Credentials – Before you hire a roofing contractor in Massachusetts, you should confirm they have the proper legal credentials to perform the job. The company should possess a Home Improvement Contractors (HIC) license OR carry a Construction Supervisors License (CSL).

Look up a license online:

• Home Improvement Contractors License: http://services.oca.state.ma.us/hic/licenseelist.aspx
• Construction Supervisors License: http://elicense.chs.state.ma.us/Verification/Search.aspx

Insurance – The contractor should provide you with a copy of their General Liability Insurance Policy. This is to protect you and your home in the event there is an accident during the project. Additionally, you should request a certificate of their Workers Compensation Insurance Policy. This policy will protect you, and your assets, if there is an injury to one of the workers on the job site.

*Workers Compensation is important to this type of industry because of the risk involved with climbing ladders and working on roofs.

Experience – Ask your roofing contractor how long they have been in business. The more experience they have, the better off you’ll be. If you’re located in the Greater Boston area, Daniel M. Fox Roofing has been in business for over 25 years!

References – Researching the roofing company before you hire them is always a wise decision. You might be paying thousands of dollars for your roofing project and you should make sure the company you choose has a good reputation. Ask the contractor to provide a list of references of previous clients that you could speak to about their experience with the company.

Check for reviews online:

• Yelp
• Google Places
• Angies List

*Another trick - Try a Google search for the company name +” reviews”. Example search phrase: roofing company name reviews.

Red Flags – Be aware of contractors who use high-pressure sales tactics when providing you with an estimate. Some contractors will ask you sign a contract right on the spot and not give you time to think things over. The contractors that are busy and get a lot of work don’t resort to these tactics because they don’t need too. Don’t sign anything until your comfortable.

Avoid hiring a contractor who:

• Doesn’t have their business listed with the city/town, state or any local business directories
• Only accepts cash
• Pressures you to sign a contract, or offers a discount for doing so immediately
• Just knocks on your door (unless they did so because they noticed you may have an obvious issue with your roof)
• Requires you to obtain permits from your city/town  (The contractor should be taking care of this)
• Demands more than 50% of the project cost as a down payment

Get Everything In Writing - Make sure the contract explains all of the work that is to be preformed.

This includes the following:

• Materials
• Labor
• Cost
• Start and Completion Dates
• Warrantees
• Guarantees

Job Cost – The lowest bid doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. If you receive a bid that is much lower than the others, chances are they are cutting a corner somewhere. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

Rapport – It’s important to establish a good working relationship with the salesman and/or project manager from the roofing company. You’re paying good money to have them provide this service and they will be working on your property, so make sure you know whom the contact person is if you have any questions or concerns.