When looking to hire a contractor for natural slate roofing, it's important to be sure that he or she is licensed to operate in the state you live in. Different states have different laws regarding what a contractor must have in terms of certifications. In most states, part of being a licensed contractor means that you must be bonded and insured. Insurance will protect you if there is an accident on the job leading to financial damages. Bonding insurance guarantees that you'll be refunded your money if the contractor decides to stop showing up and the job isn't finished. Most contractors will require a deposit of some kind, so finding one who is bonded by a reputable organization is important.

It's also important for contractors to have a list of satisfied clients in his or her past. In some instances, contractors may be willing to provide you with previous clients' contact information. This way you can contact them to learn about his or her working style. This type of extra information can be extremely important when selecting a contractor.