Roofing has a reputation problem — and it's earned by a minority of operators who canvass storm-hit neighborhoods, quote low, subcontract the work to whoever's available, and vanish before the first leak. The good news: a few checks reliably separate professionals from problems.
The non-negotiables
1. Verify the Washington contractor license
Every legitimate contractor is registered with Washington State Labor & Industries, and you can verify any license in minutes on the L&I website — status, bond, and insurance on file. A contractor who hesitates to give you their license number has answered your real question — ours is available on request, and we hand it out happily.
2. Proof of insurance
Liability insurance protects your property; workers' comp protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your job. Ask for certificates — professionals expect the request.
3. Local references
Ask for recent local references and actually call one or two. A contractor with 17+ years in one region has a track record you can check; a phone number and a magnetic truck sign do not.
4. Everything in writing
A detailed written estimate: line items, materials specified by brand and product line, how hidden deck damage will be priced, timeline, and warranty terms — both the manufacturer's material warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty.
The red flags
- Door-to-door pressure after a storm, especially from out-of-area crews
- Prices that expire "today only"
- Large cash deposits before any material is delivered
- "We'll handle the whole insurance claim — just sign here" on day one
- Vague single-number bids with no material specifications
- No physical local presence or verifiable history
Questions worth asking
- Who actually does the work — employees or subcontractors?
- What's your workmanship warranty, in writing?
- How do you handle deck rot discovered during tear-off?
- Who is my point of contact during the job?
First Choice Roof Service is happy to be checked: licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington, staffed by full-time certified employees, serving the Greater Puget Sound area for over 17 years — with proof of all of it available before you commit. Free estimates: (425) 270-1525.