Florida Homeowners: Here’s How to Choose a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

Key Takeaways 

• Choosing the right roofing contractor is essential to protect your home and finances, as unlicensed or inexperienced roofers can cause costly damage and legal issues. 

• Cathedral Roofing stands out in Southwest Florida with 18 years of experience, over 5,000 completed projects, and a commitment to transparency and technology-driven service. 

• Factors to consider when choosing a roofing contractor include licensing, insurance, warranties, reviews, communication practices, and local experience. 

• Cathedral Roofing combines local expertise, advanced tools, and proven trustworthiness to deliver reliable, high-quality roofing solutions across Southwest Florida. 

What holds up your home in a storm, protects it through every season, and quietly guards your biggest investment? The answer is right above you. With costs running into the thousands, even a small mistake in choosing a contractor can lead to leaks, legal disputes, and serious financial setbacks. Learning how to choose a roofing contractor wisely can mean the difference between a smooth project and a costly nightmare.  

Cathedral Roofing has built a reputation across Southwest Florida for doing things differently. Working with Cathedral means more than completing a roofing job. It means partnering with a team backed by 18 years of local experience, a portfolio of over 5,000 projects, and a commitment to transparency at every step. 

The Risks of Hiring the Wrong Roofer 

After a storm, it’s common to see out-of-state crews roll into town to offer fast fixes and low prices. But too often, these fly-by-night teams vanish just as quickly as they appeared. Many operate without a license, carry little to no insurance, or cut corners that result in leaks, poor ventilation, or code violations. 

Hiring an unqualified roofer can lead to denied insurance claims, expensive repairs, or lawsuits. These are exactly the pitfalls a smart checklist can help you avoid. 

How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: A Checklist 

The right questions — and the right proof — can protect your home and your wallet. Use the list below to vet your options carefully. 

Verify Proper Licensing 

Knowing how to check a roofing contractor’s license in Florida is the first step. State law requires roofing contractors to hold a current Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) license issued by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can verify licenses online through the DBPR’s public search tool. 

Cathedral Roofing holds all required certifications, with a spotless licensing record. 

Check Insurance and Warranties 

Ask every contractor to provide up-to-date proof of both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you from lawsuits if someone gets injured on your property. 

Also review warranty coverage. Cathedral offers a five-year workmanship warranty along with long-term manufacturer guarantees on all roofing materials used. 

Evaluate Reviews and References 

Look for contractors with consistent positive feedback, not just one or two glowing reviews. Red flags include repeated complaints about missed deadlines, unexpected fees, or poor communication. 

Cathedral Roofing is proud to be ranked the No. 3 roofing company in Naples in the 2025 Community Choice Awards, supported by a long history of satisfied local customers. 

Assess Communication and Transparency 

Trustworthy contractors provide clear contracts, detailed timelines, and upfront pricing. Cathedral uses technology to simplify every step: Instant AI-generated quotes, digital contracts, and e-signatures help homeowners stay informed from start to finish.  

For homeowners unsure about the condition of their current roof, scheduling a professional roof inspection can provide a clear starting point and help avoid unexpected issues during a replacement or repair. 

Look for Proven Local Experience 

Years in business matter, but regional experience is what truly sets a contractor apart. Southwest Florida has unique weather, codes, and roofing needs. Cathedral has completed more than 5,000 jobs throughout the area, including multi-home projects in HOAs and planned communities. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Contractor 

Several elements go into picking the right partner for your roof replacement or repair. These factors to consider when choosing a roofing contractor include: 

• Reputation: Look for recognized names with awards or rankings from your community. 

• Experience: Prioritize contractors who understand your region’s storm risks, codes, and climate. 

• Technology: Tools like drone inspections and instant quotes improve accuracy and speed. 

• Service area: Confirm your contractor regularly works in your city or county. 

• Financing options: Especially for major projects, flexibility matters. 

Cathedral meets and exceeds these criteria, while setting the standard for what a top-tier roofing experience should be.  

Important Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor 

Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions. Any reputable contractor will welcome them. Here are some of the most important questions to ask a roofing contractor before you sign: 

• Are you licensed and insured in Florida? 

• What warranties do you provide for workmanship and roofing materials? 

• Do you use subcontractors or in-house crews? 

• Who handles permits and inspections? 

• How do you manage communication throughout the project? 

Cathedral’s answers are clear: Yes, we’re licensed and insured. We stand behind our work with strong warranties. We use trusted in-house crews and manage permitting for you. And you’ll always know where your project stands. 

Signs You’ve Found the Best Roofing Contractor in Florida 

If you’re ticking off boxes like verified licenses, strong warranties, excellent reviews, and local expertise, you’re likely on the right track. The best roofing contractors in Florida earn trust not through claims, but through consistency. 

Cathedral Roofing checks every box. With advanced tools, clear communication, and trusted local recognition, we aim to raise the standard for what a roofing contractor should deliver. 

Why Cathedral Roofing Is a Contractor You Can Trust 

With over 18 years serving Southwest Florida, Cathedral Roofing brings deep local experience, strong community ties, and a reputation earned one home at a time. We’ve completed more than 5,000 roofing projects, including many large-scale and multi-home jobs. Our clients count on us for fast communication, clear estimates, and clean worksites. 

We offer emergency repairs, convenient financing, and service that reflects our place in this community. That’s why homeowners across Collier, Lee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Manatee counties trust Cathedral.