[Por_sha911]

I just had my roof done this month!

1) Make sure they are: licensed, bonded, and insured (Workers Comp AND General Liability). This protects you from being sued if they fall and having a problem with the work and they leave town and you're stuck with damage to the interior of the home. Require that they have written proof from the Ins co in your hands before they start.

2) Get the estimate in writing on a legit form. Otherwise its your word against theirs.

3) Ask for a quote with and without the shingles (they supply all other materials). This will force them to measure accurately and you may save money that way because they don't want you to see that you have a ton of leftover shingles. Also get in writing what the cost is to replace plywood. Also, price out the shingles locally (lumber supply not Lowes). You may be able to save some money.

4) Make sure you are getting a complete tear-off and not just new roof on top of the old.

5) Ask what brand of shingles they like to use. Each brand has certain requirements for # of nails per tile... This will ensure you have a valid warranty.

6) Ask for, no, require local recent references. Go look at the job they did. Ask the homeowner if they cleaned up well (or you may be picking up nails from your lawn for 2 years).

7) Money down in advance is a negotiable. I ordered a stock color shingle and didn't pay a penny till the job was done.

8) Unless you are planning to sell quickly, get at least a 30year shingle. The labor is far more expensive than the materials. Put in ridge vents instead of the alum boxes. Far more efficient. Attic turbine fans are great in the summer but leak a lot of heat in the cold months.