Most people re-roof their house when it's needed, not becuase they want to spruce up the look of their home - those dollars are more likely used on a kitchen remodel or an addition. Just because you feel you NEED to re-roof your house, make sure you still take the time necessary to verify the credentials of your roofer. There are lots of choices out there, so do your homework and make a choice you can live with for a long time. All roofing contractors need to be licesned, bonded, insured, current with the Department of Revenue as well as the Department of Labor and Industries, and you can verify all of this yourself on the internet.

The contractor industry has not gotten a good wrap, and that's for good reason. Many companies have come and gone over the years, when times got tough. Maybe even just restructuring under a new name. A good contractor will have references and will be happy to give them to you. Make sure you check them out. Not only looking at previous work they've done, but make sure to call at least a couple of them to see how the process went and if all the details were completed to the homeowner's satisfaction. 

There is no guarantee that even if you follow all the guidelines here, that a company will be in business and stand behind their work for the life of the roof. Most roof installs come with a 30, 40, 50, or even "Lifetime" warranty. But what if the roofer that installed it is not in business in 10 years from now? If your contractor has completed all the requirements that the manufacturer has requested, then certain warranties will actually be backed by the manufacturer, even if the contractor is no longer in business. Verify that your contractor is able to offer such warranties.