1. Consult your circle of acquaintances. Chances are one of your friends, family members, coworkers or neighbors has had to hire a roofing contractor. Ask these trusted individuals whom they've used and if they would recommend that professional.

2. Contact your local Better Business Bureau. If no one you know can recommend a roofing contractor, the Better Business Bureau is your next best bet for uncovering reliable companies. It's also a good place to investigate any complaints that have been filed against a contractor you're considering. While there, “give preference to companies with high grades and no customer complaints in the last three years,” Harris advises.

3. Put your roof repair or replacement project up for bid. Not only will this strategy help you obtain the best price, but “getting at least three bids lets you get a good feel for the cost and materials for your job.”

4. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you get the scope of work in writing. This document should provide a detailed list of all the materials to be used, should outline payment terms and should specify whether or not cleanup is included. You don't want to wait until it's too late to haggle over the details. Better safe than sorry. Should it come down to a legal battle, a signed contract is your best friend.

5. Take the time to talk with each potential roofing contractor in person. One-on-one conversations will enable you to better gauge his or her trustworthiness. Harris suggests that you “cross anyone off your list who wants you to pull the required permits in your own name. Ditto if you feel as if someone's pressuring you or not listening to you.

6. When evaluating estimates, be sure you're comparing apples to apples. Cheap isn't always better. In fact, it can sometimes be a warning sign that you'll be getting poorer quality materials or inexperienced roofers. As Harris points out, “You're not getting a deal if the work is so shoddy it needs to be redone or voids the manufacturer's warranty.

7. Once you've narrowed down your list of candidates, ask your selected roofing contractor(s) for a list of homeowner references. Don't just sit back and expect them all to give you a glowing report either. Make the effort to actually call them and talk to them about their experience. To get “an idea of how the work holds up over time and whether the company is still completing jobs in a timely, professional way, … make sure you get a mix of old and new customers.”

8. Get an inspection of the finished roofing project by your local city building department before paying the final installment. Also be sure to obtain copies of any warranties, “a statement that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid in full” and extra replacement shingles.