Hiring the wrong roofer can cost you thousands and leave you with a worse roof than you started with. Hiring the right one means peace of mind for the next 20 to 30 years. The difference between the two often comes down to a few simple checks most people forget to make.
If you're looking for a roofing contractor in Cordova or anywhere in the Memphis metro, here's what we'd tell our own family to check.
1. Are They Actually Local?
Local roofers have something out-of-state contractors don't — a reputation in the community. We live and work in the Memphis metro. If we do bad work, our name spreads through Cordova fast. Storm chasers who roll into town after a hailstorm don't have that pressure. They'll be in Texas next month either way.
Ask where their office is. Ask how long they've been working in the area. Ask for local references — actual neighbors, not just a list of names from somewhere.
2. Do They Have Insurance?
A real roofing contractor carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation. If they don't, and someone gets hurt on your property, that bill can land on you. Always ask for proof. A legitimate roofer will hand it over without hesitation.
3. What Do Their Reviews Actually Say?
Don't just look at the star rating. Read the actual reviews. Look for specifics — did they show up on time? Was the cleanup good? Did they handle problems professionally? A roofer with 50 generic five-star reviews and a few angry one-stars is a different animal than one with 30 detailed reviews from people in your area.
Google reviews are usually more honest than reviews on a company's own website. Check those.
4. Are They Pushing Too Hard?
Good roofers don't pressure you. They show up, look at your roof, give you a written estimate, answer your questions, and let you decide on your own time. If a contractor is pushing you to "sign today" or telling you "this price is only good now," walk away. That's a sales tactic, not how legitimate businesses work.
5. Do They Put Everything in Writing?
A real estimate is detailed. It lists the materials being used (with brand names and ratings). It spells out what's included — tear-off, underlayment, ice and water shield, ridge vent, cleanup. It includes a workmanship warranty in writing.
If somebody hands you a one-line quote with no details, that's a red flag. You're going to end up with surprises mid-job, and not the fun kind.
6. Do They Answer the Phone?
This sounds simple, but it matters. Try calling them before you hire them. If you can't reach a real person now — when they're trying to win your business — what's it going to be like once they have your money?
We answer the phone at Waynes New Roof, day or night. We're open 24 hours specifically because roofing emergencies don't wait. That's not a marketing line. That's the standard.
7. Are They Trying to Cut Corners?
Some contractors will quote low by leaving things out — no ice and water shield, no synthetic underlayment, no ridge venting. The roof goes on faster, costs them less, and falls apart sooner. You pay later in repairs and replacements.
When you're comparing quotes, compare what's actually included, not just the price. The cheapest quote is rarely the best deal.
How We Try to Be Different
At Waynes New Roof, we keep things simple. We show up when we say we will. We use quality materials. We explain everything in plain language. And we stand behind our work after the job is done — same crew, same phone number, same name on the truck.
If you're trying to figure out who to hire for your Cordova or Memphis-metro home, give us a call at (662) 671-0778. Even if you don't end up working with us, we'll give you honest advice on what to look for.