Yeah, paperwork's handy if things get messy later on, but honestly, the best contractors I've worked with weren't always the ones with the flashiest credentials. Personal referrals usually steer you right—sounds like you're already thinking along those lines, so you're probably good.
I get what you're saying about personal referrals, they've definitely helped me out before. But as a first-time homeowner, I gotta admit I'm a bit cautious—especially with something as big as roofing. Credentials might not tell the whole story, but they do offer some peace of mind if things go sideways. I'd probably do a quick check online or ask around a bit more before jumping in with someone totally new...just to be safe.
Totally get the caution—roofing's no joke. I've seen plenty of "credentialed" contractors botch jobs too, though... Had a homeowner once who hired a well-known company, credentials and all, and I ended up fixing their mistakes. Trust your gut, keep askin' around, but remember credentials aren't everything.
Credentials might not be everything, but they're still a solid baseline. I've seen homeowners trust their gut and end up with leaks because the contractor lacked proper training on flashing or ventilation. Sure, big-name companies mess up too—but at least credentials usually mean some level of accountability or recourse if things go south. I'd say balance your instincts with solid vetting—references, past job inspections, and clear warranty terms go a long way.
Credentials definitely help, but I've also seen contractors with all the right paperwork still cut corners on the job. Had a neighbor who hired a fully licensed roofer, and they still botched the flashing around his chimney. Took months of back-and-forth to get it sorted. Makes me wonder—how much weight do you all put on online reviews or personal referrals compared to formal credentials? Seems like there's no foolproof method, just layers of protection...
