Replacing or repairing your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, and choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between a job well done and a nightmare that costs you thousands more than you budgeted. At Brubaker Roofing, we’ve been serving Lancaster County for over three decades, and we’ve seen the aftermath of homeowners who chose the wrong contractor based on price alone or fell for high-pressure sales tactics.
The roofing industry attracts both dedicated professionals and opportunistic operators who disappear as soon as problems arise. Understanding the difference can save you money, stress, and protect your home investment.
Why Your Contractor Choice Matters
A low-quality roofing job doesn’t just mean you wasted money; it can cause serious damage to your home that costs far more to fix than doing it right the first time. Poor workmanship leads to leaks, premature material failure, and structural damage that may not become apparent until the contractor is long gone.
Lancaster County sees its share of storm chasers who appear after severe weather, make big promises, collect deposits, and disappear without finishing the work. Even contractors who complete the job may use substandard materials or improper installation techniques, which can void manufacturer warranties.
As experienced Lancaster roofing professionals, we believe educated homeowners make better decisions. Knowing what to look for (and what to avoid) protects you from contractors who prioritize quick profits over quality work and customer satisfaction.
Your roof protects everything you own, and the contractor you choose determines whether that protection lasts for decades or fails within years.
Red Flags: Warning Signs of Unreliable Contractors
High-pressure sales tactics are one of the biggest warning signs of an unreliable contractor. If someone shows up at your door claiming they’re “working in the neighborhood” and pushes you to sign a contract immediately with “today only” pricing, walk away.
Unusually low bids that significantly undercut other estimates should raise serious concerns. These contractors often cut corners on materials, skip proper installation steps, or plan to add surprise charges later in the project.
Be wary of contractors without a physical business address in Lancaster County. A post office box or just a cell phone number means they can easily disappear when problems arise, leaving you with no recourse.
Requests for full payment upfront or cash-only transactions are major red flags. Legitimate contractors use payment schedules tied to project milestones and accept standard payment methods that provide you with protection and documentation.
Any contractor who can’t immediately provide proof of licensing, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage should be removed from consideration. Working with uninsured contractors puts you at serious financial risk if accidents occur on your property.
Vague estimates without detailed breakdowns of materials, labor, and timeline indicate a contractor who either doesn’t know what they’re doing or plans to charge you for “unexpected” issues later. Professional estimates are thorough and specific.
Be extremely cautious of contractors who offer to “help” with your insurance claim by inflating damage or encouraging fraud. This illegal practice can result in denied claims and legal problems for you, while the contractor walks away unscathed.
Storm chasers who suddenly appear in Lancaster after severe weather, often with out-of-state plates and addresses, are looking for quick money before moving to the next affected area. They have no stake in their local reputation and won’t be around to honor warranties.
Green Lights: Signs of a Quality Roofing Contractor
An established local presence in Lancaster County is one of the strongest indicators of a reliable contractor. Companies that have been here for years or decades have reputations to protect and relationships in the community that matter to them.
Proper licensing and comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability and workers’ compensation, demonstrate professionalism and protect you from liability. Quality contractors provide this documentation without hesitation.
Detailed written estimates demonstrate a contractor’s professionalism and provide clear expectations about what you’re paying for. These estimates should break down materials, labor, timeline, and payment schedule with no ambiguity.
Willingness to provide local references from recent projects allows you to verify the contractor’s work quality and customer service. Legitimate contractors are proud to share their satisfied customers’ experiences.
Professional communication throughout the entire process (from initial contact through project completion) reflects a company’s commitment to customer service. Responsive contractors who answer questions clearly and promptly make the entire experience better.
Transparent pricing with reasonable payment schedules that protect both parties shows a contractor’s confidence in their work. Most professional contractors require a deposit to order materials, progress payments as work is completed, and final payment only when you’re satisfied.
Clear warranty information covering both workmanship and materials gives you peace of mind and demonstrates the contractor’s commitment to standing behind their work. Make sure these warranties are in writing.
A physical office location with permanent staff indicates a contractor invested in the community for the long term. You can visit their location, meet their team, and know where to find them if issues arise.
Membership in professional organizations and manufacturer certifications show commitment to industry standards and continuing education. These credentials aren’t just about marketing; they reflect a contractor’s professionalism.
Questions Every Lancaster Homeowner Should Ask
Before hiring any roofing contractor, ask how long they’ve been in business, specifically in Lancaster County. Local longevity indicates reliability and community investment that matters when you need warranty work or have concerns.
Request proof of current insurance certificates and licensing, and verify this information independently. Don’t take a contractor’s word for it; contact their insurance company and check with local authorities.
Ask about written warranties on workmanship and how long they cover their installation. Understand what’s included, what’s excluded, and how to file a claim if needed.
Request to see a portfolio of similar projects they’ve completed in Lancaster, ideally with before and after photos. Better yet, ask for addresses of recent projects so you can see their work in person.
Understand their process for handling unexpected issues, such as discovering rotted decking or weather-related delays. How do they communicate changes and handle additional costs?
Clarify who handles cleanup and debris removal, including dumpster rental and final property inspection. Professional contractors leave your property cleaner than they foundIt.
Ask which manufacturers they work with and why they recommend specific materials for your situation. Their answers reveal their knowledge and whether they’re prioritizing quality or profit margins.
Confirm that they handle all necessary permits and inspections required by Lancaster County. This should be included in their service, not an additional burden on you.
Choose Experience and Trust
Choosing a roofing contractor shouldn’t be a decision made under pressure or based solely on price. The cheapest bid often becomes the most expensive mistake, while the right contractor provides value that extends far beyond the initial installation.
At Brubaker Roofing, we’ve built our reputation over thirty years by doing quality work, treating customers with respect, and standing behind every project we complete. We’re not just contractors passing through, we’re your neighbors, and our reputation in this community matters deeply to us.
We encourage every homeowner to verify credentials, check references, and compare contractors carefully. Don’t take our word for it, talk to our customers, look at our work, and see why Lancaster County homeowners have trusted us for over three decades.
Your home deserves a contractor who will be here tomorrow, next year, and ten years from now when you have questions or need service. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference that local expertise and genuine commitment make.
With our established presence in Lancaster County and our track record of quality work, we’re confident you’ll see why choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home.
