How to Hire a Roofing Contractor?

So…. your roof is leaking. Or it’s missing a few shingles. Maybe it just looks tired – like it’s had enough Philly winters and deserves a respectful retirement. 

Whatever brought you here, welcome. Roofing in Philadelphia is no joke – the weather swings alone (snowstorms, sideways rain, 90-degree summers) are enough to wear down even the best-built homes. So when it’s time to fix, replace, or just inspect your roof, you want someone who knows what they’re doing. 

But hiring a roofing contractor? That’s where things can get dicey. 

Let’s walk through the process step-by-step, so you know exactly what to look for (and what to run from). By the end of this, you’ll know how to find a roofer in Philly you can trust – someone who actually shows up on time, does solid work, and completes the job to your satisfaction. 

1. Don’t Rush – Even If the Roof is Leaking 

When your ceiling’s dripping on your dinner table, it’s tempting to just Google ‘roofers near me’ and hire the first one that answers the phone. Don’t. 

Philadelphia is full of roofing contractors – from legit, licensed pros to one-man crews working out of a van with no insurance. Picking randomly is risky. That quick fix might cost you way more later. 

Instead:

• Take a deep breath 
• Place a tarp if you need to
• Spend one evening doing a little homework 

That small pause? It could save you thousands.

1. Know What Type of Roofing Work You Need

Before you call anyone, get clear (ish) on what you’re asking for. You don’t have to be an expert – that’s their job – but knowing whether you need a full roof replacement, a repair, or just a gutter fix can help weed out the wrong contractors. 

Here in Philly, most homes have:

• Asphalt Shingle Roofs (affordable, common)
• Flat Rubber Roofs (especially in south Philly rowhomes)
• Slate or Metal Roofs (less common, more expensive)

Make a note of what you have – or better yet, snap a few photos. It helps when you start making calls. 

3. Ask the Right Questions (And Not Just How Much)

A lot of people jump straight to price – we get it, budgets matter – but roofing isn’t like buying a new TV. You’re not just comparing specs. You’re evaluating trust, materials, timelines, and safety. 

Here’s what you actually want to ask:

• Are you licensed and insured in PA? 

(If they hesitate, stop there. This is non-negotiable.)

• How long have you been working in the Philadelphia area? 

Local experience matters – roofs here deal with everything from snow loads to squirrels. 

• Can you show me recent work or references?

Good roofers are proud of their work. They’ll happily point you to past clients or jobs nearby. 

• Who will be doing the work? 

Some companies sub out everything. That’s fine if they supervise properly – but you should know who’s actually climbing up there. 

• What warranties do you offer – on materials and labor?

The best roofers offer both. If something goes wrong, you’re covered. 

Pro tip: Write the answers down. After three or four calls, they’ll start blending together. 

4. Get 2-3 Estimates (But Don’t Always Pick the Cheapest)

Once you’ve talked to a few contractors, ask for written estimates. Not scribbled on a napkin – actual, itemized quotes. 

What you want to see:

• Cost of materials
• Cost of labor 
• Timeline (start and end dates)
• Cleanup and removal details (who’s taking away the old roof?)
• Payment schedules (watch out for big upfront payments)

In Philadelphia, a full roof replacement might run anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000+, depending on your roof type, size, and materials. Repairs are obviously much cheaper – maybe $500 to $2,000, depending on the issue. 

If one quote is way lower than the others… that’s not always a win. It could mean they’re cutting corners – or worse, planning to disappear after a deposit. Always balance cost with reputation. 

5. Read the Reviews – Then Dig Deeper

A roofer might look great on Google. Tons of stars, glowing reviews, a slick website. 

But here’s the catch – reviews can be cherry-picked. 

Dig a little:

• Look for patterns. Do multiple people mention showing up late? Poor cleanup? 
• Check the negative reviews. How did the contractor respond? Defensive? Professional? 
• Go beyond Google. Check BBB (Better Business Bureau), Angi, Facebook neighborhood groups – even Reddit threads like r/philadelphia.

And don’t forget to ask your neighbors – if someone had a good (or terrible) experience, they’ll let you know. 

6. Review the Contract Like a Hawk

Once you’ve chosen a contractor, they should give you a formal contract. 

Read. Every. Word.

Don’t just skim. This is where you protect yourself. Make sure the contract includes:

• Scope of work (in detail)
• Required materials 
• Project start and end dates 
• Total cost + payment terms 
• Cleanup responsibilities
• Warranty details 

In case of any doubts, it’s best to ask for clarification. 

7. Watch Out for These Red Flags 

Not all roofing nightmares come with horror movies. Sometimes, the signs are subtle:

• No written estimate 
• Upfront payment demand
• Unwillingness to provide proof of insurance 
• No local address
• Making promises too good to be true

Never settle for a roofer you’re not sure about. There are plenty of roofers in Philadelphia – you can find the right one with a little due diligence. 

8. Bonus: Ask About Permits 

In Philly, many roofing jobs require permits, especially replacements or structural work. 

Your contractor should know this. They should also handle the permit process for you (and include the cost in your estimate). 

If they tell you ‘you don’t need one’ without checking first? Red flag. 

Ready for a Roofer You Can Actually Trust?

Hiring a roofing contractor in Philadelphia doesn’t have to be a nightmare. 

Sure, it takes a little time. Some research. A few phone calls. But honestly – that’s better than watching your freshly installed roof leak because you trusted the wrong person. 

So take your time. Ask the awkward questions. Say no when someone feels shady. And when you do find the right roofer? 

Hang onto them. 

Good roofers in Philly are worth their weight in copper flashing. 

Protect your home, money, and peace of mind with Discounted Roofing LLC. We are licensed and insured with three decades of experience and over 30,000 successfully completed roofing projects. Get in touch to discuss your roofing needs with us.