• •    Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax I.D.
       number, and where required, a business license.
• •    Insist on seeing copies of the contractor's liability insurance coverage
       and workers' compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are
       in effect through the duration of the job.
       (Note: U.S. workers' compensation laws vary by state. Consult your
       state's laws to determine workers' compensation insurance
       requirements.)
• •    Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers
       client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to
       find out whether they were satisfied.
• •    Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions
       of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and
       completion dates and payment procedures.
• •    Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national
       industry associations, such as NRCA.
• •    Call your local Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints that
       have been filed.
• •    Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control
       procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge,
       how many workers will be required and the estimated time of
       completion.
• •    Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good
       to be true, it probably is. Remember, price is only one criterion for
       selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship
       also should weigh heavily on your decision.