Need a roofer? Here are 9 tips for finding a good one Need a roofer? Here are 9 tips for finding a good one

To find a trustworthy roofing contractor, the Better Business Bureau advises homeowners take the following precautions:

— If you don't already have a trusted contractor, obtain bids from several firms, making sure the specifications of each bid are identical. Ask the contractor to quote you weight per square for composition shingles. This enables homeowners to judge the quality of the materials — the heavier the weight per square, the higher the quality.

— Ask for a business card and the home headquarters location of the roofing company.

— Obtain a BBB Business Review on the firm by calling 510-844-2000 or look them up at www.bbb.org. You can search by company name, phone number or address. To get an entire list, search by business classification and use 'Roofer.'

— Make sure the company has a contractors license with the Contractors State License Board. You can contact the board at 800-321-CSLB (2752) or www.cslb.ca.gov. If a building permit is required, make sure that it is included in the contract.

— Make sure the contractor carries worker's compensation insurance and general liability insurance in case of accidents on the job. Ask to have copies of these policies for your job file.

— If possible, ask for and check references. Talk with previous customers, and if possible, look at a similar job that has been completed recently.

— Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses soliciting work in unmarked trucks and requiring advance payment. Do not succumb to high-pressure tactics, such as the price is 'good only for today.'

— When the materials arrive at the work site, physically check the wrappers in the shingles and make sure what is quoted in the contract is what has arrived at your home.

— Never pay for the entire job in advance. The deposit should be no more than $1,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less. Always pay by credit card or check. Make the check out to the company, not the person. Don't pay cash to a contractor or a salesperson.

To find a trustworthy roofing contractor, the Better Business Bureau advises homeowners take the following precautions:

— If you don't already have a trusted contractor, obtain bids from several firms, making sure the specifications of each bid are identical. Ask the contractor to quote you weight per square for composition shingles. This enables homeowners to judge the quality of the materials — the heavier the weight per square, the higher the quality.

— Ask for a business card and the home headquarters location of the roofing company.

— Obtain a BBB Business Review on the firm by calling 510-844-2000 or look them up at www.bbb.org. You can search by company name, phone number or address. To get an entire list, search by business classification and use 'Roofer.'

— Make sure the company has a contractors license with the Contractors State License Board. You can contact the board at 800-321-CSLB (2752) or www.cslb.ca.gov. If a building permit is required, make sure that it is included in the contract.

— Make sure the contractor carries worker's compensation insurance and general liability insurance in case of accidents on the job. Ask to have copies of these policies for your job file.

— If possible, ask for and check references. Talk with previous customers, and if possible, look at a similar job that has been completed recently.

— Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses soliciting work in unmarked trucks and requiring advance payment. Do not succumb to high-pressure tactics, such as the price is 'good only for today.'

— When the materials arrive at the work site, physically check the wrappers in the shingles and make sure what is quoted in the contract is what has arrived at your home.

— Never pay for the entire job in advance. The deposit should be no more than $1,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less. Always pay by credit card or check. Make the check out to the company, not the person. Don't pay cash to a contractor or a salesperson.