Not everyone has experience hiring a roofing contractor. When the need for a major roofing project surfaces, some may have the luxury of turning to a friend or family member for advice. For those who do not, read on.

When you must engage with a roofing contractor in the Greater Los Angeles area, there are certain things you must demand. You should not feel shy in asking for some of these items. Honest roofing contractors in the Los Angeles region should be eager to convey how qualified they are to put a new roofing system onto your home or business.

First, verify that the contractor is licensed with Contractors State License Board. Searches are valid for all the counties that make up what is known as the Greater Los Angeles area, which consists of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Second, by law contractors must provide proof of general liability insurance, a checklist for homeowners in terms of what to expect during their project and a notice to owner, also known as a “mechanic’s lien.” More information about state contractors’ requirements is available at the website listed above.

Other regulations or best practices
The contract you enter into must include an estimated start and completion date. Make certain you and your contractor know when the project is expected to end.

The contract should be clear about a specific scope of work. Your contractor should outline what is included and what is not.

The contract should include a schedule of payments, and deposits cannot exceed 10 percent or $1,000.

Pay attention to “workmanship” wording, which is labor costs and material warranty information. Wind warranty information should also be noted, because we’re dealing with Los Angeles roofs and we all know the unpredictable wind patterns of our region. Read wind warranty sections carefully.

Lastly, the contract should also list the business address and not a P.O. Box. Be sure to get local references, check them and verify a contractor's standing with the local office of the Better Business Bureau.

Rod Menzel has been a roofing contractor in the Greater Los Angeles area since 1999. His company, GreatWay Roofing, is a leading roofing contracting company in the LA area, serving mostly Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita. Menzel has conducted seminar sessions on customer service and marketing for roofing contractors across the nation. His company offers homeowners and businesses free roof inspections and limited 10-year warranties with any job.

As of Feb. 10, 2012, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.