- 01Verify Oregon CCB Licensing
- 02Confirm Insurance Coverage
- 03Get Multiple Written Estimates
- 04Check References and Online Reviews
- 05Understand the Contract Before Signing
- 06Evaluate Warranty Offerings
- 07Red Flags to Watch For
Verify Oregon CCB Licensing
Every roofing contractor working in Oregon must hold an active license from the Construction Contractors Board (CCB). The CCB license confirms that the contractor carries a surety bond, has workers' compensation insurance, and meets continuing education requirements. You can verify any contractor's license status for free on the CCB website by searching their name or license number. Never hire a contractor who cannot provide a valid CCB number. Unlicensed work leaves you without recourse if something goes wrong, and it may violate your homeowner's insurance policy.
Confirm Insurance Coverage
Beyond the CCB bond, a reputable roofing contractor should carry general liability insurance with a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and workers' compensation coverage for all employees. Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it directly with the insurance carrier. General liability protects your property if the crew causes damage during the project. Workers' compensation protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your roof. If a contractor cannot produce current insurance certificates, move on to the next candidate regardless of how competitive their bid may be.
Get Multiple Written Estimates
Collect at least three written estimates from different contractors before making a decision. Each estimate should itemize the scope of work, materials to be used (including brand and product line), labor costs, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Be wary of estimates that are dramatically lower than others, as they often indicate corner-cutting on materials, unlicensed subcontractors, or hidden upcharges that appear after work begins. A detailed written estimate protects both parties and sets clear expectations for the project.
Check References and Online Reviews
Ask each contractor for at least three references from recent projects similar to yours in scope and roofing material. Call those references and ask about communication, timeline adherence, cleanup, and whether they would hire the contractor again. Supplement reference checks with online reviews on Google Business Profile, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp. Look for patterns rather than individual reviews. A contractor with hundreds of reviews averaging 4.5 stars is generally a safer bet than one with five perfect reviews and no other online presence.
Understand the Contract Before Signing
Oregon law requires roofing contracts over $2,000 to be in writing. Your contract should include the full scope of work, material specifications, start and completion dates, total price with a payment schedule, warranty details for both materials and labor, and the contractor's CCB license number. Never sign a contract that requires more than one-third of the total price as a down payment. Oregon's Consumer Protection Act gives you three business days to cancel a home improvement contract signed at your residence, so take time to review everything carefully before committing.
Evaluate Warranty Offerings
Roofing warranties come in two parts: the manufacturer's warranty on materials and the contractor's warranty on workmanship. Manufacturer warranties typically range from 25 years to lifetime coverage depending on the product, but they only cover defective materials, not installation errors. The workmanship warranty from your contractor covers labor-related failures and typically ranges from 5 to 15 years. Some manufacturers offer enhanced warranties when their certified installers perform the work, which can extend coverage to include both materials and labor. Always get warranty terms in writing before work begins.
Red Flags to Watch For
Several warning signs should cause you to disqualify a contractor immediately. Door-to-door solicitation following a storm is a classic tactic used by storm chasers who do subpar work and leave town. Requests for full payment upfront, cash-only transactions, and reluctance to provide a written contract are all serious red flags. Contractors who pressure you to sign immediately, offer to waive your insurance deductible, or suggest filing inflated insurance claims are engaging in practices that can leave you legally and financially exposed. A trustworthy contractor will welcome your due diligence and answer questions patiently.
How do I verify an Oregon roofing contractor's CCB license?
Visit the Oregon CCB website at ccb.oregon.gov and use the license search tool. Enter the contractor's name or license number to check their status, bond information, complaint history, and insurance standing. All of this information is available to the public at no cost.
How much should I pay upfront for a roofing project?
Oregon law does not cap down payments, but industry best practice recommends paying no more than one-third of the total project cost upfront. The remaining balance should be tied to project milestones or due upon satisfactory completion. Avoid contractors who demand full payment before starting work.
What is the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty?
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves, such as premature shingle failure or delamination. A workmanship warranty from the contractor covers errors in installation, such as improper flashing or nailing. You need both warranties for complete protection, and you should get the terms of each in writing before the project begins.
Should I choose the cheapest roofing bid?
Rarely. The cheapest bid often signals that the contractor is cutting corners on materials, using unlicensed subcontractors, or plans to charge extras once the project is underway. Compare bids line by line and make sure each contractor is quoting the same scope of work and material quality. The best value is usually found in the mid-range of competitive bids from licensed, insured contractors.
How long should a roofing contractor's workmanship warranty last?
A reputable roofing contractor in Oregon should offer a minimum of 5 years on workmanship, with many quality contractors offering 10 to 15 years. Be cautious of lifetime workmanship warranties from small companies, as the warranty is only as reliable as the company standing behind it. Ask how long the contractor has been in business and whether the warranty is transferable if you sell your home.
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