How to Research and Vet Local Roofing Contractors Using Online Reviews and Better Business Bureau Ratings

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Don’t Get Burned: Your Complete Guide to Researching and Vetting Local Roofing Contractors Using Online Reviews and Better Business Bureau Ratings

When your roof needs repair or replacement, choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between a job well done and a costly nightmare. With roofing being one of the most significant investments homeowners make, thorough research is essential. More than ever, consumers are doing their online research before selecting a roofing contractor. This is especially true when it comes to something as important and costly as roofing services. A roof is a significant investment, and they will want to make sure they choose a reputable company that will do the job right.

The Power of Online Reviews in Roofing Contractor Selection

Online reviews have become the modern equivalent of word-of-mouth recommendations. 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much or more so than a personal recommendation. When researching potential contractors, they may check roofing company reviews on multiple sites. Google Business Profile, HomeAdvisor, BBB, Yelp, and Angi are all top roofing company review sites. Each of these websites provides detailed customer reviews that will help them narrow down options and choose the best roofing company for their needs.

Google Reviews should be your primary focus when researching contractors. With that said, the most prominent review platform by far is Google. Because it is the foremost source of roofing leads and the number one global search engine, its testimonials hold more weight than other platforms. Look for contractors with substantial review volumes – Look for at least 40+ reviews on Google, Yelp, BBB, or Nextdoor. If they’ve been in business more than a year and can’t show that kind of track record, it’s worth digging deeper.

Decoding Better Business Bureau Ratings

The Better Business Bureau provides an invaluable resource for vetting roofing contractors. The Better Business Bureau or the BBB is a private organization that helps to provide the general public with in-depth information on charities and businesses. On the BBB website, you’ll be able to find out if a company is BBB accredited, its BBB rating, customer reviews, and even customer complaints. This nonprofit organization has developed its own rating scale, ranging from A+ to F. The rating a company receives is determined by criteria such as company performance, ethics, ratings, reviews, and more.

This rating is based on 13 factors, including the number of complaints, unresolved issues, unaddressed complaint patterns and how long the company has been in business. A company needs a score of at least 97 percent out of 100 to get an A-plus rating. When you find a roofing contractor near me with an A+ BBB rating, it’s a strong indicator of reliability and professionalism.

Red Flags to Watch For

While researching contractors, be alert for warning signs. But don’t be fooled—if a company only has positive reviews, it may be a sign that they’re purchasing reviews or routing bad reviews before they ever get posted. Additionally, Less than 40 reviews or none on major platforms like Google, Yelp, or BBB · All 5-star reviews with vague or copy-paste phrasing · No customer-uploaded project photos or names mentioned are all concerning signs.

What Makes a Quality Contractor: The Aastro Roofing Example

A prime example of a well-vetted contractor is Aastro Roofing Company, based in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Centrally located in Deerfield Beach, Aastro Roofing Company is managed and operated by family members with a vested interest in our company’s success and the satisfaction of our customers. The company demonstrates several key qualities homeowners should look for:

BBB Accreditation: This business has committed to upholding the BBB Standards for Trust.Why choose a BBB Accredited Business? Aastro Roofing maintains BBB accreditation, showing their commitment to ethical business practices.

Experience and Expertise: I chose to work in this industry because we are third generation roofers who have accumulated over 60 years of experience and expertise. This multi-generational experience provides the depth of knowledge essential for quality roofing work.

Clear Values: We’re a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and treats your roofing projects as if it were our own. We offer a wide range of roofing expertise and experience to meet the specific needs of our clients.

Comprehensive Research Strategy

To properly vet roofing contractors, follow this systematic approach:

  • Check Multiple Platforms: You can check these on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. If the company you are prospecting has either little to no or negative reviews, you should avoid them and go in a different direction.
  • Verify Credentials: Visit the Better Business Bureau’s website to see their grade as well. If a roofing company sports a high letter grade such as an A+ from the BBB, it’s a good sign.
  • Look for Professional Associations: Legit roofing providers are often members of trade associations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Companies that belong to these associations are known for meeting ethical and professional standards.
  • Request References: Legit roofing companies often have a list of references you can contact to verify their quality of work. Don’t overlook this step; ask for and reach out to these references to verify the roofing company you are debating on hiring.

The Bottom Line

Researching and vetting roofing contractors through online reviews and BBB ratings isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. Ask yourself: “Are you getting enough good reviews to offset the bad ones?” Remember, homeowners rarely take the position that they’ll only hire companies that have ALL good reviews since almost no one has 100 percent positive feedback. They’re simply trying to mitigate the perceived risk that goes along with hiring a roofing contractor. What homeowners look for is more good reviews than bad, not perfection.

By taking the time to thoroughly research contractors using these proven methods, you’ll be much more likely to find a reliable, professional roofing company that will protect your home and your investment for years to come. Remember, a few hours of research now can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches later.