9 Tips for Hiring a Good Roofing Company in the DMV

Oct 3

Hiring a roofing company isn’t something most of us do every year. In fact, for many DC, Maryland and Virginia homeowners, it’s something you’ll probably only face once or twice in your life. But when the time comes, it can seem like a big deal. A new roof or major roof repair isn’t exactly cheap, and the wrong choice can cost you more money and headaches than you bargained for.

The DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) has many roofing companies to choose from. That can feel overwhelming. With so many ads, billboards, and trucks driving around with roofing logos, how do you figure out which one's worth trusting? Here’s a quick list of tips for you:

1. Go local

2. Don’t fall for the cheapest price

3. Check for license and insurance

4. Look for workmanship warranties

5. Ask about certifications

6. Check recent reviews

7. Get recommendations from friends and family

8. Compare multiple quotes

9. Great communication

In this article, we’ll dive more into these eight tips to help you make the right choice. Let's get started!

1. Choose a Local Roofing Contractor

When it comes to roof work, going local isn’t just a nice idea, it’s what's most recommended. A roofer who’s based right here in the DMV knows the ins and outs of local building codes, city permits, and even the weather patterns that affect roofing.

For example, roofs in Northern Virginia deal with different wind and hail risks than those closer to downtown D.C. A roofer from out of state won’t always understand these local challenges.

Another reason to go local is accountability. If you run into issues months down the line, it’s a lot easier to track down a contractor with a working phone number. Out-of-town roofers often show up after a big storm, offer cheap prices, collect deposits, and vanish to the next storm-hit city. Local roofers, on the other hand, have reputations to protect. Their business depends on the community, so they’re more likely to stand by their work.

2. Don’t Fall for the Cheapest Price

We’ve all been there: That situation where you get multiple quotes, and one of them is much lower than the rest. At first, it might feel like a win. But when it comes to roofing, the lowest bid often hides the biggest problems. Some roofers slash their prices by:

Using lower-quality shingles or underlayment
Cutting corners on labor and materials
Skipping important steps like installing flashing correctly
Leaving out materials in the estimate to make the price look lower

That “too good to be true” price often comes back to haunt you later in the form of leaks, poor insulation, or even a full roof replacement years before you should need one.

This doesn’t mean you should overpay, but the goal is value, not the cheapest estimate. A trustworthy roofer will explain their pricing clearly. They’ll tell you why their bid is higher or lower than others, and they’ll walk you through what you’re actually paying for.

3. Check for Licenses and Insurance

This is non-negotiable. A roofing company in the DMV should always be licensed and insured.

Licensed means the roofer has met state and local requirements to do business legally.
Insured means you’re not on the hook if a worker gets injured on your property or if damage occurs during the project.

It’s okay to ask for proof. In fact, it’s the smart thing to do. A legitimate company will never hesitate to provide copies of their license and insurance certificate. If a contractor brushes off your request or says it’s not necessary, that’s a big red flag.

4. Look for Strong Workmanship Warranties

When you’re hiring a roofer, you’re not just paying for shingles and nails, you’re paying for the workmanship. A strong warranty shows that the roofing company is confident in its quality of work. Many companies offer two types of warranties:

Material warranty (from the manufacturer) – This covers defects in the roofing materials themselves.
Workmanship warranty (from the contractor) – This covers installation errors and labor-related issues.

Here’s the key: A good roofing company in the DMV should offer at least a 10-year workmanship warranty. Some go further with 20 years or even lifetime coverage. If a roofer only offers one year, that’s a sign they may not be standing behind their work.

5. Ask About Manufacturer Certifications

Not all roofers are the same, and neither are the shingles they install. Top shingle manufacturers in the DMV offer special certifications to contractors who meet their high standards. Why does this matter? Two reasons:

1. Better installation: Certified contractors have been trained to install the materials properly.

2. Better warranties: Some of the best manufacturer warranties are only available if a certified installer does the job.

It’s easy to check for this. Just visit the manufacturer’s website and use their contractor finder tool. If the roofer you’re considering is certified, that’s a big plus.

6. Read Recent Reviews

Before you hire a roofing company, check their Google reviews, Yelp, or even Facebook. Pay close attention to reviews from the last 6 to 12 months, as these give you the most up-to-date picture of how the company is performing now. Look for things like:

Consistency – Do multiple people say the same thing (good or bad)?
Responsiveness – Does the company reply to reviews and complaints?
Specifics – Detailed reviews (with names, photos, or project descriptions) tend to be more reliable than vague “Great job!” comments.

Keep in mind that the company might not have 100% perfect reviews. A mix of feedback is normal. What matters is how the roofer handles negative reviews and whether the majority of customers are satisfied.

7. Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

Sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from the internet — it comes from people you trust. Ask your neighbors, family, or coworkers if they’ve had roof work done recently.

The DMV is a tight-knit region in many ways, and word-of-mouth travels fast. If someone you know had a great experience, that roofer deserves a spot on your list. And if they had a terrible one, you just saved yourself the headache of finding out the hard way.

8. Get Multiple Quotes

Never sign with the first roofer you talk to. Get at least two or three quotes so you can compare first. This isn’t just about price. It’s also about professionalism, communication, and transparency. When comparing quotes, look for:

A clear breakdown of materials and labor
Warranty details included in writing
Estimated project timeline

If one estimate is vague while another is detailed, that tells you a lot about how each company does business.

9. Great Communication

When you’re hiring a roofing company in the DMV, good communication can make all the difference. A solid roofer should return your calls, show up when they say they will, and keep you updated on the work.

If something changes (like weather delays or extra repairs) you should hear it from them right away, not find out later. Clear communication builds trust and helps you feel confident that your roof is being taken care of properly.

Final Words

Choosing the right roofing company in the DMV doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, by following these eight simple tips, you're sure to protect your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind.

Your roof is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your home. With the right contractor, like DA Roofers, you’ll get da’ best quality work that lasts decades. Also, you won’t have to worry every time a storm rolls through the DMV. You'll know exactly who to call.

FAQs

1. How many quotes should I get for a new roof?

You should get at least two or three quotes before choosing a roofer. This helps you compare prices, warranties, and professionalism so you don’t get stuck with the wrong contractor.

2. Why is it important to hire a local roofing contractor?

Local roofers know the DMV’s codes, permit rules, and weather challenges. They’re also easier to reach if problems come up after the job is done. Just knowing they are close gives you the peace of mind that you can contact them.

3. How do I know if a roofer is trustworthy?

Check reviews, ask for references, confirm their license and insurance, and see if they’re certified by shingle manufacturers. A trustworthy roofer will always put details in writing. So if the roofer is trying to dodge any of these, they're very sketchy.

Vivek Garg