Roofers got a lot of BBB interest from consumers.

There's mixed news in the Better Business Bureau's recently released national complaint and inquiry statistics for 2009.

In a possible sign that their business has picked up, roofing companies drew 2,168,635 Better Business Bureau inquiries from consumers checking on the roofers' standing, up from 1,898,823 inquiries a year earlier.

Roofers also earned a dubious distinction as the construction-related business with the highest number of consumer complaints in 2009, with 7,050 complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Roofing companies ranked 21st among all businesses, with general contractors in 25th place. In order from fifth to first, the businesses with the most complaints in 2009 were Internet shopping companies; auto dealers; banks; cable- and satellite-TV companies; and cell-phone service and equipment providers.

Among other home-related companies, mortgage brokers and moving companies ranked 17th and 18th for complaints, respectively, with landscape contractors in the 19th spot and pest-control companies in 27th.

Check out the Better Business Bureau's complaint and inquiry figures for 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

—Gian Trotta

Essential information: To be sure you're satisfied with the work done at your house, use our tips on how to hire a contractor and see our free buyer's guide to roofing shingles (shingle ratings available to subscribers).