Uh-oh. Your roof needs repairs. Perhaps it needs to be replaced. This may be the biggest home maintenance issue you've ever had to deal with. So how do you choose the best contractor to get the job done, and done right?

Ask for Referrals

With all of today's high-tech advertising, word of mouth is still the best way to find out the truth about a business. If you know anyone – family, friend, or coworker – who's had their roof worked on, ask them about their experience. Did their contractor do a good job, stay within budget, and finish in a reasonable amount of time? Or did the whole experience have them pulling out their hair with frustration?

Ask the Professionals

Another good way to find a dependable roofer is to ask the housing professionals. Realtors and property managers have dealt with roof repairs many times. And they keep lists of reliable contractors. Take advantage of their experience.

Ask the BBB

Call or go online to check out your local Better Business Bureau. Not only can you check out a contractor you may be considering, they keep lists of accredited businesses, searchable by category, and can help you find a reliable roofing contractor.

Look for a roofing contractor with an "A" rating and minimal customer complaints. The A rating shows that the contractor has been in business for a while, and has proven to be competent and trustworthy.

Ask for References

When you've narrowed down the list of roofing contractors, contact each of them and ask for a list of local references. If they can't or won't provide them, be wary.

When you have a list of references in hand, be sure to follow up. Don't stop with the first name on the list. Contact all the references and ask if they were happy with the work done. Did they have any significant problems during or after the roof repair? How happy are they with the finished roof?

Ask for Quotes

Request quotes, in writing, from the roofers. Most will come out to inspect the roof before supplying you with a quote. Be careful of a contractor who gives you an immediate quote: If they didn't inspect the roof first, the quote will likely be incorrect.

And remember, the cheapest company may not be the best. Do they use inferior materials, or less skilled workers? Often, the quotes that fall in the middle of the pack are the most realistic.

Get a Proposal

Before hiring a contractor, be sure to get a detailed, written proposal that includes a timeline, costs and payment procedures, and warranties.

Be careful of any proposal that requires full payment up front. This isn't the norm, and may be a sign that you're being scammed.

When can the contractor start work? How long should it take? And – this is important – will they show up every day, or is their time split between jobs? Getting this information up front can save you from endless headaches and frustration.

Also, check the manufacturer warranties for the roofing materials. Does anything the contractor proposed threaten to void the manufacturer warranty?

Check the Details

If your state requires contractor licensing, ask to see a copy of the license. Ask for proof of liability insurance, and also of workers compensation licensing. Otherwise, as a homeowner, you could be held liable for accidents and injuries.

Is your contractor registered and bonded? Is the company a member of a local or national professional association? All these denote professionalism, and should give you confidence in the contractor you hire.

Hiring a contractor to repair or replace your roof is a big deal. Finding the best contractor requires diligence on your part, but if you've done your research, you can sit back and relax, and enjoy your roof for many years to come.