How to Choose a Roofing Contractor on Long Island

After a major storm or when your roof starts showing its age, you'll likely be contacted by several roofing companies — some reputable, some not. On Long Island, where storm chasers and unlicensed contractors can appear overnight after a nor'easter, knowing how to screen your options protects your home and your wallet.

Licensing and Insurance Are Non-Negotiable

New York State requires roofing contractors to be licensed through the local municipality. In Nassau County, contractors must hold a Nassau County Home Improvement License. In Suffolk County, the requirement varies by town — Brookhaven, Islip, Huntington, and others each have their own licensing boards. Before you sign anything, ask the contractor for their license number and verify it with the county.

Insurance is equally critical. Your contractor needs two types:

• General liability insurance — covers damage to your property during the job
• Workers' compensation — covers injuries to crew members on your property. Without it, you could be liable for a worker injured on your roof.

Ask for certificates of insurance directly from the contractor's insurer — not just a photocopy they hand you. A reputable Long Island roofing company will provide these without hesitation.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Once you've confirmed licensing and insurance, dig into the specifics of the job. Good questions to ask any Long Island roofing contractor include:

• Will you pull the permit, or do you expect me to? (They should pull it.)
• Are you doing a full tear-off or an overlay? (Insist on tear-off for most situations.)
• What happens if you find rotted decking? (Get a per-sheet price upfront.)
• What brand of shingles are you using and what's the manufacturer warranty?
• What is your workmanship warranty? (Reputable contractors offer 5–10 years.)
• Who specifically will be on my roof — your employees or subcontractors?
• How do you protect my landscaping and property during the job?

Be wary of contractors who pressure you to sign the same day, offer to waive your insurance deductible (this is insurance fraud in New York), ask for more than 25–30% upfront, or can't provide references from recent Long Island projects. These are common red flags in the local market.

Get at least three written quotes. The lowest bid isn't always the best — if one quote is 40% cheaper than the others, ask why. It usually means they're cutting corners on materials, skipping the permit, or planning to use inexperienced labor.