Your Roof Is Too Important for the Wrong Contractor
A roof replacement is one of the largest home improvement investments you'll make. Hiring the wrong contractor can turn that investment into a nightmare: leaks within months, voided warranties, disappearing companies, or permits never pulled.
Here are the 8 things every Washington homeowner should check before hiring a roofer:
1. Verify Their Washington State Contractor License
This is non-negotiable. Washington State requires all contractors to be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). You can verify any contractor's license at the L&I website.
What to check:
- License is current and active (not expired or suspended)
- The business name matches who you're talking to
- No unresolved complaints
Red flag: Any contractor who says they don't need a license, or hesitates to provide their license number.
2. Confirm They Carry Insurance
Your contractor must carry:
- General liability insurance — protects your property if something goes wrong during the job
- Workers' compensation — protects you if a worker is injured on your property
Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company to verify it's current. If a contractor without workers' comp has an employee get injured on your roof, you could be held liable.
Red flag: "We're covered, don't worry about it" without producing documentation.
3. Look for Manufacturer Certifications
Not all roofers are equal in the eyes of shingle manufacturers. Being a GAF certified contractor requires meeting strict installation standards, maintaining insurance, and committing to ongoing training.
Why this matters for you: Only certified contractors can offer the manufacturer's strongest warranties. A non-certified installer using the same shingles can only offer the basic limited warranty — a significant difference in long-term protection.
4. Check Their Track Record
Look at:
- Google reviews — read the detailed reviews, not just the star rating
- Better Business Bureau — check for complaints and resolution history
- How long they've been in business — roofing companies that cut corners don't last
- Photos of completed work — ask to see recent projects, ideally in your area
Red flag: A company with no online presence, very few reviews, or all reviews posted in a suspiciously short timeframe.
5. Get a Detailed Written Estimate
A professional estimate should include:
- Specific materials — brand, product line, and color (not just "architectural shingles")
- Scope of work — tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ridge caps, starter strips, ventilation
- Timeline — expected start date and duration
- Warranty details — both manufacturer and labor warranties
- Permit and inspection — confirmation that permits will be pulled
- Payment schedule — clear terms, never full payment upfront
Red flag: A vague estimate with a single lump-sum number and no material specs or scope details.
6. Ask About Permits
Roof replacements in King County, Snohomish County, and Pierce County all require building permits. A legitimate contractor handles this as part of the project.
Why it matters: Work done without permits can create major problems when you sell your home. Inspectors can require unpermitted work to be torn out and redone.
Red flag: "We don't need a permit for this" or "It's faster if we skip the permit."
7. Never Pay in Full Upfront
Standard payment structure for roofing projects:
- Deposit: 10–30% to secure materials and scheduling
- Progress payment: After major milestones (optional for smaller jobs)
- Final payment: Upon completion and your satisfaction
Red flag: Demanding full payment before work begins, or cash-only with no receipt.
8. Watch for Storm Chaser Warning Signs
After every major storm in the Puget Sound, out-of-state contractors flood the area going door-to-door. Be cautious of:
- Unsolicited door-to-door visits claiming they "noticed damage from the street"
- High-pressure tactics to sign immediately
- Out-of-state license plates on their trucks
- No local office or phone number
- Offering to "cover your deductible" (this is insurance fraud)
The Bottom Line
A good roofer will happily provide their license, insurance, references, and a detailed estimate. They won't pressure you, and they'll answer your questions patiently. The 30 minutes you spend verifying these 8 things can save you thousands in problems down the road.
Why Homeowners Choose Stark Roofing
We're a Washington State licensed and GAF certified contractor based in Sammamish, WA. We're fully insured, pull permits on every project, and back our work with quality craftsmanship. We also offer free drone inspections so you can see your roof's condition in high-definition detail before making any decisions.
Call (206) 739-8232 or request a free drone inspection. We serve King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, and Kittitas County.
