How to Hire a Roofer in New Jersey

A practical checklist: what to verify, what to put in writing, and the red flags to walk away from.

Most roofing problems after a job aren't about the shingles. They're about who installed them. A little checking before you sign saves a lot of trouble later. Here's what to look for when hiring a roofer in Linden or anywhere in New Jersey.

1. Check the contractor's registration

New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Registered contractors get a registration number (it starts with 13VH) that should appear on their contracts, estimates and advertising. You can look up a contractor's registration on the Division of Consumer Affairs website.

Registration isn't a guarantee of quality, but working with an unregistered contractor removes some of the protections the state gives you.

2. Ask for proof of insurance

Ask for certificates showing general liability insurance (covers damage to your property) and workers' compensation (covers workers who get hurt on your roof). Roofing is dangerous work. If an uninsured worker is injured at your house, you don't want to find out who's responsible the hard way.

3. Get it in writing

Under New Jersey's home improvement rules, contracts over $500 must be in writing. A good roofing contract should include:

• The contractor's legal name, address and registration number
• A clear description of the work: tear-off or overlay, decking repairs, underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, ventilation, shingle brand and line
• Total price and payment schedule
• Start and completion dates
• How extra work (like rotted decking) will be priced
• Permits and who's responsible for them
• Cleanup and disposal
• Manufacturer and workmanship warranties
• Your right to cancel within three business days of signing

4. Compare quotes properly

Two quotes can look thousands of dollars apart until you compare what's in them. Check that each one includes the same scope: full tear-off, the same type of shingle, ice and water shield, new flashing rather than reusing old, and ventilation. The cheapest quote often leaves things out.

5. Understand the warranties

• Manufacturer warranty - covers defects in the shingles. Many require installation by a certified installer and proper attic ventilation to stay valid.
• Workmanship warranty - covers installation mistakes. This matters more, because that's where most problems come from. Ask how many years it lasts and get it in writing.

6. Ask good questions

1. How long have you been working in this area?
2. Can I see photos or addresses of recent local jobs?
3. Will you pull the permit?
4. Who will be on site, and who do I call with questions?
5. How do you protect landscaping, siding and the driveway?
6. What happens if you find rotted wood under the shingles?

7. Red flags

• Door-to-door offers right after a storm, especially from out-of-state crews
• Pressure to sign today, or "this price is only good right now"
• Large deposits before any materials arrive
• Offers to waive or cover your insurance deductible
• No registration number, no insurance certificate, no written contract
• Cash-only deals
• Vague quotes like "new roof - $12,000" with no details

How we fit in

When you call the number on this site, we connect you with an independent local roofer serving your area. We don't do the work ourselves, so use this checklist with any contractor you speak to - including the ones we connect you with.