The Mendoza Checklist: Choosing a Roofer
Avoid scams and poor workmanship in Wilmington & Brunswick County NC.
How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Wilmington, NC
Hiring a roofer in Wilmington or Brunswick County, NC is one of the most significant home improvement decisions you can make. The wrong choice can cost thousands in callbacks, water damage, or voided warranties. After more than 50 years serving this community, Mendoza Roofing has seen the damage that unlicensed or out-of-town contractors leave behind — especially after hurricane season.
Here is our complete checklist to protect yourself.
The 10-Point Roofing Contractor Checklist
1. Verify North Carolina Licensure
Any contractor performing roofing work valued over $30,000 in NC must hold a valid General Contractor license. Verify the license number at nclbgc.org before signing anything.
2. Confirm Active Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance
Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance showing:
- General Liability — covers accidental property damage during the job
- Workers' Compensation — covers injuries to crew members on your property
If a contractor's worker is injured on your roof and they lack workers' comp, you could be held personally liable. This is non-negotiable.
3. Hire a Local, Established Company
After major storms in Brunswick County, out-of-state "storm chasers" flood the market. These are contractors with no local address, no local references, and no accountability once they leave. Choose a company based in the area — preferably one that has operated here for years.
Mendoza Roofing has been based in Supply, NC since 1974 and operates throughout Wilmington and all of Brunswick County.
4. Check Years in Business and Local References
Ask for local references from jobs completed in the past 12 months — and actually call them. A reputable Wilmington-area roofer will have plenty of homeowners happy to talk. A contractor with no verifiable references is a significant red flag.
5. Request a Written, Itemized Estimate
Never accept a verbal quote. A legitimate roofing estimate should include:
- Total materials (type, brand, number of squares)
- Labor costs
- Tear-off and disposal
- Warranty terms (manufacturer and workmanship separately)
- Payment schedule
Any contractor who cannot provide this in writing is not someone you should trust with your roof.
6. Review the Warranty Carefully
There are two types of warranties:
- Manufacturer warranty — covers defects in the roofing material itself (typically 25-50 years for premium shingles)
- Workmanship warranty — covers installation errors (typically 1-10 years)
For the manufacturer warranty to be valid, many brands require installation by a certified applicator. Confirm this — especially for premium products like GAF or CertainTeed.
7. Avoid Overly Large Down Payments
A reasonable down payment is 10-15% of project cost to cover initial material orders. Any contractor demanding 30-50% upfront — or asking for cash — should be viewed with extreme caution.
8. Confirm the Crew Is Not Subcontracted Without Oversight
Many large roofing companies subcontract work to unknown crews. Ask who will actually be doing the work on your roof. If the salesman cannot name the specific crew or foreman, that is a red flag.
9. Check BBB Rating and Online Reviews
Search for the contractor on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google. Look at the nature of complaints, not just the star rating. A company with 4.8 stars from 200 reviews tells a very different story than one with 4.8 stars from 4 reviews.
10. Confirm They Know Coastal NC Building Codes
Wilmington and Brunswick County have specific building code requirements tied to hurricane wind loads and coastal exposure categories. A roofer unfamiliar with NC coastal codes may install materials that don't pass inspection — or that fail during the next storm.
At Mendoza Roofing, We Meet Every Standard
Mendoza Roofing LLC is:
- Licensed in North Carolina
- Fully insured with liability and workers' compensation coverage
- Locally based in Supply, NC since 1974
- Community rooted in Brunswick County for over 50 years
- Transparent — we provide detailed written estimates with no hidden fees
Common Questions When Hiring a Roofer in Wilmington NC
How do I verify a roofing contractor is licensed in North Carolina?
You can verify a roofing contractor's North Carolina license through the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors at nclbgc.org. Any contractor performing roofing work over $30,000 in NC must hold a valid General Contractor license. Always ask for the license number and verify it yourself before signing a contract.
What insurance should a roofing contractor carry in NC?
A legitimate roofing contractor in North Carolina should carry at minimum:
- General Liability insurance — covers property damage
- Workers' Compensation insurance — covers crew injuries
Always request Certificates of Insurance before any work begins.
What are the signs of a roofing scam in Wilmington?
Common roofing scam red flags in Wilmington, NC include: door-to-door salespeople appearing immediately after a storm, demanding large cash down payments, refusing to provide a written contract, abnormally low bids, and using out-of-town crews with no local references. Always verify through the BBB and get at least three written quotes.
Get a Free Estimate from Mendoza Roofing
The best way to protect your home is to work with a contractor you can trust. Mendoza Roofing LLC offers free, written estimates with no pressure and no obligation.
- Phone: 910-367-7628
- Email: contact@roofingmendoza.com
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 952, Supply, NC 28462
Or fill out the form on our Contact page and we'll schedule a convenient time to inspect your roof anywhere in Wilmington, Supply, or Brunswick County.