Name: Dr. Roof
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

Hiring a roofer is a major commitment. The job of any roofing contractor is to help you protect your home and everything precious inside. But a few states (including Georgia), do not require a roofing or siding license to practice roofing. That's why over the years, we've advocated for greater accountability and standards for roofers across Georgia by upholding the highest standards in the industry. Read on for the crucial factors to consider before deciding on a roofer.

How do I choose a qualified roofing contractor?

The first step to vetting roofing companies is to get local referrals. Choosing a contractor from your community will help weed out a number of potential issues or scams. If a contractor does not earn most of their work from referrals or repeat customers, then they have not proven themselves or earned the trust of the community yet. Locally referred contractors also will be more familiar with local rules, code regulations, and suppliers.

Another thing to factor into your decision-making process: proper licensing and insurance. Contractors should have insurance for all workers and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate. This avoids putting any legal liability on you, the homeowner, in the event a roofer sustains an injury on the job.

It's also important to find a contractor that is certified by the manufacturer to install those materials. The best installers have the highest certifications, such as GAF Master Elite (Roofing), James Hardie Elite Preferred (Siding).

You should always get an extensive warranty. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it could take months or years for the damage to show up — so insurance won't cover it. If the contractor won't fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), you'd be forced to front the cost. That's why Dr. Roof goes a step beyond the traditional warranty to offer several options, including the Golden Pledge Warranty covered not only by Dr. Roof but also by the roofing industry authority - GAF.

What should I ask a roofer?

To make sure you find a trustworthy roofer, you should begin by asking questions about the company itself:

How long have you been in business?
Who owns the business? How long have they owned the business?
Who would be working on my roof? Are they employees or sub-contractors?
Can you provide proof of proper licensing, insurance and certification?
What training and experience does the crew have?
How do you ensure the safety of your workers?
How do you ensure the safety of my home and family?

Follow up with questions about your unique project, such as:

When can you schedule my project?
How long will this project take?
Is a building permit required and if so, who would handle the process?

Dr. Roof takes the screening process seriously. We are here to help and will always provide a first, second, or even third opinion so you can make the most informed decision for your home — even if it doesn't involve our company.

What mistakes should I avoid when choosing a roofer?

Don't give in to a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. All contractors should do their own thorough examination and check that the insurance adjuster didn't miss any damages. That's why we believe in free, no-obligation inspections — no strings attached. Using our proprietary 35 point HomeScan system, we leave nothing to chance. Ever.

Steer clear of unaccredited roofers. Some contractors seem to only appear right after a storm or adverse weather event, so it's important to look them up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website and make sure they have a good score. Avoid contractors who you can't find on BBB.org. Additionally, you should only hire a company with a minimum of 5 years experience in your state. Over 75% of companies are not in business for five years, so how can they warranty a project?

Never settle for shoddy work or a lack of oversight. Check to see if your contractor has on-site independent personnel to review all work during the project to ensure it meets the highest quality. A spot check after completion is never enough. Dr. Roof contractors will always have a dedicated independent Quality Control person for oversight, and use only long-term Dr. Roof certified crews.

Don't make a decision based solely on price. A roof installation is a major investment, and less reputable companies may sacrifice quality for cost. While it's important to weigh competing quotes against each other, your decision should ultimately be based on the reputation of the roofing contractor and the quality of workmanship they can provide. Premium long-term quality outweighs short-term savings, and can save you from costly repairs down the line.

We know how much trust is needed to hire a roofer, so we strive to answer all your questions before you make any commitment. That's why we believe in free, no-obligation inspections — no strings attached. Superior roof installation workmanship, coupled with unparalleled customer service, helped Dr. Roof to be the winner of the Atlanta Consumers' Choice Award year after year — see for yourself!

Other references to guide you in your research: