How To Choose A Roofing Contractor In New Jersey.

October 14, 2026 · 6 min read · By Szwarc Construction

A new roof is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home, and in New Jersey it is also one of the easiest places to get burned by the wrong contractor. The good news is that a few simple checks, most of which take minutes, will filter out the vast majority of problems. Here is the checklist we would use if we were hiring a roofer for our own house.

1. Verify The Contractor’s New Jersey Registration

In New Jersey, home improvement contractors are required to register with the state Division of Consumer Affairs. Registered contractors are issued a registration number that starts with 13VH, and state materials say it should appear on contracts, advertising and work vehicles. Ask for the number, then look it up yourself through the Division’s verification tools at njconsumeraffairs.gov instead of taking anyone’s word for it. A contractor who cannot give you a number, or whose number does not check out, is a hard stop. (For the record, ours is displayed on every page of this website: 13VH06056900.)

2. Ask For Proof Of Insurance

Roofing is dangerous work. Ask for a certificate of liability insurance, and ask whether workers’ compensation covers everyone who will be on your roof. The best way to confirm is to have the certificate sent to you directly by the insurance company or agent. If a worker is hurt on your property and the contractor is uninsured, the problem can land on you.

3. Get Everything In Writing

A solid contract protects both sides. At a minimum it should spell out:

• The full scope of work, including how much old roofing will be removed and what happens if damaged decking is found
• The specific materials and colors to be installed
• The total price and the payment schedule
• Expected start and completion timing
• Who is responsible for permits, and what cleanup is included
• Any warranty terms, in writing

New Jersey rules require written contracts for home improvement jobs above a modest dollar amount. Confirm the current requirements with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Whatever the rule says, get it in writing.

4. Compare Quotes Apples To Apples

Get two or three written quotes, but do not just compare the bottom line. Two quotes that look 20 percent apart may not cover the same job. Check whether each one includes tear-off of the old roof, repair of rotted decking, underlayment and waterproofing at the eaves and valleys, new flashing, ventilation, and cleanup. A suspiciously low price is often a sign that something important has been left out, and the “extras” show up later.

5. Watch For These Red Flags

• Door-to-door salespeople who show up right after a storm and pressure you to sign on the spot
• A demand for a large cash deposit before any work or materials are on site
• No physical business address, or a phone number that is hard to reach
• Vague quotes without materials or scope spelled out
• No registration number, or reluctance to show it
• Pressure tactics such as “this price is only good today”

6. Look At Their Local Reputation

Read recent Google reviews, not just the star rating. Look at how recent they are, whether they sound like real customers describing real jobs, and how the company responds when something goes wrong. Ask for references nearby, and if possible drive by a roof they have finished. A contractor with roots in your community has a lot more to lose from a bad job than one who might not be around next year.

7. Ask Who Will Actually Do The Work

Find out who will be on your roof and who will supervise the job. Ask how long the company has been in business and who you will call if something needs attention after the job is finished.

What You Can Expect From Us

Szwarc Construction is a family-owned contractor based in Garfield, NJ, serving Bergen County for nearly 20 years. We give you a free inspection, a clear written quote, and the same honest answer whether the fix is a small repair or a full roof replacement. You can also stop by our showroom to see materials in person before you decide.

“You’re never just another project number.” That has been true since two brothers founded this company almost 20 years ago.