How to Find a Good Roofer: Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring in Lancaster, PA

Researching Potential Roofing Contractors

Before you hire a roofer, it’s crucial to do your homework. Start by searching for local roofing contractors with a solid reputation in your community. Look for companies that are licensed and insured, as this provides important protection for both you and the contractor during the roofing work. Reading online reviews and testimonials from previous clients can give you valuable insight into the contractor’s work quality and customer service. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof of insurance coverage, including general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance, to ensure you’re protected in case of accidents or property damage. Verifying that the contractor holds up-to-date licenses and complies with local building codes is another key step in finding a professional roofer you can trust.

Evaluating Multiple Roofing Contractors

Once you’ve identified a few potential roofing contractors, it’s wise to compare your options before making a final decision. Request written estimates from at least three different contractors so you can compare costs, materials, and the scope of work. Pay close attention to the details in each estimate, including payment terms, warranties, and the timeline for completion. A reputable roofing contractor will be transparent about their pricing and provide clear, detailed proposals. Be on the lookout for red flags such as unusually low bids, lack of a physical business address (only a post office box), or reluctance to provide references. Evaluating multiple roofing contractors allows you to assess their professionalism, communication, and commitment to delivering high quality work, helping you choose the right roofer for your project.

Hire Accredited Roofing Companies

This is one of the easiest ways to avoid getting taken advantage of on your roofing projects. Before you hire a roofing company, check to see if the company has the proper accreditations for the services it offers. Homeowners should also verify that the roofer holds a valid license and is recognized as a professional contractor.



It is especially important to know your roofing company is qualified to build new roofs in your area. Every county in the U.S. has specific rules governing construction and home improvements. A good contractor will ensure all necessary building permits are obtained and may be certified by a reputable shingle manufacturer, which is a sign of quality and reliability. If you’re interviewing roofing companies and they can't tell you what those guidelines are and how they plan to work with them in mind, odds are their quality of work will be subpar and perhaps even illegal.

Check Portfolios, References, and Reputation

Check roofing companies against their portfolios, references, and reputation. This may seem like a no-brainer or a slightly redundant process, but paying attention to all three elements is important to ensure you hire a high-quality roofing company that backs up claims with good work.

Here is why each element is key to verifying whether a roofing company is reputable or not.

• Portfolio: Looking through a roofing company’s portfolio is the best way to verify if the company has enough experience to handle the roofing projects you want to hire that company to do for you. Reviewing examples of the contractor's work helps you assess the scope and quality of their previous jobs.
• References: This is the best way to evaluate a roofing company’s character. Talk to real customers to learn what kind of people work for the company you are interviewing. This is another good reason to hire locals — verifying nonlocal companies is more difficult and less reliable. Homeowners should also ask about the contractor's workmanship warranty, as a strong workmanship warranty demonstrates the contractor's confidence in their craftsmanship and provides long-term protection against installation errors.
• Reputation: This is a good way to evaluate a roofing company’s character if you can’t find the company’s references or the company doesn’t provide enough references for your comfort. Some companies are not above creating fictional reviews on their websites or providing phony references, so read through reviews and compare them to the testimonials or references on the company’s site. Be sure to read reviews from multiple sources to get a complete picture of the company's reputation. If a company has a poor online reputation, odds are something is off.

Don't Always Go for the Cheapest Option

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when hiring roofers is to go for the cheapest option. It’s tempting to pinch pennies anywhere the opportunity presents itself, but roof installation and repair is not the place to do so. The cheapest roofing companies often don’t have the equipment, roofing materials, or experience to give you the high-quality roofing services you deserve. As a local amish roofing company, Sunnyside Roofing beats most competitors on price but cheap doesn't equal good. We do the job right the first time and provide a workmanship warranty.

Ask roofing companies if they offer financing options to help manage the cost of roof installation or repair. This can make it easier to afford quality work without sacrificing important aspects of the project.

When comparing estimates, remember that proper installation and ensuring the roofing product is installed correctly are critical for long-term performance and warranty coverage. Cutting corners on installation can lead to costly problems down the road. Why? Because your warranty may be void or unusable.

Hire Local

Hiring local companies not only helps the Lancaster economy, but it also gives you an added layer of assurance that the services you're paying for are well-vetted. If your neighbors put their faith in a local company, the company is most likely reputable and competent.

Ask for Warranties

This is a great way to weed out bad roofing companies. If a roofing company can’t offer you a warranty or guarantee for its work, the company might be hiding something. Many roofing systems come with manufacturer warranties, which cover defects in roofing materials, while a workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation itself. Both are important: the manufacturer warranty protects against faulty materials, and the workmanship warranty ensures the contractor stands behind their craftsmanship and installation. If a company can’t offer one or both of these kinds of consumer protection, avoid that company. Remember, a new roof is a major investment, so having strong warranties in place is essential for protecting your home and ensuring long-term peace of mind.

Hiring a Reputable Roofer in Lancaster, PA

For high-quality roofing services in Lancaster, PA, call Sunnyside Roofing at (717) 825-7751 or schedule a roof assessment online. We can help you learn the mistakes to avoid when hiring roofers and we offer a free, no obligation, roofing inspection.



Conclusion

Choosing the right roofing contractor in Lancaster, PA, is essential for ensuring your roof is installed or repaired to the highest standards. By taking the time to research potential contractors, verify their credentials, and compare multiple written estimates, you can avoid common mistakes and protect your home for years to come. Remember, a reputable roofing contractor will offer the best protection for your investment, stand behind their workmanship, and provide peace of mind throughout the roofing process. Make your hiring decision with confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to secure a safe and reliable roof for your home.