For most homeowners the roof on their home is something they seldom think about. But it performs a number of important functions, not the least of which is protection against the elements. In some neighborhoods it provides uniformity between homes when owners are required to install similar roofing styles, such as tile. At other times it becomes part of the landscaping when the roof is built to support the growth of small bushes and grasses. Roofs protect the home from infestation of rodents and bugs. They perform a vital service to the house, the neighborhood and the family.

When it comes time to repair or replace a roof, homeowners must do their due diligence. Finding the right roofing company to work on the home will be 90% of the effort a home owner must take when considering this significant financial purchase. A new roof may cost upwards of $12,000.00 and an installation of the top of an existing roof can cost $6,000.00. This is no small financial outlay and should be carefully considered and evaluated.

By qualifying the roofer you are considering, you will reduce the risk of experiencing shoddy workmanship or paying for materials you never receive. There are several different factors that should be considered before hiring your roofer.

1. Remember that just like any other contractor, physician or dentist, if a company has been in business long enough, there will be past issues. The answers to all of your questions do not have to be positive but they do have to be reasonable. Don't be concerned if there are past problems but rather how they were resolved or addressed with the client. Your goal is to work with a company that values your business and wants you to refer them to neighbors and friends.

2. Your roof is a large investment in the future financial health of your home. A poor roof will cost you in further damage to the attic area, growth of mold and mildew or access to wild animals. If the contractor you want is not immediately available, and water is not pouring into the family room, then you may want to wait until your job can fit into their schedule.

3. Check the references that the company provides. References are an important part of qualifying a roofer to work on your home. Your investment deserves the best contractor possible. This is the time to do diligent work. Drive by the addresses the contractor has given you and do a quick inspection from the street of the work that was done.

You are looking for extra spacing between individual shingle tabs and that the shingles themselves are trimmed in a clean line so they overlap with the flashing on the roof. Look along the roof edge or the valleys for shoddy construction. While the occasional shingle that is out of line is not something to be concerned about it can also speak to something that is consistently done poorly when found on multiple roofs.

4. If you are satisfied with the work done from the outside of the houses then it's time to contact the home owners directly. Ask them questions like: would they use this roofer again? Did the roof leak before the repair and if it did was the roofer responsive to their immediate needs? Was the roofer courteous? Did the job come in at budget? Were any extra charges justified?

Were there any damages to the landscaping? Did the company clean up after themselves and dispose of the waste products? Was there a foreman on the job who could answer your questions during the job?

5. When the roofer arrived at your home to give you a bid was he dressed cleanly and appropriately? Pride in the company employee's appearance speaks volumes about the pride they take in their workmanship.