to voicemail every time.
• Offers to skip your deductible. Be wary of anyone who suggests bending the rules with your insurance company.

Local roofer or big chain?

Larger regional companies can have more crews, while local roofers often offer more direct communication and a person who knows the neighborhood. Either can do good work. What matters most is clear communication, a written scope, proof of insurance and a reputation you can verify.