It sounds simple enough. If you want to ensure that your roofing project is contracted with a reputable roofing company, choose a roofer that is licensed and insured. However, some states don’t require licensing. This can make finding a qualified roofer a bit more difficult, however, it is not impossible.

The first course of action is to check with your state’s Department of Professional Regulation and Licensing. Your local department is a wealth of information and can give you all of the information that you need to ensure that your roofer is highly qualified for the job. Once you find out what your state’s licensing and insuring policies are, your next step is to ask the roofer for verification.

A common mistake that many homeowners or business owners make in regards to choosing a licensed and insured roofer is that they simply don’t ask for or verify references. You should ask the roofer to see proof of certification, licenses and their insurance as applicable to state law. However, you should also ask for references from former customers. Yet, those references won’t do you any good if you don’t call them. Make sure you are diligent and thoroughly check out any references that the roofing company gives you.

If your state doesn’t require licensing, you can ask if the roofer has been trained or licensed by any of the manufacturers that they work with. Typically, manufacturers of various roofing materials will provide training and courses in proper installation. A qualified roofing company should be able to provide you with these certifications. Additionally, you should also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any past complaints filed against the company. You should also make certain that the roofing company only hires insured and thoroughly trained employees. Ask to see proof of workman’s compensation or other safety certifications for the company’s employees as well.