Knowing how to hire a roofing company can make or break your home improvement project. Roofing is a major investment — one that affects your home’s protection, value, and appearance for decades. At Old Time Roofing in St. Petersburg, homeowners rely on our expertise to help them make confident, informed decisions before signing any contract.
Not all roofing companies are created equally. Some provide fast, cheap work that results in leaks, missing shingles, or warranty issues down the line. While others, such as Old Time Roofing, take the time to make sure every job is done at the highest safety and workmanship standards.
Key Takeaways
- Before hiring, always check the roofer’s licensing, insurance, and certifications.
- Ask for references, and verify local reviews with calmness
- Do not select purely based on the lowest bid; consider quality and experience.
- Make sure there are written contracts, warranties, and clear pricing from the company.
- Local counts — trust your neighbor: A reliable Pinellas County roofing company, Old Time Roofing.
Why It Is Important To Hire The Best Roofer
Cut to the chase — if you hire the wrong roofer, it can create costly problems. When it comes to building, things like bad ventilation configuration and flashing oversight lead to devastating results when errors are made on a smaller scale. It’s that reason that makes learning how to hire a roofing company crucial before any work begins.
Any decent contractor does more than install new shingles. They evaluate the structure of your roof, show and tell you about materials, and help to ensure that what has been applied will hold up in Florida’s punishing weather — heavy rains, hurricane-force winds. We have been at Old Time Roofing for over 35 years, helping the St. Petersburg residents protect their homes with a roof that is proven to stand up to the test of time.
Step 1: Confirm Licensing, Insurance, and Certifications
The first step when it comes to figuring out how to hire a roofing company is authenticating credentials. In Florida, roofers must have a special license from the state. Ask for proof of:
- License (verify with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation)
- Insurance (liability and workers’ compensation).
- Certifications (GAF Master Elite or equivalent)
For example, Old Time Roofing is among the less than 2% of roofers nationwide to be designated a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor. It’s this certification that makes us GAF’s quality assurance for your peace of mind.
Step 2: Inquire About Local
A local company will understand factors like building codes, weather patterns, and permit needs, so you don’t have to…trust me, this one is worth it. The roofing in St. Petersburg, for instance, will be subject to its own conditions, like salt air corrosion and hurricane wind zones.
We have decades of local experience, which makes us skilled in building roofs that can withstand Florida’s climate. When interviewing contractors, ask how long they’ve been in business and where they usually work. Sophistication and history may tell you how long they’ll last.
Step 3: Compare Written Estimates
Once you have narrowed your choice to a handful of candidates, ask for detailed written estimates from at least three roofing contractors. These estimates should break down:
- Material costs
- Labor costs
- Timeline for completion
- Warranty information
There are low bids that may sound too good to be true. In some instances, contractors have used inexpensive materials or skimped on crucial installation steps to reduce costs. For your own protection and peace of mind, you need to find a roofing contractor that’s 100% upfront about how they quote their work — just like Old Time Roofing.
Step 4: Check Warranties And Contracts
A good warranty demonstrates a company’s faith in its own work. Ask what’s covered, and for how long. You want both manufacturer warranties (for materials) and workmanship warranties (for installation), if possible.
GAF backed up to 50-year material warranties for materials are available on Old Time Roofing, and not only that, but we have our own workmanship warranties. Before you put your name on the dotted line, double-check that your contract states:
- Scope of work
- Payment terms
- Start and completion dates
- Cleanup and disposal details
It prevents you from surprises and misunderstandings about hidden fees down the road.
Step 5: Reflect on Communication and Professionalism
A reputable roofer believes in clear communication and shares that from the beginning to the end. Regularly check how responsive they are to your calls, emails, or quote requests. If they’re being slow or vague now, it will only be worse once the project starts.
We know at Old Time Roofing that the truth is what sets us apart. Our staff keeps homeowners in the loop every step of the way, from choosing materials to final inspection.
Step 6: Check Reviews and Request References
You can tell a lot about how consistent a business is and how it treats people from the company’s online reviews. Look on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau for trends in feedback. You can also request references from former clients.
When contacting these references, ask:
- Did the project finish on time?
- Was the crew able to clean up well?
- Were there any surprise costs?
Regular compliments are evidence that the roofer fulfills what they promise.
Keep your roof in top shape by calling us at 727-390-0717
A reputable roofing company doesn’t disappear after the work is complete. They’ll check in, look for quality, and stand behind their warranties if something goes wrong down the line. In Florida, it is vital, as this state has the harshest climate with endless sun, rain, and high humidity.
Old Time Roofing establishes lasting relationships, on both residential and commercial projects in St. Petersburg, with its customers by providing advice regarding regular preventive maintenance and an option for scheduled inspections to help increase the life of all roofs.
When to Avoid a Roofer
Sometimes knowing what not to do is every bit as important as knowing what to do. Avoid companies that:
- Request full payment up front
- Lacks a physical business address
- No references or proof of insurance
- Pressure you to sign immediately
- Offer vague or verbal-only quotes
If something seems wrong, trust your instincts and walk away. Plenty of legitimate roofers will appreciate your process for making decisions.
Final Thoughts
Discovering the secrets of how to hire a roofing company doesn’t have to be too difficult — the key is knowing what to look for and ask about. Begin with licensing, local experience, and written estimates. Next, consider communication, warranty, and professionalism.
Since 1978, Old Time Roofing has become the name you can trust for St. Petersburg homeowners. With over 100 years of combined experience and the distinction of being recognized as a GAF Master Elite Contractor, our team builds each roof with honesty, integrity, and quality.
Ask for any of our services/get a free estimate? Give Old Time Roofing a call today and let our St. Petersburg roofing professionals take care of the rest!
Old Time Roofing is a dedicated team of experts that can help you with the following:
Roofing materials that we work with:
Refrain from entrusting your roofing needs to just anyone. With Old Time Roofing, you can rest easy knowing that your roof is in capable hands. Contact us today!
Keep your roof in top shape by calling us at 727-390-0717
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if a roofing company is legitimate?
Check for a state license, proof of insurance, and online reviews. A legitimate company will also provide written estimates and references.
2. How many quotes should I get before hiring a roofer?
Get at least three quotes to compare pricing, materials, and timelines before deciding.
3. Should I choose the cheapest roofing estimate?
Not always. The cheapest bid may cut corners or use low-quality materials. Focus on experience and transparency instead.
4. How long does a roof replacement take in St. Petersburg?
Most residential roofs take 1–3 days, depending on size, weather, and material type.
5. What should be included in a roofing contract?
The contract should outline materials, costs, payment schedule, warranty, and project timeline.