How to Choose a Roof Replacement Company
Your complete guide to finding a trustworthy roofing contractor. Learn what credentials to verify, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Choosing the right roof replacement company is one of the most important decisions you will make as a homeowner. A quality roof protects your home, your belongings, and your family for decades. The wrong choice can lead to poor workmanship, voided warranties, and costly repairs down the road.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose a roof replacement company with confidence. We will cover essential credentials to verify, red flags to avoid, and a step-by-step process for comparing quotes and making your final decision.
Whether you are dealing with an aging roof, storm damage, or simply want to upgrade your home, following these guidelines will help you find a trustworthy contractor who delivers quality work at a fair price.
Essential Credentials to Verify
Before hiring any roof replacement company, verify these critical credentials to protect yourself.
Valid State License
CriticalVerify the company holds a valid roofing contractor license for your state. In South Carolina, check with the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Pro Tip: Ask for the license number and verify it online before signing any contract.
Liability Insurance
CriticalGeneral liability insurance protects you if the company damages your property during the roof replacement. Minimum coverage should be $1 million.
Pro Tip: Request a Certificate of Insurance and call the insurance company to verify it is current.
Workers Compensation
CriticalWorkers comp insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you could be sued.
Pro Tip: This is non-negotiable. Never hire a company without workers comp coverage.
Manufacturer Certifications
ImportantCertifications like GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT, or Owens Corning Platinum indicate proper training and access to better warranties.
Pro Tip: GAF Master Elite is the highest certification - only 2% of roofers qualify.
BBB Accreditation
RecommendedBetter Business Bureau accreditation indicates the company meets ethical standards and responds to customer complaints.
Pro Tip: Check the BBB website for the company rating and any filed complaints.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for these warning signs when evaluating roof replacement companies.
Warning Signs
Door-to-door salespeople after storms
Legitimate companies do not chase storms and pressure homeowners. These "storm chasers" often do poor work and disappear.
Demanding large upfront payments
Reputable companies rarely require more than 10-30% upfront. Never pay in full before work begins.
No physical business address
A company with only a P.O. Box or cell phone number may be fly-by-night. Look for established local offices.
Pressure to sign immediately
High-pressure tactics and "today only" pricing are red flags. Good companies give you time to decide.
Significantly lower price than others
If one quote is much lower, they may be cutting corners on materials, labor, or insurance.
No written contract or vague terms
Everything should be in writing: materials, timeline, cost, warranties, and payment terms.
Offering to waive your insurance deductible
This is insurance fraud and illegal. Any company offering this should be avoided.
No local references
A good roof replacement company should have plenty of happy local customers you can contact.
Roof Replacement Company Evaluation Checklist
Use this checklist when evaluating potential contractors.
Credentials
- Valid state roofing license
- General liability insurance ($1M minimum)
- Workers compensation coverage
- Manufacturer certifications (GAF, Owens Corning, etc.)
- BBB accreditation or rating
Reputation
- Google rating 4.5+ stars with 50+ reviews
- Local references you can contact
- Years in business (5+ recommended)
- Physical local address
- No unresolved BBB complaints
Professionalism
- Prompt response to inquiries
- Thorough roof inspection before quoting
- Detailed written estimate with material specs
- Clear explanation of process and timeline
- Professional appearance and communication
Contract & Warranty
- Written contract with all terms
- Material warranty details (25+ years)
- Workmanship warranty (5+ years, lifetime ideal)
- Payment terms clearly stated
- Permit handling included
Want a printable version of this checklist?
Call (843) 877-5539 for your free evaluation guideStep-by-Step: Comparing Roof Replacement Companies
Follow these steps to make an informed decision.
Get Multiple Quotes
Obtain at least 3 quotes from different roof replacement companies. This gives you a baseline for pricing and allows you to compare approaches.
Compare Apples to Apples
Ensure each quote specifies the same materials, underlayment, ventilation, and scope of work. Different materials = different prices.
Evaluate the Inspections
Did the company do a thorough inspection? Did they go in the attic? Did they explain what they found? A quick glance is not enough.
Check Communication Quality
How responsive are they? Do they answer your questions clearly? Poor pre-sale communication often predicts poor service.
Verify Everything
Check licenses, insurance, and references. Do not skip this step - it takes 30 minutes and can save you thousands.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off, it probably is. Choose the company that makes you feel most confident and comfortable.
Weather Shield Roofing Meets Every Criteria
See how we stack up against the checklist above.
Licensed & Insured
SC Licensed, $2M Liability, Full Workers Comp
GAF Master Elite Certified
Top 2% of roofing contractors nationwide
5.0★ Google Rating
73 verified reviews - highest in Myrtle Beach
15+ Years Experience
Serving coastal SC since 2010
BBB A+ Accredited
Zero unresolved complaints
Lifetime Workmanship Warranty
Plus manufacturer warranties up to 50 years
Local Business
Physical office in Myrtle Beach
Insurance Claim Experts
Full documentation and adjuster support
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get for roof replacement?
Get at least 3 quotes from different roof replacement companies. This helps you understand market pricing and compare different approaches. Be wary of quotes that are significantly higher or lower than the others - extreme outliers often indicate problems.
Is the lowest quote always the best choice?
No. The lowest quote often indicates cut corners - cheaper materials, uninsured workers, or poor workmanship. Focus on value, not just price. A quality roof replacement that lasts 30 years is better than a cheap job that fails in 10.
How important are manufacturer certifications?
Very important. Certifications like GAF Master Elite (top 2% of roofers) indicate the company has been trained in proper installation techniques and can offer enhanced warranties. Non-certified installers may void your material warranty through improper installation.
Should I hire a local or national roofing company?
Local companies are generally preferable. They understand local building codes, have experience with regional weather challenges, can respond quickly to warranty issues, and have a reputation to maintain in the community. National companies may subcontract to local crews you cannot vet.
What should be included in a roofing contract?
A complete contract should include: detailed material specifications, total cost with payment schedule, project timeline, warranty terms (both materials and workmanship), permit responsibility, cleanup procedures, and what happens if additional work is needed.
How do I verify a roofing company is insured?
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing both general liability and workers compensation. Then call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is current. Do not just accept a document - verify it is real and active.
Ready to Find Your Roof Replacement Company?
Weather Shield Roofing meets every criteria on this list. Contact us for a free inspection and estimate.