At some point, nearly every homeowner will have to deal with a roof repair or replacement, whether it gets damaged from a storm or the shingles are simply nearing the end of their 20- to 25-year lifespan. Finding the right company to take care of those roofing needs is crucial, and it’s important to vet contenders to ensure they’re worth the investment.

Special knowledge is required to install and repair a roof. Paying an inexperienced roofer or trying to DIY roof repairs can cost a homeowner majorly.

Before taking any other steps, homeowners should ensure their home falls within the service area of their preferred roofing expert. They should also ensure that the professional is available to complete the job within the necessary timeline, particularly in emergency situations that require swifter action.

Generally speaking, larger companies will have a wider service area as well as greater overall availability, since they have more employees and may have multiple locations. Smaller companies or individual contractors may not have as wide a service area or may already be booked with appointments.

Roofing experts must stay in compliance with various laws and regulations in order to legally practice their craft. This includes licensing, insurance, and bonding requirements. Specific license requirements will vary by state, but they typically include an examination, verifiable related experience, and proof of contractor’s insurance. This insurance protects both the homeowner and the contractor in case of an adverse event.

Many professional roofers, especially those working on commercial or other large-scale projects, will also be bonded. A surety bond is a legal contract that protects the homeowner against any monetary loss should the contractor fail to complete the project as agreed upon.