Thinking about hiring a roofing company? You’re smart to do your homework first. A roof isn’t just another home project; it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll make. Trusting the wrong team can lead to unfinished work, surprise costs, and a whole lot of headaches.
So, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right roofing company? You’ll want more than a slick website and a few nice words on a flyer. Here’s how to really dig in and find out if a roofing company is worth your trust.
1. See If They’ve Won Any Awards
One of the fastest ways to spot a standout company is by checking if they’ve received any awards. Industry awards are not just about bragging rights; they usually mean the company has met high standards and earned real community respect.
When a roofer wins a local award, like the Best of Cobb 2025 Winner, that’s a pretty strong signal they’re doing things right. Awards like these aren’t handed out lightly. They often involve public voting, strict judging criteria, or both. When a roofing company has been recognized in this way, it’s usually because they’ve built a solid reputation over time, not just with flashy marketing but through real customer satisfaction and quality work.
Make sure you double-check the legitimacy of the award, though. Real awards will usually have information available online where you can verify the winner and the selection process.
2. Ask For Local References — And Actually Call Them
It’s one thing for a company to say, “We have happy customers.” It’s another thing entirely for you to hear it straight from those customers.
Always ask for at least three recent references from homeowners in your area. When you call, don’t just ask if the roof looks nice. Dig a little deeper. Find out if the company stuck to the timeline, if the workers respected the property, and if any unexpected issues popped up during the project.
You’ll also want to ask one important question: “Would you hire them again?” That answer tells you more than anything else.
3. Check Their License And Insurance, Yourself
No roofing company should shy away from providing proof of license and insurance. It protects both you and them.
Ask them to send you a copy of their license and insurance certificates. Then, take it a step further — call the issuing agencies to make sure everything is current. Licenses can expire. Insurance policies can get canceled. You want to make sure everything is valid at the time you’re hiring them, not just when they first printed that certificate.
4. Look Beyond Just Online Reviews
Yes, reviews matter, but they’re only part of the picture. Don’t just skim the five-star ratings. Read the actual comments. Pay attention to what people praise and what they complain about. Look for patterns rather than isolated experiences. One bad review among hundreds of positives isn’t a red flag. Multiple bad reviews saying the same thing? That’s worth taking seriously.
Also, see how the company responds to complaints. A thoughtful, professional reply shows they care about customer experience. Ignoring problems, or worse, getting defensive, is a warning sign.
It’s also smart to check multiple review sites, not just the most popular ones. Some companies stack reviews in one place while ignoring others where the feedback might not be as glowing.
5. Inspect Their Portfolio Of Work
Good roofing companies are proud of their work and happy to show it off.
Ask to see before-and-after photos from actual jobs, not just polished stock photos. Ideally, you want to see projects similar to yours. If you have a tile roof, for example, and they’ve only done asphalt shingles, that matters.
Look closely at the details. Straight lines, clean flashing work, properly finished edges — these small things say a lot about the quality you can expect.
Some companies even offer tours of previous projects nearby. If that’s an option, take them up on it. Seeing their work in person can be eye-opening.
6. Understand Their Warranty, In Full
A roofing warranty isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s a promise about quality and service after the job is done.
Ask clear questions about what’s covered and for how long. Good companies will offer two types of warranties:
● Manufacturer’s Warranty – Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves.
● Workmanship Warranty – Covers mistakes made during installation.
You’ll want both. And you’ll want the warranty details in writing, not just a verbal promise. Also, make sure the company itself backs the workmanship warranty, not just the manufacturer.
If a roofing company seems vague or hesitant when talking about their warranty, that’s a major red flag.
7. Talk To Real People, Not Just Salespeople
Sometimes you meet a smooth-talking salesperson who promises the world, but the real team that shows up to do the work is another story.
Ask who will be physically handling your roofing project. Will they use their own trained employees, or do they subcontract? If they use subcontractors, how do they screen and manage them?
Direct contact with the actual project manager or foreman can give you a much better feel for what to expect once the work starts.
A good company will be proud to introduce you to the real crew, not just leave you talking to someone who’s good with contracts but never picks up a hammer.
8. Be Wary Of High-Pressure Tactics
You should never feel rushed into hiring a roofing company.
If they offer you a “today-only” discount or pressure you to sign a contract immediately, slow down. Reputable companies know that homeowners need time to think through a major decision like replacing or repairing a roof.
The right company will respect your process, give you a clear and detailed estimate, and allow you to compare options without making you feel guilty or panicked.
If you feel pushed into signing something on the spot, that’s a strong clue you should keep looking.
Your Roof, Your Rules
Choosing a roofing company isn’t just about finding someone to hammer on shingles. It’s about finding a team you can trust with your home, your money, and your peace of mind.
By checking awards, calling real references, verifying paperwork, and paying attention to the small details, you set yourself up for success.
You’re the one making the investment, so don’t be afraid to ask hard questions, take your time, and demand the quality you deserve.