How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor (Without Getting Burned)

If you’ve ever Googled “roofers near me” and immediately felt overwhelmed by a wall of names, star ratings, and suspiciously vague reviews—hey, you’re not alone. Choosing the right roofing contractor can feel like online dating for your house: lots of big promises, a few red flags, and you really don’t want to end up ghosted after the first inspection.

⚠️ After a hailstorm, it gets even trickier. Suddenly, roofing companies seem to come out of the woodwork—some legit, some not so much. That’s why doing your research matters more than ever. Look them up on Google Maps. Check their BBB rating. Read the reviews—really read them. A good roofer won’t be offended by a little homework. In fact, they’ll encourage it.

The stakes are high. This is your roof we’re talking about—the thing that keeps the snow out, the heat in, and the people you love safe and protected. ❤️

So how do you separate the pros from the posers? Let’s walk through what to look for in a roofing contractor—without the drama, scams, or surprise breakups.

📍 1. Start Local. Really Local.

When your cousin’s friend’s boyfriend says he knows a guy from two states over who can do it for cheap? Run.

Hiring a local roofer isn’t just about supporting your community (although we love that, too). It means:

They know Minnesota weather and what your roof is up against. ❄️
They’re familiar with local building codes and permitting processes.
They’re nearby if anything needs a follow-up or repair.

At Tonka Roofing, we live here. We work here. We’ve likely roofed a house on your block. We know what kind of storm just rolled through and how many inches of snow your roof is currently holding. That kind of local knowledge matters. 💪

🧾 2. Check the Credentials (and the Vibe)

Yes, you want to see that they’re licensed, insured, and bonded. But just as important? The vibe check.

Are they responsive when you call or email? Do they explain things clearly, or unleash a tornado of roofing jargon and hope you just smile and nod? You shouldn’t need a decoder ring to understand your own roof.

A good contractor:

Answers your questions without making you feel dumb
Shows up when they say they will
Puts things in writing
Doesn’t make you chase them down for a quote

Another great way to check credentials? Go straight to the source—your city. 🏛️Many cities let you search roofing permit activity online, or you can call directly to ask. You can find out how many permits a company has pulled and closed, and sometimes even get insight from staff on which contractors have a solid track record.

If your gut is telling you something’s off, listen to it.

⭐ 3. Read Reviews (but Read Between the Lines)

Online reviews can be helpful—but also hilariously unhelpful. You might see one five-star review that just says “Great!” and a one-star review that rants about how it rained during their roof install (as if the roofer controls the weather).

Here’s how to read smarter:

Look for patterns. If multiple people mention good communication, fair pricing, or clean job sites, that’s a great sign.
Watch for how the company responds to criticism. A professional, respectful response to a negative review shows maturity and accountability.
Prioritize reviews from folks in your area who’ve had similar work done.

And while we’re on the topic: Tonka Roofing has 80+ Google reviews and every one of them is five stars. Not a single review less than perfect. Search us on NextDoor, too, and you’ll find the same thing: nothing but genuine praise from actual neighbors. That’s the kind of track record you want to see when you’re trusting someone with your home.

🧱 4. Ask About Materials—and Warranties

Not all shingles are created equal. And not all roofers are certified to install the top brands.

Be sure to ask:

What roofing materials do you use, and why?
Are you certified by any manufacturers?
What kind of warranty do you offer—on materials and labor?🛠️

A good roofer will walk you through your options and explain the pros and cons without pressure. They should be just as invested in your roof’s long-term performance as you are.

💰 5. Get Multiple Quotes—but Don’t Just Pick the Cheapest

We get it—roofs are expensive. But your roof isn’t the place to cut corners. That’s how you end up paying for it twice.

If one quote is way lower than the others, ask why. Are they using lower-grade materials? Skimping on underlayment? Hiring unskilled labor?

A trustworthy contractor will give you a detailed estimate that explains what you’re paying for—and why it matters. And if you’re dealing with storm damage, you want someone who’s been through the insurance process before—someone who knows the paperwork, has relationships with adjusters, and can help make sure nothing gets missed. At Tonka Roofing, we’ve handled hundreds of insurance claims, and we know how to advocate for homeowners while keeping the process as stress-free as possible.

🏢 6. Look for Longevity (and an Actual Address)

Pop-up roofers tend to blow in with a storm and disappear just as quickly. 💨 That’s bad news if you need warranty work or a follow-up later on.

Choose a contractor with:

A physical office or showroom (not just a truck and a cell phone)
A solid history in your area
A reputation that’s been built over years—not just storm season
Transparent craftsmanship warranties
W2 employees (not just a revolving door of subcontractors)
A track record you can verify—how many years have they been in business?

And if you’re feeling extra thorough (we support that), check city permit records. Many municipalities have online databases that show how many jobs a company has started and completed. Or give your city a call—staff can often share whether a contractor is known for doing good work… or leaving homeowners in the lurch.

At Tonka Roofing, we’ve been serving the west metro for twenty years. Our office is real. Our trucks are branded. Our crews are W2 employees who care about the work—and we always return your call.

🤝 7. Trust Your Gut—and Ask Around

Word of mouth is still the best tool out there. Ask your neighbors, your realtor, your neighborhood Facebook group. And then trust your instincts.

Choosing a roofer isn’t just a transaction—it’s a relationship. You want someone who’s going to treat your home with care, communicate honestly, and do the job right the first time.

At Tonka Roofing, we think that’s the bare minimum.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right roofing contractor shouldn’t feel like playing roulette with your home. Ask questions. Do your homework. Trust your instincts. And remember: it’s okay to expect top-notch service.

If you’re in the west metro and looking for a roofer who’s responsive, respectful, and ridiculously good at what we do—we’d be honored to work on your home.