How to Choose a Roofing Contractor on Long Island: 8 Questions to Ask Before You Sign Anything
There are hundreds of roofing contractors operating on Long Island. Some are excellent. Some are not. And in a market where a bad hire can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and years of headaches, knowing how to evaluate a contractor before you commit is one of the most valuable things you can do.
Here are the eight questions every Long Island homeowner should ask before hiring a roofer.
1. Are You Licensed in Nassau and/or Suffolk County?
New York State requires roofing contractors to be licensed at the county level. A Nassau County license doesn't automatically cover Suffolk County work, and vice versa. Ask for the license number and verify it. Smart Choice Contracting holds licenses in both counties: Nassau #189141 and Suffolk #HI-62204.
2. Do You Carry Liability Insurance and Workers' Compensation?
This is non-negotiable. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers' comp, you could be liable. Ask for a certificate of insurance, not just a verbal assurance.
3. Are You an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor?
Most contractors are not. Platinum status unlocks a 50-year full labor and material warranty that standard contractors simply can't offer. There are only nine Owens Corning Platinum contractors on all of Long Island. If your contractor claims Platinum status, verify it at owenscorning.com.
4. Who Will Perform My Estimate?
At many larger companies, estimates are done by commissioned salespeople whose job is to close the deal, not give you the most accurate assessment. Ask whether the owner or a senior technical estimator will be doing your inspection. At Smart Choice Contracting, owner Michael Falco performs every estimate personally.
5. Will You Do a Full Tear-Off?
A full tear-off means removing the existing shingles before installing new ones. Some contractors offer an "overlay" (new shingles over old) as a cost-saving measure. This voids most warranties, hides existing damage, and adds unnecessary weight to your structure. Insist on a full tear-off.
6. What Type of Nails Do You Use?
This one separates knowledgeable contractors from the rest. Most use standard electro-galvanized nails. The right answer is hot-dip galvanized nails, which resist corrosion dramatically better — lasting approximately 15 years longer than standard fasteners. In Long Island's salt-air environment, this matters.
7. What Exactly Is Included in the Warranty?
A warranty that covers "materials" only is very different from one that covers materials and labor. Get the warranty details in writing. Ask specifically: what does it cover, for how long, and who backs it — the manufacturer or just the contractor?
8. Can You Provide Local References?
Ask for references from homeowners in your specific area — not just a company testimonial page. Check Google reviews, Yelp, and the BBB. A contractor who has worked in your community for years will have a verifiable local reputation.
Ready to Get a Quote from a Contractor Who Can Answer All Eight?
Smart Choice Contracting has been serving Long Island homeowners since 1997. Call us at (631) 479-3669 or request a free estimate online. We serve Melville, Huntington, Dix Hills, Commack, Northport, Syosset, Jericho, Woodbury, Levittown, Bethpage, and all surrounding communities.
