Your Ultimate Checklist for Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Hiring the wrong roofing contractor can cost you thousands in repairs, void your warranty, or leave you with no recourse when problems arise. This checklist covers every verification step you should complete before signing a contract with any roofer on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Print it, check each box, and don't sign until every item is confirmed.

Pre-Contact Research Checklist

Verify MHIC license at dllr.state.md.us. Enter the contractor's name or license number — confirm the license is active, not expired or revoked. Precision Exteriors: MHIC #166640.

Check BBB rating at bbb.org. Look at the rating AND the complaint history — a company can have an A+ rating with resolved complaints, which is different from zero complaints. Precision Exteriors: BBB A+ with zero unresolved complaints.

Read Google reviews. Focus on detailed reviews, not just the star count. Look for patterns in complaints — recurring issues with cleanup, communication, or warranty service are red flags.

Check their website for a physical office address. Two offices is better than one — it means they're established and invested in the community. Precision Exteriors: Cambridge (118 Riverside Dr) and Salisbury (1525 Edgemore Ave).

Verify manufacturer certifications directly. Go to owenscorning.com contractor locator to confirm Platinum/Gold/Preferred status — don't just take the contractor's word for it.

During the Estimate Visit Checklist

The estimator should inspect your roof from the exterior — walking it if safely accessible, or using binoculars or drone photography. The estimator should inspect your attic, looking at decking condition, ventilation, and moisture signs from below.

You should receive a written estimate within 48 hours with line-item pricing — not a single lump-sum number. The estimate should specify material brand, product name, and color. It should note whether decking repair is included or will be billed separately. Tear-off, disposal, permits, and cleanup should all be in the total price. The estimator should not pressure you to sign immediately.

Red Flags — Walk Away If You See These

🚩 No MHIC license number provided, or the number can't be verified online.

🚩 Demands more than 30% deposit before work begins. Standard is 10–30%.

🚩 Only provides a verbal estimate or a handwritten single-number quote.

🚩 No physical office address — operates from a vehicle or temporary location.

🚩 Shows up at your door uninvited after a storm. Legitimate contractors don't need to chase storm damage.

🚩 Offers a price dramatically below all other estimates. Corners will be cut — on materials, labor, or both.

🚩 Can't or won't provide three or more local references.

🚩 Gets defensive when you ask about insurance, licensing, or warranty details.

🚩 Pressures you with "this price is only good today" urgency tactics.

🚩 Has out-of-state license plates on the work truck. Storm chaser indicator.

Contract Review Checklist

Before signing, confirm these items are in writing: exact materials specified by brand, product, and color; total project cost with line-item breakdown; payment schedule (deposit amount, progress payments, final payment terms); start date and estimated completion date; warranty terms for both materials and workmanship with who backs each; change order process for additional work discovered during the project; cancellation terms and any fees; permit responsibility (contractor should handle this); cleanup and damage repair responsibility; and the contractor's MHIC license number printed on the contract (required by Maryland law).

After the Project Checklist

Walk the property with your contractor for a final inspection. Check for debris and confirm nail sweeps were completed and gutters cleared. Receive warranty documentation in writing. Receive permit sign-off from the county inspector. Receive before and after photos for your records and insurance documentation. Verify you know how to reach the contractor for warranty service.

How Precision Exteriors Measures Up

We pass every item on this checklist. MHIC #166640 (verifiable). Owens Corning Platinum Preferred (verifiable at owenscorning.com). BBB A+ with zero unresolved complaints. Two physical offices. Written line-item estimates within 48 hours. No pressure. 50-year material + 25-year workmanship warranty backed by Owens Corning.

For more detail, see our 44 questions to ask and our complete contractor selection guide. Check our roofing cost guide for current pricing.

Call (443) 675-6485 to schedule your free estimate, or request one online.