In short:
• Verify licensing, insurance, and local experience before signing any roofing contract.
• Compare written estimates, warranty terms, and material options rather than price alone.
• A qualified roofing contractor should offer clear documentation and a defined project timeline.
A reliable roofing repair starts with hiring a licensed, insured professional who can document their qualifications and provide a clear scope of work before any work begins. Homeowners who skip this verification step often face delayed repairs, voided warranties, or disputes over workmanship.
Finding the right roofing contractor means looking past advertising and checking credentials directly. Richmond-area homeowner DeShazo and Son Roofing, Inc. has operated as a Class A contractor in the region, a license class that Virginia requires for larger-value construction projects. Confirming a contractor’s class and license number through the state system is one of the simplest ways to avoid hiring someone unqualified for the scope of work you need.
Check Licensing and Insurance First
Virginia law requires anyone performing construction, repair, or improvement work valued over $1,000 to hold a license through the Board for Contractors. A contractor undertaking a project valued at $150,000 or more must have a valid Class A license, while projects between $30,000 and $150,000 require a Class B license, and licensed contractors have met standards established to ensure they possess the character, financial fitness, knowledge, and skills necessary to engage in the work.
Before signing anything, homeowners should:
• Ask for the contractor’s license number and class.
• Visit the Department’s website and use the License Lookup feature to access details of any existing license.
• Confirm general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
• Request proof the license has not expired or been disciplined.
The Virginia DPOR consumer resources page offers free license lookup tools and consumer guides specific to contractor hiring, making it a practical first stop before any roofing decision.
Compare Estimates and Scope of Work
A trustworthy contractor provides a written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and timeline rather than a vague lump-sum figure. Getting multiple estimates helps homeowners identify outliers, whether unusually low bids that signal corner-cutting or high bids without clear justification.
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What to Compare |
Why It Matters |
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Material specifications |
Confirms shingle, metal, or flat-roof type matches your needs |
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Project timeline |
Sets expectations for weather delays and crew scheduling |
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Payment schedule |
Protects against large upfront deposits before work starts |
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Warranty terms |
Clarifies coverage for labor versus manufacturer defects |
Payment structure deserves particular attention. The Board for Contractors recommends that the initial down payment be about 10 percent of the total cost of the contract, unless the job requires custom-made items, in which case the Board recommends a down payment of about 30 percent of the total contracted cost. A contractor asking for far more than these benchmarks upfront is a signal to ask additional questions.
Evaluate Experience With Local Roof Types
Roofing needs vary by structure type and material, so a contractor’s hands-on experience with your specific roof system matters more than general reputation alone. Flat roofs, shingle roofs, metal roofing, and slate each require different installation and repair techniques, and a contractor unfamiliar with one type may misdiagnose a leak or recommend the wrong fix. DeShazo and Son Roofing is a Richmond, Virginia-based company that has worked on flat, shingle, metal, and slate roofing, along with gutter installation and repair, giving homeowners a reference point for the range of systems a residential roofing contractor should be able to service.
Ask any contractor under consideration to describe recent repair jobs similar to yours, including the roofing material and the nature of the damage. A contractor who can speak specifically about flashing failures, flat-roof ponding, or storm-related shingle loss is more likely to diagnose your issue accurately than one offering only general assurances.
How do I verify a roofing contractor’s license in Virginia? Use the DPOR License Lookup tool on the Virginia state website, searching by business name or license number to confirm the license is active and matches the contractor’s claimed class.
What is the difference between Class A, B, and C contractor licenses? Class A licenses cover projects valued at $150,000 or more, Class B covers projects between $30,000 and $150,000, and Class C covers projects over $1,000 but under $30,000.
Should I get more than one estimate before hiring a roofing contractor? Yes. Comparing written estimates for materials, timeline, and payment terms helps identify unusually low or high bids and ensures the scope of work is clearly defined before a contract is signed.
What payment terms are reasonable for a roofing repair contract? The Board for Contractors recommends an initial down payment of about 10 percent of the total contract cost, or about 30 percent if custom materials are required.
Choosing a roofing contractor for home repairs comes down to verification, not guesswork. Checking license status, comparing detailed estimates, and confirming experience with your specific roof type reduces the risk of costly mistakes. Homeowners in the Richmond, Virginia area can review DeShazo and Son Roofing, Inc.’s background and services directly through their business listing before requesting a project estimate.
