A new roof is one of the larger repairs most homeowners ever pay for, and a bad hire can cost far more than the roof itself. The good news is that Virginia makes the most important check easy. This guide covers what to verify before you sign, what a good proposal looks like and the red flags that should make you pause.
Step 1: Confirm the Virginia contractor license
In Virginia, any project valued at $1,000 or more must be done by a contractor licensed in the state. The license comes from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors, and it has two parts: a class (A, B or C) that sets the size of jobs the company can take on, and a classification or specialty that sets the type of work allowed. See the Board for Contractors for details.
What to do:
- Ask for the company's license number and the exact business name on the license.
- Look it up on the DPOR license lookup and confirm the status is current.
- Check that the classification covers roofing work.
- Make sure the name on the license matches the name on the contract.
Some local governments also add their own registration. Fairfax County, for example, requires certain contractors to hold a county home improvement contractor license. Ask the contractor which local requirements apply to your address.
Step 2: Ask for proof of insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Better still, ask for the certificate to be sent to you directly by the insurance agent so you know it is current. If a crew member is hurt on your property or a ladder damages your siding, coverage decides who pays.
Step 3: Get a written, detailed proposal
Two proposals are only comparable if they describe the same job. A solid proposal includes:
- Scope of work. Tear-off or overlay, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, drip edge and cleanup.
- Materials by product name. Manufacturer, product line and color, not just "architectural shingles".
- Permit responsibility. Who pulls the permit and pays for it. Our guide to roof permits and HOA approvals explains what to expect.
- Start and completion estimates, and what happens if weather delays the job.
- Payment schedule tied to progress, not a large deposit up front.
- Change order process. Extra work, such as replacing rotted decking, should be priced and approved in writing before it happens.
- Warranty terms. Separate the manufacturer's material warranty from the contractor's workmanship warranty, and ask how long each lasts.
Red flags
- Door-to-door pressure to sign today, especially right after a storm
- A very large cash deposit, or a request to pay in cash only
- No license number, or a number that does not match the company name
- A proposal that is one line with a total price
- Offers to waive your insurance deductible, which is not something a contractor can legitimately do for you
- Unwillingness to provide references or recent local addresses
Compare more than price
The lowest price often leaves out something: ventilation, flashing replacement, decking allowance or cleanup. Line the proposals up side by side and ask each contractor to explain the differences. You can read more about our process on the roof replacement page.
FAQ
Do I need a licensed contractor for a small roof repair in Virginia?
Virginia requires a license when the project value is $1,000 or more. Below that amount the rules are different, but you should still ask for insurance and a written description of the work.
How do I verify a roofing contractor's license?
Use the DPOR license lookup on the Virginia DPOR website. Search by license number or business name, confirm that the status is active and check the classification and class.
Should I pay a deposit?
A modest deposit for materials is common, but you should avoid paying most of the job up front. Tie payments to milestones such as materials delivered and completion, and get every payment in writing.
Can Esteam Roofer give me a second opinion on another company's proposal?
Yes. Request a free inspection from our Fairfax team and we will tell you what we see on your roof and how our written proposal compares in scope.
