How to Choose a Roofing and Masonry Contractor in New Jersey

Every year, New Jersey homeowners lose thousands of dollars to unlicensed contractors, storm chasers, and companies that take deposits and disappear. Knowing how to evaluate contractors before you hire protects your home and your money.

Non-Negotiable Requirements

New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration. Any contractor performing home improvement work in New Jersey must be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Registration is free to verify at the state website. If a contractor can't provide their HIC number, do not hire them.

Workers' Compensation Insurance. Every roofing company must carry workers' compensation insurance covering their crew. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't have workers' comp, you could be liable. Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it's current.

General Liability Insurance. Covers property damage caused during the work. Standard is $1M per occurrence minimum for residential roofing and masonry contractors.

GAF Certification (for roofing). GAF certification indicates the contractor has completed manufacturer training, maintains professional standards, and has access to extended warranty programs. Troy & Henry LLC is GAF certified.

Questions to Ask Every Contractor

1. Can I see your HIC registration and certificates of insurance?
2. Who specifically will be doing the work — your own crew or subcontractors?
3. What does your warranty cover and for how long?
4. How do you handle unexpected conditions discovered during the project?
5. What is your cleanup and disposal process?
6. Can you provide three recent local references I can call?

Red Flags to Walk Away From

• No written contract. All NJ home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing.
• Demanding full payment upfront. Standard practice is a deposit (typically 25–33%) with the balance due on completion.
• No physical address. Contractors without a verifiable local address are harder to reach when problems arise.
• Pressure to sign immediately. Legitimate contractors give you time to review proposals.
• Prices dramatically below all other estimates. Extremely low bids typically indicate skipped steps, substandard materials, or an uninsured operator.

Getting Multiple Estimates

Three written estimates is standard practice for major roofing and masonry work. Compare them not just on price but on:

• Scope detail (what specifically is included)
• Materials specified (brand, product line, weight)
• Warranty terms
• Start and completion schedule

Troy & Henry LLC is a licensed, insured, GAF-certified roofing and masonry contractor serving North Jersey since our founding. We provide detailed written estimates, work with our own crews, and stand behind our work. Call 1-800-886-2077 for a free estimate.