Your roof is one of the most expensive parts of your home, and after a storm you may be making a decision quickly. A few minutes of checking can save you from a bad install, a botched insurance claim, or a contractor who disappears.
1. Check local licensing and insurance
Colorado doesn't have a statewide roofing license. Licensing is handled locally by cities and counties. In the Pikes Peak region, for example, contractors are licensed through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). Ask any roofer:
- Which local building departments are you licensed with, and what are your license numbers?
- Can you provide proof of general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage for your crew?
- Will you pull the required permits and schedule code inspections?
For the record: Triumph is licensed with PPRBD (#27281) and Elbert County (#26EC-RO-3060), and is fully insured.
2. Look for a real local presence
- A local phone number and a business that will still be here next year
- Reviews from real customers in your area, such as a Google Business Profile with genuine reviews
- Local references and completed projects you can see
3. Get it in writing
Colorado requires residential roofing contracts to be in writing. Make sure yours clearly describes the scope of work, the materials, the price, and how payment works. Don't sign anything you haven't read, and don't let anyone rush you.
Red flags of storm chasers
- Offering to pay or "eat" your deductible. It's illegal in Colorado for a roofing contractor to pay, waive, or rebate your deductible.
- Pressure to sign on the spot, often with a "today only" price or a claim that your insurance deadline is about to expire.
- Large upfront payments before any materials are delivered or work begins.
- Out-of-state plates, no local address, and no way to verify past work in the area.
- Vague answers about licensing, insurance, or permits.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Who will be my point of contact, and how will you keep me updated?
- Will you meet my insurance adjuster?
- How do you handle supplements if the insurance estimate misses something?
- Will I get copies of every invoice you send to my insurance company?
- How do you protect my property during the job, and what does clean-up include?
At Triumph, the answers are easy: one dedicated Service Representative with weekly updates, an adjuster meeting on every claim, supplements handled for you, copies of every invoice, and a full clean-up. See our 10-step process, or schedule your free inspection.