Get a well-written proposal.

One of the clearest signs of a thorough and honest contractor is a detailed and well-written proposal. If you are getting a roofing estimate and the contractor's quote is vague, ask questions and have them include the answers in the quote.

Examples of what should be included in your roofing quote:

• Type of roof covering, including brand, color, etc.
• Specific description of the work being done
• Intended project start and completion dates
• Materials being used, like underlayment, gutters, ice dam protection, etc.
• Installation method
• Payment schedules and methods
• Warranty information, like warranty length, what is included, etc.
• Who is responsible for repairing damages incurred during the course of the work

Read on: Roofing Estimates 101: What You Should Know Before Signing

Understand what your warranty includes.

You will come across different warranties when looking for the right roofing material for your home or business. Understanding what each one entails is key to ensuring you choose the right roofing material and contractor.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Typically, this warranty covers defects in the roofing material itself. The period of coverage usually ranges somewhere from 20 years to a lifetime, but this varies from one roofing material to the next.

Workmanship Warranty

The roofing contractor should also provide you with a warranty for their workmanship, which will generally cover installation and similar problems. The warranty should contain what items are covered and what might void them. Many contractors offer one year or two years of coverage; however, there is no industry standard.

Despite which roofing material or system you choose, once the project is completed, be sure to get a warranty certificate from your contractor for your records.