The short answer: choose a roofer who is local and established, insured, clearly warrantied, and honest about repair versus replacement. Get everything in writing, check real reviews, and be especially careful with out-of-town crews after a storm. The cheapest quote is not always the best value, and the highest is not always the safest.
1. Look for local and established
A roofer who has been in your area for years has a reputation to protect and will be around if you ever need them. That matters most after storms, when out-of-town crews flood in, take deposits, do rushed work, and disappear, leaving a warranty that is worthless because the company is gone. A local, established company answers for its work for the long haul. Why choose BCI.
2. Confirm insurance
Ask whether the contractor carries general liability insurance, and do not be shy about it. Insurance protects you if something is damaged during the job. A professional roofer will have no problem confirming coverage.
A note on licensing: North Carolina does not have a standalone statewide roofing license, and general contractor licensing applies only above higher project thresholds, so many honest NC roofers will not have a “roofing license number.” South Carolina uses a residential specialty registration. The right question is about insurance and proper registration for the state and project, not a nonexistent NC roofing license. BCI holds SC Residential Specialty Registration #RBS33048 and carries general liability insurance.
3. Understand the warranty
There are two kinds of roof warranty, and you want both explained clearly:
- Workmanship warranty: covers the installation, the roofer’s promise that it was done right.
- Manufacturer warranty: covers the materials themselves.
Ask how long each lasts, what they cover, and whether the workmanship warranty transfers if you sell. A vague or verbal-only warranty is a warning sign. See our warranties.
4. Get it in writing
A proper estimate and contract should spell out the scope, the materials, the timeline, the price, and the warranty. If a roofer will not put it in writing, walk away. Clear paperwork protects both of you.
5. Check real reviews and references
Look at genuine reviews and ask for references or examples of past work. Pay attention to how the company handles problems, not just praise. A pattern of responsiveness and honesty is what you are looking for. Read our reviews.
6. Watch for red flags
- Pressure to sign immediately, especially door-to-door after a storm.
- Promises to “waive your deductible” or “get insurance to pay for everything.” This is improper and a classic storm-chaser move. Storm damage & roof insurance claims.
- Large up-front deposits before any work begins.
- No physical presence, no local references, or a company you cannot verify.
- A quote far below everyone else’s (there is usually a reason).
7. Value over price
Get a few estimates, but do not simply take the lowest. Compare what is actually included, the materials, the workmanship, the warranty, and the company behind it. A slightly higher price from a company that stands behind its work is almost always the better value than a cheap job you pay to fix later.
The honest roofer you are looking for
BCI Roofing is a family-owned Carolina company with more than 40 years of experience, general liability insurance, clear warranties, and a reputation built one honest job at a time.