How to Choose a Roofing or Siding Contractor
A homeowner's checklist for hiring the right contractor after a storm, fire, or water loss.
After a covered loss, you'll often need reliable contractors to assess damage and complete repairs. Whether you're working with us on a full claim or handling repairs independently, here's how to find and evaluate quality roofing and siding contractors.
Start with Credentials
Local registration
Ohio doesn't issue a statewide license for residential roofing or siding contractors, but many cities, including Cleveland, require contractors to register with the local building department before they can work there. Ask which cities they're registered in and confirm it with your city's building department. The business should also be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Insurance
Confirm they carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for proof and verify it's current. A contractor without insurance can leave you liable if someone is injured on your property.
Bonding
Some contractors carry performance bonds, which protect you if they fail to complete work as agreed. It's not always required, but it's a strong sign of reliability.
Check Their Track Record
Reviews and references
Look for reviews on Google, BBB (Better Business Bureau), and Yelp. Read for patterns — what problems come up repeatedly? Ask the contractor for references from recent roofing or siding projects in your area. Call them and ask specific questions about quality, timeline, and how the contractor handled problems.
Insurance claim experience
Ask whether they work regularly on insurance claims. Contractors experienced with claims understand your timeline and can coordinate smoothly with adjusters and your public adjuster (if you have one).
Local presence
Contractors based in Northeast Ohio are more invested in their reputation. They're more likely to stand behind their work and be available for follow-ups.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Pressure to sign immediately: Legitimate contractors give you time to decide. Walk away from anyone who insists you commit on the spot.
- No written estimate: Always get a detailed written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, timeline, and payment terms.
- Cash-only payments: Reputable contractors accept checks, credit cards, and electronic payments. Cash-only dealings make disputes hard to resolve.
- Out-of-state contractors after a major storm: While some legitimate national companies respond to major events, many are transient and disappear after collecting deposits. Stick with established local and regional contractors.
- Unsolicited door knocking: Be especially skeptical of contractors who show up at your door uninvited after a claim. Many are simply trying to drum up business; a few engage in unethical practices.
- Avoiding written contracts: Everything should be in writing — scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and cleanup. A contract protects both of you.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
How many roofing or siding projects have you completed in the past five years?
Look for substantial experience, ideally 10+ projects annually.
Can you provide three recent references?
Ask for jobs completed in the past 12 months.
Working with Your Public Adjuster
If you've hired a public adjuster (like Cleveland Claims), here's how we fit in:
You choose your contractor
We don't recommend or refer contractors, we don't accept referral fees, and we have no stake in who does your repairs. That's what keeps our estimate independent.
A Note on Handyman vs. Contractor
For minor repairs, a handyman might be fine. But for structural work (roofing, major siding), you need a qualified, insured, locally registered contractor. Handyman work often isn't insured and may not meet building codes. If something goes wrong, your homeowners insurance may deny a claim tied to unpermitted work.
Final Steps
- Get detailed written estimates from 2-3 contractors.
- Compare scope (what's included), timeline, warranty, and cost.
- Ask questions until you're confident.
- Check references before deciding.
- Sign a detailed contract before work begins.
Taking time upfront to find the right contractor saves headaches later.
Not Sure Your Claim Covers the Full Repair?
Before you sign with a contractor, make sure your settlement reflects the real damage. Cleveland Claims reviews your policy and your insurance company's estimate so you know what your claim should cover.
Questions first? Call or text (216) 530-6382.
Licensed Ohio Public Adjuster · Serving Cleveland & Northeast Ohio · No Referral Fees, Ever
Start with Credentials
Local registration
Ohio doesn't issue a statewide license for residential roofing or siding contractors, but many cities, including Cleveland, require contractors to register with the local building department before they can work there. Ask which cities they're registered in and confirm it with your city's building department. The business should also be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Insurance
Confirm they carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for proof and verify it's current. A contractor without insurance can leave you liable if someone is injured on your property.
Bonding
Some contractors carry performance bonds, which protect you if they fail to complete work as agreed. It's not always required, but it's a strong sign of reliability.
Red Flags to Avoid
Pressure to sign immediately
Legitimate contractors give you time to decide. Walk away from anyone who insists you commit on the spot.
No written estimate
Always get a detailed written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, timeline, and payment terms.
Cash-only payments
Reputable contractors accept checks, credit cards, and electronic payments. Cash-only dealings make disputes hard to resolve.
Out-of-state contractors after a major storm
While some legitimate national companies respond to major events, many are transient and disappear after collecting deposits. Stick with established local and regional contractors.
Unsolicited door knocking
Be especially skeptical of contractors who show up at your door uninvited after a claim. Many are simply trying to drum up business; a few engage in unethical practices.
Avoiding written contracts
Everything should be in writing — scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and cleanup. A contract protects both of you.
Check Their Track Record
Reviews and references
Look for reviews on Google, BBB (Better Business Bureau), and Yelp. Read for patterns — what problems come up repeatedly? Ask the contractor for references from recent roofing or siding projects in your area. Call them and ask specific questions about quality, timeline, and how the contractor handled problems.
Insurance claim experience
Ask whether they work regularly on insurance claims. Contractors experienced with claims understand your timeline and can coordinate smoothly with adjusters and your public adjuster (if you have one).
Local presence
Contractors based in Northeast Ohio are more invested in their reputation. They're more likely to stand behind their work and be available for follow-ups.
Red Flags to Avoid
PRESSURE TO SIGN IMMEDIATELY
Legitimate contractors give you time to decide. Walk away from anyone who insists you commit on the spot.
NO WRITTEN ESTIMATE
Always get a detailed written estimate that breaks down materials, labor, timeline, and payment terms.
CASH-ONLY PAYMENTS
Reputable contractors accept checks, credit cards, and electronic payments. Cash-only dealings make disputes hard to resolve.
OUT-OF-STATE CONTRACTORS AFTER A MAJOR STORM
While some legitimate national companies respond to major events, many are transient and disappear after collecting deposits. Stick with established local and regional contractors.
UNSOLICITED DOOR KNOCKING
Be especially skeptical of contractors who show up at your door uninvited after a claim. Many are simply trying to drum up business; a few engage in unethical practices.
AVOIDING WRITTEN CONTRACTS
Everything should be in writing — scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and cleanup. A contract protects both of you.
Not Sure Your Claim Covers the Full Repair?
Before you sign with a contractor, make sure your settlement reflects the real damage. Cleveland Claims reviews your policy and your insurance company's estimate so you know what your claim should cover.
Questions first? Call or text (216) 530-6382.
How to Choose a Roofing or Siding Contractor
A homeowner's checklist for hiring the right contractor after a storm, fire, or water loss.
After a covered loss, you'll often need reliable contractors to assess damage and complete repairs. Whether you're working with us on a full claim or handling repairs independently, here's how to find and evaluate quality roofing and siding contractors.
Start with Credentials
Local registration
Ohio doesn't issue a statewide license for residential roofing or siding contractors, but many cities, including Cleveland, require contractors to register with the local building department before they can work there. Ask which cities they're registered in and confirm it with your city's building department. The business should also be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Insurance
Confirm they carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for proof and verify it's current. A contractor without insurance can leave you liable if someone is injured on your property.
Bonding
Some contractors carry performance bonds, which protect you if they fail to complete work as agreed. It's not always required, but it's a strong sign of reliability.
Check Their Track Record
Reviews and references
Look for reviews on Google, BBB (Better Business Bureau), and Yelp. Read for patterns — what problems come up repeatedly? Ask the contractor for references from recent roofing or siding projects in your area. Call them and ask specific questions about quality, timeline, and how the contractor handled problems.
Insurance claim experience
Ask whether they work regularly on insurance claims. Contractors experienced with claims understand your timeline and can coordinate smoothly with adjusters and your public adjuster (if you have one).
Local presence
Contractors based in Northeast Ohio are more invested in their reputation. They're more likely to stand behind their work and be available for follow-ups.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
How many roofing or siding projects have you completed in the past five years?
Can you provide three recent references?
What's your warranty on workmanship and materials?
How do you handle change orders?
What's your payment schedule?
Are you registered, insured, and bonded?
How long does a typical project take?
Do you handle permits and inspections?
What if something goes wrong after you finish?
Final Steps
- Get detailed written estimates from 2-3 contractors.
- Compare scope (what's included), timeline, warranty, and cost.
- Ask questions until you're confident.
- Check references before deciding.
- Sign a detailed contract before work begins.
Taking time upfront to find the right contractor saves headaches later.
Working with Your Public Adjuster
If you've hired a public adjuster (like Cleveland Claims), here's how we fit in:
You choose your contractor
We don't recommend or refer contractors, we don't accept referral fees, and we have no stake in who does your repairs. That's what keeps our estimate independent.
Compare bids against the documented scope
Our estimate gives you a line-by-line scope of the damage, so you can see whether a contractor's bid covers everything your claim covers.
Keep everyone on the same page
With your written authorization, we can share the estimate with your contractor, and you're copied on everything.
A Note on Handyman vs. Contractor
For minor repairs, a handyman might be fine. But for structural work (roofing, major siding), you need a qualified, insured, locally registered contractor. Handyman work often isn't insured and may not meet building codes. If something goes wrong, your homeowners insurance may deny a claim tied to unpermitted work.
Licensed Ohio Public Adjuster · Serving Cleveland & Northeast Ohio · No Referral Fees, Ever