Finding the right roofing contractor in Nassau or Suffolk County can feel like a lot to figure out. A roof is a big investment, and most homeowners don’t want to second-guess whether they hired the right person for the job.
The good news is that there are clear ways to check a contractor before you commit. Licenses, insurance, warranties, references, and reviews all give you insight into who’s qualified and who isn’t. Add in a few red flags to watch for, and you’ll have what you need to make a confident choice.
Check Licenses in Nassau & Suffolk County
The first step in choosing a roofer is making sure they’re licensed for the county where you live. Both Nassau and Suffolk have specific rules that protect homeowners.
- Nassau County requires contractors to hold a Home Improvement License through the Office of Consumer Affairs. To qualify, contractors must provide proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation if they have employees. The license is valid for two years and can be confirmed online through the Nassau County license lookup.
- Suffolk County requires a Home Improvement Contractor License issued through the Department of Consumer Affairs. Contractors must complete county-approved training that covers insurance, estimates, contracts, and business regulations before they can be licensed. You can verify a license through the Suffolk County Consumer Affairs license search.
Why it matters:
- Licenses show the contractor has met local requirements.
- They give you a way to hold the company accountable if there’s a problem.
- No license means no protection if the job is botched or left unfinished.
It only takes a few minutes to confirm a license online. Ask for the license number and check it through the county’s database.
Confirm Insurance and Written Warranties
Even if a contractor is licensed, you still need proof that they’re properly insured and willing to stand behind their work. Without these protections, the risk shifts to you as the homeowner.
Insurance to Ask For
- Liability insurance: Covers damage to your property during the job.
- Workers’ compensation: Covers injuries to workers on your property. If the contractor doesn’t carry it, you could be held responsible for medical costs.
- Certificate of insurance: Always ask for a current certificate and confirm it lists the contractor’s business name.
Warranties to Expect
- Manufacturer’s warranty: Covers the shingles and other roofing materials. Many modern shingles include extended or lifetime coverage.
- Workmanship warranty: Protects you against installation issues. A strong workmanship warranty shows the contractor stands behind their labor.
- Transferable coverage: Some warranties can be passed on to the next homeowner, which can boost your home’s value when it’s time to sell.
- Written proof: If a warranty isn’t in writing, it doesn’t exist.
At Unified Home Remodeling, most of our roofing projects are backed by lifetime warranties that include both materials and workmanship. Many of these warranties are also transferable, giving homeowners added protection now and in the future.
Look for Certifications and Training
Licenses and insurance are the minimum requirements, but certifications show that a roofer has earned recognition from top manufacturers. These designations require training, verified experience, and a history of reliable work.
- Manufacturer certifications: Brands like Owens Corning, GAF, and TAMKO certify roofing contractors who meet strict standards for installation and customer service.
- Extended warranties: Certified contractors are able to provide stronger manufacturer-backed warranties that non-certified roofers cannot.
- Commitment to quality: Maintaining certifications means staying current on training and best practices year after year.
We hold some of the highest credentials in the roofing industry. We are a TAMKO Mastercraft Pro Certified Roofing Contractor, Platinum Preferred Owens Corning Roofing Contractor, and a GAF Master Preferred Roofing Company. These certifications reflect proven workmanship and give homeowners access to the strongest warranties available.
Ask for References, Reviews, and Portfolios
A contractor’s track record tells you more than their sales pitch ever will. The best roofers should be able to show proof of recent work and connect you with past customers.
What to Ask For
- Recent references: Ask for jobs completed within the last year. Roofing standards and products change, so recent work is a better measure of current quality.
- Photos and portfolios: Before-and-after photos help you see the contractor’s workmanship. Some homeowners even request addresses to drive by finished projects.
- Online reviews: Check Google, the Better Business Bureau, and local neighborhood forums. Reviews often highlight how well contractors communicate, how they handle cleanup, and if they finish jobs on time.
- Years in business: Experience matters. A roofer with a long track record on Long Island is more likely to be around if you need warranty service in the future.
- Consistency: One bad review may not mean much, but repeated complaints about poor communication or hidden fees are a serious warning sign.
At Unified Home Remodeling, we make this step easy. You can browse our project gallery to see the quality of our work, read what customers have to say on our review page, and learn more about our history as a family-owned company on Long Island. With decades of experience and thousands of completed projects, we have the awards, references, and results to back up our reputation.
7 Warning Signs of Unqualified Contractors
Not every roofer has the training or accountability to take on a full replacement. Spotting unqualified contractors early will save you from costly mistakes later.
- No license or insurance: Qualified roofers carry both and can provide proof without hesitation. If they cannot, it usually means they are not properly covered.
- Large upfront payments: Asking for the full amount before work begins is a common tactic for contractors who may not plan to finish the job.
- One-line estimates: A vague estimate with nothing but a total price leaves room for hidden charges. Professional contractors provide detailed, line-item estimates.
- No recent local work: Contractors without recent projects in Nassau or Suffolk may not have experience with Long Island roofs or may not be established in the area.
- High-pressure sales tactics: Reliable companies do not rely on aggressive pitches or door-to-door “storm chasing” to get business.
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing: Very low bids usually skip important parts of the job, like cleanup, plywood replacement, or flashing. Those missing items often appear as surprise costs once the project is underway or corners are cut and your roofing system will not be properly installed.
- Poor communication and professionalism: When a roofer is clear and professional during the estimate process, it often reflects how they’ll handle the installation and cleanup. If you’re struggling to get straight answers before signing a contract, it’s best to keep searching.
If a contractor shows one or more of these warning signs, it is safer to walk away and continue your search. The right roofer will be licensed, insured, transparent, and ready to back up their work.
Hiring a roofing contractor in Nassau or Suffolk County does not have to feel overwhelming. The best choice comes from checking the essentials: licenses, insurance, warranties, certifications, references, and professionalism. Add in a careful review of estimates and a watchful eye for warning signs, and you will know which contractors are qualified and which are not.
Choosing the right roofer protects your home, your investment, and your peace of mind for years to come.
Verify Our License & Schedule a Free Consultation
Unified Home Remodeling is fully licensed in Nassau and Suffolk County, insured, and certified by leading manufacturers. Call 888-631-2131 today to verify our license and schedule your free roofing consultation.
FAQs About Choosing a Roofing Contractor in Nassau & Suffolk County
-
Do roofing contractors need a license in Nassau County?
Yes. Nassau requires contractors to hold a Home Improvement License through the Office of Consumer Affairs. Always ask for the license number and confirm it on the county’s website.
-
Do roofing contractors need a license in Suffolk County?
Yes. Nassau requires contractors to hold a Home Improvement License through the Office of Consumer Affairs. Always ask for the license number and confirm it on the county’s website.
-
What happens if a contractor is not insured?
If a contractor is not properly insured, the liability falls on the homeowner. That means you could be responsible for property damage or injuries that occur during the project. Always request a current certificate of insurance.
-
Should I get more than one estimate?
Yes. Collecting at least three detailed estimates helps you compare costs and see which bids are complete. It also makes it easier to spot contractors who are leaving out important line items.
-
How long does a roof replacement usually take?
Most residential roof replacements in Nassau and Suffolk take one to three days, depending on the size and complexity of the roof.
-
How do I know if a roofing warranty is valid?
It must be in writing. Verbal promises are not enforceable. Look for both a manufacturer’s warranty on materials and a workmanship warranty on installation.
-
Is the cheapest bid always the best choice?
Not usually. A very low bid often means the contractor is leaving out essentials like cleanup or plywood replacement. Those costs will come up later.
-
Do roofing contractors offer financing?
Many do. Some contractors work with financing partners so homeowners can spread out the cost of a new roof. Be sure to review the terms before signing.