1. Verify They're Licensed and Insured

This is non-negotiable. Any legitimate roofing contractor operating in Virginia must carry a valid contractor's license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Ask for the license number and verify it directly at the DPOR website — it takes about 60 seconds and tells you whether the license is current and in good standing.

Beyond licensing, confirm that the contractor carries two types of insurance:

General Liability Insurance — covers damage to your property if something goes wrong during the job.

Workers' Compensation Insurance — covers injuries to workers on your roof. Without it, you could be held liable if a crew member is injured on your property.

Ask for certificates of insurance directly — not just a verbal confirmation — and verify that the policy is current. Any reputable contractor will provide this without hesitation.

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2. Look for Manufacturer Certifications

Manufacturer certifications are one of the clearest signals of a contractor's commitment to quality. Programs like GAF's Master Elite certification, CertainTeed's Select ShingleMaster, and Owens Corning's Preferred Contractor designation aren't handed out freely — they require documented installation training, proof of proper licensing and insurance, and a demonstrated track record of quality work.

These certifications also unlock extended warranties for homeowners that aren't available through uncertified contractors. A GAF Master Elite installer, for example, can offer the Golden Pledge® warranty — one of the most comprehensive roofing warranties available — while a non-certified installer cannot, regardless of what shingles they use.

When a contractor is certified by the manufacturers whose products they install, it's a strong signal that they've made a real investment in doing the work correctly.

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3. Check Reviews — and How They Respond to Them

Online reviews tell you a lot, but the most important thing isn't the star rating — it's the pattern. Look for consistent mentions of specific qualities: communication, cleanliness, showing up on time, following through on what was promised. A contractor with 200 reviews averaging 4.8 stars across Google, Houzz, and the BBB has a track record that's hard to fake.

Pay equal attention to how the company responds to negative reviews. Every contractor gets a difficult customer occasionally. What separates professional companies from the rest is whether they respond calmly, take responsibility where appropriate, and work toward resolution. Defensive or dismissive responses to negative reviews are a yellow flag.

Also check the BBB for any unresolved complaints, and look for recognition from local community platforms like Nextdoor — where neighbors in your actual community are recommending (or warning against) specific contractors based on direct experience.

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4. Get Multiple Written Estimates

A verbal quote is not a quote. Any roofing estimate worth considering should be provided in writing and should clearly itemize:

• The scope of work (tear-off, decking inspection, underlayment, shingles, flashing, ridge cap, cleanup)
• The specific materials to be used, including brand and product line
• The project timeline
• Payment terms and schedule
• Warranty coverage — both manufacturer and workmanship

Getting two or three written estimates gives you a basis for comparison and immediately reveals contractors who are vague about materials or scope. If two estimates are significantly lower than a third, find out why — it's usually materials, labor quality, or something being left out of the scope entirely.

Want a clear, itemized estimate from a certified roofing contractor? Exterior Techs provides detailed, no-pressure estimates at no cost to you. Request yours online → or call (804) 848-TECH.

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6. Understand the Warranty — Both Parts of It

A good warranty shows confidence. A better warranty means the roofer has confidence in their team and the quality of their roofs.

Roofing warranties come in two distinct parts that are often conflated:

Manufacturer's Warranty — covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. Standard shingle warranties range from 25 years to lifetime, but the coverage is often prorated and subject to conditions including proper installation by a certified contractor.

Workmanship Warranty — covers the quality of the installation. This is the contractor's warranty, and it's entirely separate from what the manufacturer covers. Workmanship warranties vary significantly — from one year to a decade or more. Ask specifically what the contractor warrants, for how long, and what the process is for a warranty claim.

Both warranties must be in writing. A manufacturer warranty can be voided by improper installation — always verify your contractor is certified to install the brand they’re quoting. A contractor who offers minimal workmanship coverage is telling you something about how confident they are in their own installation.

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7. Watch Out for These Red Flags

• Asking for full payment upfront — a standard payment structure involves a deposit at signing and the balance at completion, not full payment before work begins
• Not Within Service Area — Ensure you are within their usual service areas or they have good reviews from homeowners in your area. Driving an hour or two out of their usual service areas is a bad sign.
• Pressure to sign immediately — legitimate contractors don't need to create artificial urgency
• Unusually low bids — if it seems too good to be true, something is being cut: materials, labor quality, or insurance coverage
• Offering to waive your insurance deductible — this is illegal in Virginia and a sign the contractor doesn't operate above board

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Hiring Right the First Time

The right roofing contractor is licensed, insured, certified, transparent about their process, and willing to put everything in writing. They welcome your questions, provide references without being asked, and have a visible presence in the communities they serve.

At Exterior Techs, we check every one of those boxes. As GAF-certified and CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster contractors with an established presence across Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, and Richmond, we bring the credentials, the craftsmanship, and the communication that a project like this deserves — backed by our 10-Year Workmanship Guarantee.