Your roof is one of the most important elements of your home. It protects you from the elements, impacts your energy efficiency, and adds significant value to your property. Whether you’re facing storm damage, a persistent leak, or a full roof replacement, partnering with the right roofing contractor can make all the difference in the outcome—and your peace of mind.
Unfortunately, many homeowners have horror stories about working with unreliable contractors: missed appointments, surprise costs, shoddy workmanship, or poor communication. At Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors, we believe your experience should be the opposite—transparent, stress-free, and professional.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working with a roofing contractor—from how to find one, what to expect during the process, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why hiring a local expert in Virginia Beach gives you a major advantage.
Understanding the Role of a Roofing Contractor
A roofing contractor is more than just someone who installs shingles. A qualified contractor is a licensed, insured professional responsible for managing the materials, labor, safety, and legal compliance of your roofing project.
1.1 What Does a Roofing Contractor Do?
The scope of a roofing contractor’s job includes:
- Conducting detailed roof inspections
- Diagnosing leaks, storm damage, or structural issues
- Providing estimates for repairs or replacements
- Recommending suitable materials for your climate and home style
- Obtaining necessary permits and ensuring code compliance
- Scheduling deliveries and managing installation crews
- Ensuring worksite safety and cleanup
- Communicating with insurance adjusters if storm damage is involved
- Backing their work with warranties and service guarantees
1.2 Types of Projects Handled by Roofing Contractors
- Roof inspections (for insurance or peace of mind)
- Minor and major repairs (shingle replacement, flashing repair, leak fixes)
- Full roof replacements
- Storm damage restoration
- New construction roofing
- Gutter and ventilation system installation
- Commercial roofing projects
1.3 The Importance of Hiring a Licensed Roofing Contractor
Hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced roofing contractor protects your investment and ensures your roof will perform safely and efficiently. In Virginia, roofing contractors must hold a Class A, B, or C license depending on the scope of work. A reputable contractor will also carry:
- General liability insurance (in case of property damage)
- Workers’ compensation insurance (for employee injuries on your property)
- Manufacturer certifications (to offer warranties on certain roofing products)
At Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors, we’re proud to be fully licensed and insured, and we hold certifications from some of the top roofing manufacturers in the industry.
How to Find and Vet a Roofing Contractor
Finding the right contractor starts with research and asking the right questions. Here’s how to navigate the selection process to find a contractor you can trust.
2.1 Start with Local Recommendations
Your neighbors are one of the best resources when searching for a roofing contractor. Ask around or look at neighborhood Facebook groups or Google Reviews in the Virginia Beach area.
2.2 Check Online Reviews and Ratings
Look for roofing contractors with consistently high ratings on platforms like:
- Google
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- HomeAdvisor
- Angi
- Yelp
Don’t just glance at the star rating—read reviews to understand what customers liked (or didn’t).
2.3 Ask These Questions Before Hiring
- Are you licensed and insured in the state of Virginia?
- Can you provide local references from recent jobs?
- Do you offer both repair and replacement services?
- What type of warranty do you offer on labor and materials?
- Will you pull permits and schedule inspections if needed?
- What’s your process for protecting my property and cleaning up?
2.4 Request a Detailed Written Estimate
Any roofing contractor worth their salt will provide a clear, itemized estimate that includes:
- Scope of work (repair, replacement, ventilation, etc.)
- Material types and brand names
- Labor costs
- Timeline for project completion
- Payment terms
- Warranty information
Avoid contractors who give vague or verbal-only quotes. Transparency upfront is a sign of professionalism.
What to Expect When Working With a Roofing Contractor
Understanding the process will help you know what to expect and reduce surprises throughout your roofing project.
3.1 Initial Inspection and Consultation
Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors begins every project with a detailed roof inspection. We’ll climb onto the roof, check for visible and hidden damage, examine your attic if needed, and look for signs of water intrusion, rot, or ventilation issues.
You’ll receive a detailed report with photos, an explanation of any damage, and our professional recommendation—whether that’s a minor repair or full replacement.
3.2 Material Selection and Planning
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll help you:
- Choose the right materials based on your home’s needs, style, and budget
- Match color and texture to enhance your curb appeal
- Plan the project timeline and set expectations for delivery and install days
We work with top manufacturers such as GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning to ensure long-lasting performance and factory-backed warranties.
3.3 Installation Day
Our roofing contractor crew will arrive on time and begin by:
- Protecting your landscaping and siding
- Setting up safety barriers and dump trailers
- Removing old roofing materials and disposing of debris
- Repairing any decking or structural issues
- Installing underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and shingles or panels
We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and ensure the worksite is clean and safe at the end of each day.
3.4 Final Walkthrough and Warranty Info
Once your new roof or repair is complete, we conduct a final walkthrough to make sure everything meets your expectations. You’ll receive:
- A workmanship warranty from Reitzel Roofing
- Manufacturer warranty documentation (depending on product used)
- Tips for ongoing roof maintenance and inspections
Avoiding Common Roofing Contractor Pitfalls
Not every roofing contractor operates with integrity. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes that could cost you time, money, or stress.
4.1 Beware of Storm Chasers
After major storms, out-of-town companies known as “storm chasers” often flood into Virginia Beach, offering fast, cheap repairs. Many don’t have proper licensing or insurance, and they vanish after the job is done—leaving you without recourse if problems arise.
Choose a local roofing contractor with roots in the community and a reputation to uphold.
4.2 Don’t Pay the Full Amount Upfront
A legitimate contractor may ask for a small deposit (often 10–30%) to secure materials or hold your spot, but never pay in full before work begins. The remaining balance should be paid upon completion and inspection.
4.3 Look Out for Pressure Tactics
If a contractor pressures you to sign quickly, claims your roof is “about to collapse,” or tries to upsell unnecessary work, that’s a red flag. A trustworthy contractor will give you space to ask questions, think through your options, and get a second opinion if needed.
4.4 Ensure a Clear Contract
Before work begins, review the contract carefully. It should clearly outline:
- Scope of work
- Materials and brands used
- Timeline for completion
- Payment schedule
- Change order process
- Warranty details
Don’t sign anything you don’t understand. At Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors, we review every contract with you line-by-line and answer all your questions.
Why Choose Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors as Your Virginia Beach Roofing Contractor
When you hire a roofing contractor, you’re trusting them with your home’s first line of defense. At Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors, we take that responsibility seriously—and we treat your home as if it were our own.
5.1 Locally Owned and Operated
We’re not a franchise. We’re a family-owned company that lives and works in Virginia Beach. That means we understand the coastal weather, building codes, and roofing needs of homes in this area.
5.2 Experienced and Certified Team
Our installers are factory-trained and certified to ensure your roofing system is installed to exact specifications. We stay up to date with the latest products, techniques, and code changes to provide top-tier service on every job.
5.3 Honest Assessments and Transparent Pricing
We’ll never sell you something you don’t need. If a repair will extend the life of your roof, we’ll tell you. If a replacement is the best long-term option, we’ll explain why—backed by photos, data, and a clear estimate.
5.4 Insurance Claim Assistance
If your roof has storm damage, we’ll guide you through the insurance process from inspection to final payment. We’ll meet with your adjuster, document the damage thoroughly, and advocate for the repairs or replacement your home deserves.
5.5 High-Quality Materials and Workmanship Warranties
We use only industry-leading materials from trusted brands and back every project with strong workmanship warranties—giving you confidence and long-term protection.
5.6 Exceptional Customer Service
Our team is known for its responsiveness, professionalism, and respect for your time and property. We’ll return your calls, show up on time, and leave your home spotless when the job is done.
Final Thoughts: Make the Right Choice for Your Roof
Working with a roofing contractor doesn’t have to be a gamble. With the right team on your side, the process can be smooth, transparent, and even enjoyable.
Whether you need a minor repair, a full roof replacement, or a second opinion after a storm, Reitzel Roofing & Exteriors is your trusted Virginia Beach roofing contractor.
Let us help you protect your most valuable asset—your home—with quality roofing solutions that stand the test of time.
Schedule your free inspection or estimate today or call us to speak with a friendly member of our team.
