How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Raleigh, NC (2026 Checklist)
Hiring the wrong roofer is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. In the Triangle area alone, we hear stories every month about homeowners who got burned by unlicensed contractors, storm chasers, or companies that disappeared mid-job.
As the owner of K&D Roofing, I want to help you avoid those nightmares — even if you don't hire us. Here's the checklist I'd use if I were hiring a roofer for my own home.
The 10-Point Roofing Contractor Checklist
✅ 1. Verify Their NC General Contractor License
In North Carolina, any roofing project over $30,000 requires a General Contractor license. But here's the thing — many roofing companies operate without one, especially smaller outfits and storm chasers.
How to check: Visit the NC Licensing Board and search for the company name. K&D Roofing is a licensed General Contractor in North Carolina.
✅ 2. Confirm Insurance (Liability + Workers' Comp)
This is non-negotiable. If a worker gets hurt on your roof and the company doesn't have workers' comp, you could be liable. Ask for:
- General liability insurance (minimum $1M)
- Workers' compensation insurance
- A certificate of insurance (COI) — not just a verbal confirmation
✅ 3. Check Their Manufacturer Certifications
Not all roofers are created equal. Manufacturer certifications prove a contractor has been trained and vetted by the shingle maker.
What to look for:
- GAF Master Elite — Top 2% of roofers nationwide (this is what K&D Roofing holds)
- CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Why it matters: Certified contractors can offer enhanced warranties (up to 50 years) that non-certified roofers simply cannot.
✅ 4. Read Real Reviews (Google, Not Just Their Website)
Any company can put glowing testimonials on their own site. What matters is what real customers say on independent platforms:
- Google Business Profile — Most reliable
- Facebook Reviews
- BBB (Better Business Bureau)
- Nextdoor
Red flags: Companies with fewer than 20 reviews, no responses to negative reviews, or reviews that all sound the same (possibly fake).
K&D Roofing has 300+ verified reviews with a 4.9-star average.
✅ 5. Get Everything in Writing
A professional roofing contractor will provide a detailed written estimate that includes:
- Scope of work (tear-off, decking repair, new shingles, etc.)
- Materials to be used (brand, product line, color)
- Timeline (start date, estimated completion)
- Total price with payment terms
- Warranty information
Never accept a verbal quote or a one-line estimate. If they can't put it in writing, walk away.
✅ 6. Ask About Their Warranty
There are two types of roofing warranties:
- Manufacturer warranty — Covers defects in the shingles themselves
- Workmanship warranty — Covers installation errors (this is on the contractor)
A GAF Master Elite contractor like K&D Roofing can offer GAF's Golden Pledge warranty — 25 years of workmanship coverage plus 50 years on materials. That's the best warranty in the industry.
✅ 7. Don't Pay Everything Up Front
Standard payment terms for a reputable roofer:
- Retail jobs: 50% deposit, balance on completion
- Insurance jobs: Deductible + ACV up front, balance within 30 days of completion
🚩 Red flag: Any company demanding full payment before work begins. This is the #1 sign of a scam.
✅ 8. Ask If They Use Subcontractors
Some roofing companies are really just sales organizations that sub out all the actual work. There's nothing inherently wrong with using subs, but you should know:
- Who is actually on your roof?
- Are the subs insured?
- Who handles warranty claims — the sales company or the sub?
At K&D Roofing, our sub crews are vetted, insured, and they warrant their work for 2 years.
✅ 9. Beware of Storm Chasers
After every major storm in Raleigh, out-of-state "roofing companies" flood the area. They knock on doors, offer to file your insurance claim, and then:
- Do low-quality work
- Use cheap materials
- Disappear before you realize there's a problem
- Are impossible to reach for warranty claims
How to spot them:
- No local address or office
- Pressure you to sign immediately
- Offer to waive your insurance deductible (this is insurance fraud)
- Their truck has out-of-state plates
✅ 10. Ask About FORTIFIED Roofing
Most homeowners don't know about FORTIFIED roofing, but it can save you $500 to $1,500+ per year on homeowner's insurance in North Carolina.
FORTIFIED is a designation from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). It means your roof was installed to withstand severe weather beyond standard building code.
K&D Roofing is one of the few IBHS FORTIFIED certified contractors in the Raleigh area. The upgrade typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 on top of a standard roof replacement — and it pays for itself in insurance savings within 1-3 years.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a roofing contractor doesn't have to be stressful. Use this checklist, do your homework, and don't let anyone pressure you into a decision.
If you want a second opinion on a quote you've received, or you just want an honest assessment of your roof, K&D Roofing offers free inspections with zero obligation.
Todd Kennedy is the owner of K&D Roofing, a GAF Master Elite and IBHS FORTIFIED certified roofing contractor serving the Raleigh-Durham Triangle since 2017. Call (984) 355-4355 or visit kanddroofingnc.com.