Selling your home and need to replace your roof first? How do you choose a roofing contractor who’ll get the job done right, and on time, so you can hit the market as planned?
Here at Hoel Roofing, we’ve seen it all. From homeowners eager to prepare for listing photos to frantic sellers racing to meet insurance deadlines, we know that replacing a roof isn’t just about shingles; it’s about timing, trust, and protecting your biggest investment.
This guide will help you choose the right roofer near you and make sure your project stays on track with your selling timeline.
Choosing a roofer isn’t just about who has the biggest ad or the flashiest trucks. It’s about finding someone you trust with your home, and your schedule.
If you’re Googling “roofers near me” or “roofing company near me,” it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: Anyone can show up and say they’re great. But not everyone follows through. You have to do your research.
So, how do you choose the best roofing contractor for your situation, especially if you’re trying to sell quickly?
Here’s what to look for in a roofing company:
| Must-Have | Why It Matters |
| Licensing & Insurance | Protects you legally and financially if something goes wrong. |
| Online Reviews & Reputation | Hoel Roofing, for example, has 100+ five-star reviews, a sign of consistent quality you can’t fake. |
| Project Photos & References | Ask to see photos of past jobs and talk to other clients. |
| Clear Timelines & Crew Size | Good roofers will tell you how long a project takes and how many crew members will be on-site. |
| Warranty Details | A solid warranty matters. At Hoel Roofing, for instance, labor is covered for 4 years, while manufacturer warranties vary by product. |
Remember, it’s not just about price. It’s about trust, transparency, and how well they communicate
When you’re planning to sell your home, every week matters, especially if your roof needs replacing before listing. The key to staying on schedule is choosing a roofer who understands the urgency and has the operational capacity to act quickly. Here’s how to make sure the timeline works for your goals:
1. Be Clear About Your Deadline Up Front
Share your target listing or closing date early in the conversation. A reputable roofer will appreciate the clarity and give you a realistic assessment of whether they can meet it.
2. Ask About Crew Availability
Roofing companies often juggle multiple jobs. Ask how soon they could start your project—and how long it would take, start to finish. Confirm they’re not just squeezing you in between larger jobs.
3. Choose a Roofer with a Proven Process
Contractors who follow a clearly defined process (from inspection to permitting to final cleanup) are far more likely to hit deadlines. Ask them to walk you through their typical roof replacement timeline.
4. Watch for Weather Contingency Plans
Unexpected weather can delay any project. Ask how they handle rescheduling and whether they pad the schedule to account for potential rain or wind delays.
5. Get Everything in Writing
Once you agree on a timeline, make sure it’s included in your contract. While delays sometimes happen, having a written agreement protects you and ensures everyone is aligned.
To give you context, here’s how we typically handle timelines at Hoel Roofing:
Altogether, from estimate to project completion, the process generally takes 5–7 business days. In urgent situations, for example, if a client’s insurance company threatens to cancel coverage in four days, we’ve been able to fast-track jobs to help out, without extra fees.
Altogether, the entire process from estimate to roof completion averages 5–7 business days. But we can often fast-track urgent jobs; sometimes completing them in just a few days, without extra fees.
Whether you’re replacing an aging roof, making repairs before a home sale, or simply getting ahead of future problems, hiring the right company matters.
Here’s how to compare local roofing companies so you make a smart, confident decision, not just the cheapest or fastest one.
A good roofing company should have:
Don’t just take their word for it—ask for proof, and check your state’s contractor licensing board if needed.
Five stars mean nothing if you don’t know the context. Dig into reviews on:
Look for comments about communication, clean-up, timeliness, and how the company handles unexpected problems. Red flags? Reviews that mention surprise fees, poor response times, or jobs left incomplete.
When comparing companies, ask each one:
The way they answer will tell you a lot, not just about their services, but how they treat their customers.
Roofing isn’t where you want to cut corners. If one quote is drastically lower than the rest, ask why. It could be:
Instead of going with the cheapest option, compare value; what you get for the price, how well they explain things, and how protected you’ll be if something goes wrong.
The quote process is a preview of the full experience. Are they:
If communication is poor before you sign a contract, it probably won’t improve once the work starts.
Even if you’re not in a rush, it’s smart to ask:
A reliable roofer won’t promise what they can’t deliver—and they’ll build flexibility into the process without sacrificing quality.
Here’s how to move from “I need a new roof” to “we’re ready to list” without delays:
“Making sure your property is ready speeds up any job. We don’t want to damage your vehicles or patio furniture accidentally.”
When choosing a roofing contractor, remember:
If you’re located in Arlington, Batesville, Brookville, Cambridge City, Carthage, Centerville, Columbus, Connersville, Edinburgh, Fairland, Falmouth, Glenwood, Kennard, Rushville or Richmond and facing a time-sensitive roof replacement, we recommend starting with a professional roof inspection to understand your options (whether that’s with us or not).
Here at Hoel Roofing, we offer a roof inspection at no cost, along with a clear estimate. Not ready to decide? No problem, here’s a list of some of the best-reviewed roofing companies in East Central Indiana so you can feel confident in whatever choice you make.
Toyosi Ogunsola is the Content Manager at Hoel Roofing & Remodeling in Rushville, IN, where she oversees the creation of educational, trustworthy content about roofing, remodeling, and home improvement. With a master’s degree in Emerging Media Design and Development and a background spanning content strategy, UX research, and digital marketing, Toyosi combines data-driven insights with clear, engaging writing to help homeowners make informed decisions. Passionate about translating complex roofing topics into helpful resources, she works closely with Hoel’s team of roofing experts to ensure every piece of content is accurate, practical, and user-focused.
