Time for a new roof or roof inspection? Depending on how long you’ve lived in your home, you might not know who to call. Most contractors work regionwide, so finding a few to shortlist within your city or its neighbouring municipalities shouldn’t be difficult—you just need to know where to look.

Referrals from Neighbours, Real Estate Agents and Other Contractors

Other homeowners on your street have likely worked with roofers before, so ask for a referral. If they’ve been burned by their contractor, you’ll want to know the name and steer clear of that company.

Similarly, if you work with any other contractors, then you can see if they know a qualified roofer. Most contractors belong to broader associations where they network and refer business. Real estate agents use similar networks because they often consult contractors during inspections and ask them to perform renovations before listing.

Google, Review Websites and Contractor Communities

Websites like Homestars.com allow you to search for contractors in your city and read reviews on their past projects. Such sites give you an idea of how consistently the company delivers satisfactory results.

Likewise, typing in “roofing contractors in [city]” will yield results on Google. Here you can begin to research companies, learning about their credentials and experiences on their websites.

Local Signage

Contractors often advertise their brands onsite. For example, if someone on your street is amidst a roofing renovation, they will likely have a sign on their lawn or on a nearby trailer. You can also look for signs around the city like on light posts, bulletin boards and vehicles. While you glean no information about the company from such signs, you do learn their names and contact information to kick-start your investigation.