Before you spend your money, spend some time evaluating the roofing contractor who may be doing the work.

Who
Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D. number and where appropriate, a business license.

History
Check with the Better Business Bureau for possible complaints. Check the company's track record, check out references and check at least three completed projects by calling the owners.

Financial Capabilities
A lien can be placed against your roof by the supplier of the materials if the materials haven't been paid for by the roofing contractor.

Insurance
Does the roofing contractor carry liability insurance, or are they relying on your home-owner insurance?

Workers Compensation
Did you know that when you hire a contractor, if the contractor has not paid his Workers' Compensation account, you as the homeowner, may be responsible for the medical costs of a workman who is injured at your home? Make sure you see the contractors Workers' Compensation certificate. Before making the final payment make sure the Workers' Compensation has been paid. Never pay in cash.

Safety
Choose a company committed to the education and safety of its workers. A commitment to safety indicates an overall commitment to quality.

Price
Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Many fly-by-night operators seem attractive with their below cost bids, but are often uninsured and perform substandard work

Written Quote
Insist on a written proposal and examine it for a complete description of the work, materials to be used and approximate starting and completion dates. Details are important.

Workmanship
Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge on your project. Ask for copies of all material and workmanship guarantees and warranties.

Extras
Protection of your shrubs and flower gardens is important. Cleaning of gutters and yard clean-up should also be part of the deal. If they don't write it down, it may not happen.

Quality Products
You get what you pay for. A new roof is an expensive acquisition, don't waste your money by using substandard materials. Insist on Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau Certified, Certi-Labeled shakes and shingles.

Approved Installers
Choosing a contractor is a challenging job. Roofing Contractors who have achieved Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau Approved Installer status have submitted a detailed application and undergone a reference call investigation. Only Approved Installers are able to offer the 20/25 year limited warranty administered by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau on behalf of its manufacturing members.

Manufacturing members produce products that are part of the Certi-Wood™ family of cedar shakes and shingles including Certi-Split®, Certi-Sawn®, and Certigrade® products. Approved Installers individual services contracted with their customers may include a wide range of items such as roofing and siding installation, roofing consultation and roofing repair. Contact your local member to see what specific services are available in your area.

Product Warranty
Only Approved Installers are able to offer the 20/25 year limited warranty administered by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau on behalf of its manufacturing members.

Workmanship Guarantee
Approved Installers guarantee that each and every roof they install will meet or exceed all state or local roofing standards and will be put down in compliance with the application standards established by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau. A certified Approved Installer is someone you can trust to install your new shake or shingle roof correctly.