Published 2026-08-22 · Last reviewed 2026-08-22 · Virginia Roofing Services editorial team
Start with the licence, not the website
Virginia regulates contractors through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and its Board for Contractors. Before you compare prices, look the company up in DPOR's public licence lookup using the exact business name on the estimate.
Check that the licence is active, that the name matches the entity you are contracting with, and note the licence class and any disciplinary history shown.
- Match the licensed name to the name on the written estimate and contract
- Confirm the licence is current, not expired
- Note the licence class and specialty designation
- Review any enforcement or disciplinary records shown
Confirm the business actually exists as claimed
Search the Virginia State Corporation Commission business entity records for the company. A registered entity in good standing is a basic reassurance; a trading name with no matching registration is worth asking about.
Ask for insurance certificates directly from the insurer
Request a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation coverage, issued directly to you by the agent or insurer rather than forwarded as a PDF by the contractor.
Check the policy dates cover your project window and that the named insured matches the contracting entity.
Check references and recent local work
Ask for addresses of recent projects in your county or city and, where possible, drive by. Ask each reference whether the crew was employed or subcontracted, whether the schedule held, and how any problem was handled.
Read the contract before the deposit
The written agreement should name the licensed entity, describe the scope in detail, state the decking replacement rate, name who pulls the permit, set a payment schedule tied to progress, and describe both the workmanship and material warranties.
- Full legal name, address and licence number of the contractor
- Detailed scope including underlayment, flashing, ventilation and disposal
- Stated per-sheet decking replacement rate
- Permit responsibility and jurisdiction
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Workmanship and material warranty terms in writing
- Change-order process requiring written approval