Hiring a Roofer in Durham, NC: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Field knowledge

Most bad roofing jobs start with a hiring decision made in a hurry, often right after a storm or a leak. Here are the seven mistakes we see most often when Durham homeowners hire a roofer, and what to do instead.

Roof Revivers serves Durham from our Raleigh office: roofing in Durham, roof repair in Durham, roof replacement in Durham and free roof inspections in Durham.

Short answer

Verify the license and insurance, compare estimates line by line instead of by the bottom number, read the contract before you sign, be wary of door-knockers and deductible offers, and get the warranty in writing. Roof Revivers inspects for free and gives you a written estimate with photos. Raleigh office: 1117 Corporation Pkwy, Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27610, (919) 794-5754, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Book a free inspection.

Mistake 1: Not checking the license and insurance

For larger projects, North Carolina requires a licensed general contractor. Look the license up yourself on the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors website, and ask for certificates of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance with current dates. If a worker is hurt on an uninsured job, the problem can land on you.

Mistake 2: Taking the cheapest bid without comparing scope

A lower number often means something is missing: tear-off, decking, underlayment, flashing, pipe boots, ventilation or cleanup. Line the bids up item by item, with the same shingle line on each, before you compare totals. See what drives roof replacement cost in Durham.

Mistake 3: Accepting a vague estimate

An estimate should list the materials, the scope and how extra work such as rotted decking will be handled if it is found. It should come with photos of your roof. A price given over the phone or from the driveway is a guess.

Mistake 4: Signing a contract you have not read

Read the payment schedule, start and cleanup terms, what happens if hidden damage turns up, and the warranty. Do not sign under pressure, and be wary of anyone who wants a large payment before any work or materials arrive.

Mistake 5: Hiring a storm chaser

After hail or wind, crews from out of the area go door to door. Some do fine work; some are gone before the warranty matters. Check for a local address and phone number, and look up reviews before anyone gets on your roof. See storm damage in Durham.

Mistake 6: Letting a roofer promise your insurance outcome

Your insurer decides what is covered, and your deductible is yours to pay under your policy. Be wary of a contractor who promises a free roof or offers to cover the deductible. We document damage with photos and will meet your adjuster, and we will tell you plainly if what we see looks like wear rather than storm damage. See insurance claims in Durham and roof insurance claims in North Carolina.

Mistake 7: Not getting the warranty in writing

Ask which manufacturer warranty applies and get the terms on paper. On qualifying replacements we can offer the Owens Corning Platinum warranty, Owens Corning-backed, with 25 years of non-prorated coverage. Ask us which roofs qualify and get the terms in writing.

Repair or replace?

A good roofer will tell you when a repair is enough. If the damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof is sound, a repair is usually the better call. See repair or replace in Raleigh and roof repair in Durham.

About Roof Revivers

We have been roofing since 2012, are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and are BBB A+ accredited. Financing is available for qualified homeowners. Also read how to choose a roofing contractor in Durham.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before hiring a roofer in Durham?

The license (look it up on the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors website), insurance certificates, recent reviews, a local address, and a written estimate with photos from a real inspection.

Is the cheapest roofing bid a bad idea?

Not always, but a low bid often leaves something out, such as tear-off, decking, flashing or ventilation. Compare bids line by line with the same shingle line.

What should a roofing contract include?

The full scope and materials, the payment schedule, how hidden damage like rotted decking is handled, cleanup, and the warranty terms in writing.

Can a roofer pay my insurance deductible?

Your deductible is yours to pay under your policy. Be wary of any contractor who offers to cover it or promises a free roof.

How do I spot a storm chaser?

No local address or phone, pressure to sign the same day, a request for a large payment up front, and promises about what insurance will pay.

Does Roof Revivers offer free roof inspections in Durham?

Yes. We inspect for free and give you a written estimate with photos. Call our Raleigh office at (919) 794-5754, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.