ARCNC is pleased to provide the following tips to consumers looking to hire a roofing contractor:

• Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D. number, and where required, a business license.
• Insist on seeing copies of the contractor's liability insurance coverage and workers' compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job.  Workers’ compensation is required for all California roofing contractors.
• Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.
• Check to see whether the contractor is properly licensed and bonded. A contractor’s license can be verified online through the Contractors State License Board at https://www2.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx.
• Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.
• Check to see if the contractor is a member of any local, state or regional roofing industry associations, such as Associated Roofing Contractors of Northern California (ARCNC) or Roofing Contractors Association of California (RCAC).
• Call your local Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints that have been filed.
• Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required, and the estimated time of completion.
• Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, price is only one criterion for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily in your decision.