How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor in New York

## Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor: A New York Homeowner's Guide Your roof is one of the most important investments in your home. Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to poor workmanship, voided warranties, and costly repairs down the road. Here's what every New York homeowner needs to know. ### 1. Verify Licensing and Insurance In New York, roofing contractors must be properly licensed to operate. Before hiring anyone: - **Ask for their license number** and verify it with local authorities - **Request proof of insurance** including both liability and workers' compensation - **Never hire uninsured contractors**—you could be liable if a worker is injured on your property ### 2. Check for Manufacturer Certifications Top roofing contractors carry certifications from major shingle manufacturers like GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning. These certifications matter because: - Contractors must meet strict training and quality standards - Only certified contractors can offer extended manufacturer warranties - It demonstrates commitment to professional development **Pro Tip**: Ask if they're a GAF Master Elite contractor—only 2% of roofers nationwide earn this distinction. ### 3. Look for Local Experience A contractor who's been serving your community for decades offers advantages: - Knowledge of local building codes and permit requirements - Understanding of regional weather patterns and their impact on roofs - Established relationships with local suppliers - Reputation to maintain in the community At Lucky Stars Roofing, we've been serving Queens and Long Island since 1960—that's over 65 years of local expertise. ### 4. Read Reviews and Ask for References Before hiring: - Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB - Ask for references from recent projects in your area - Look at before-and-after photos of their work - Ask neighbors about their roofing experiences ### 5. Get Everything in Writing A professional contractor will provide: - **Detailed written estimate** itemizing materials, labor, and timeline - **Contract** spelling out all terms and conditions - **Warranty information** for both materials and workmanship - **Payment schedule** with reasonable terms (never pay everything upfront) ### 6. Understand the Warranty Roofing warranties can be confusing. Make sure you understand: - **Material warranty**: Covers defects in shingles or other materials - **Workmanship warranty**: Covers installation errors - **What's covered and excluded**: Read the fine print - **How to file a claim**: Know the process before you need it ### 7. Avoid Common Red Flags Be wary of contractors who: - Offer suspiciously low prices (you get what you pay for) - Pressure you into immediate decisions - Ask for full payment upfront - Don't provide written estimates - Can't provide proof of insurance - Have no local address or references ### Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before signing anything, ask: 1. How long have you been in business? 2. Can I see your license and insurance certificates? 3. What manufacturer certifications do you hold? 4. Who will be supervising my project? 5. What's your estimated timeline? 6. How do you handle unexpected issues? 7. What warranty do you offer on workmanship? 8. Can I contact recent customers for references? ## The Lucky Stars Difference At Lucky Stars Roofing, we're proud of our reputation built over four generations: - Licensed and fully insured - GAF Master Elite certified - A+ BBB rating - 500+ five-star reviews - Local family business since 1960 Ready to work with a contractor you can trust? Contact us for an estimate today.