6 Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors When Hiring

Hiring a roofing contractor is a significant home investment that affects safety, resale value, and long-term costs. Asking the right questions helps homeowners avoid scams, ensure proper permits and insurance, and get a durable roof. These six questions focus on licensing, insurance, materials, timeline, cost details, and warranties, each with follow-ups and red flags to watch for.

Question	Why It Matters	Key Follow-Ups
Are You Licensed And Insured?	Protects homeowner from liability and ensures contractor meets local requirements.	Ask For License Number, Policy Limits, And Verification Method.
What Materials And Brands Will You Use?	Determines longevity, appearance, and warranty compatibility.	Request Product Specs, Alternatives, And Pros/Cons.
Can You Provide A Detailed Written Estimate?	Prevents surprise charges and clarifies scope of work.	Confirm Line-Item Costs, Payment Schedule, And Change Order Policy.
What Is The Project Timeline And Process?	Sets expectations for duration, disruption, and milestones.	Ask About Start Date, Weather Contingencies, And Daily Hours.
What Warranties And Guarantees Do You Offer?	Covers workmanship and materials; affects future repair costs.	Get Warranty Documents, Transferability, And Claim Process.
Can You Provide References And Past Project Photos?	Validates workmanship, reliability, and communication.	Request Local References, Online Reviews, And Site Visits If Possible.

Are You Licensed And Insured?

Verifying a contractor’s license and insurance is foundational. Licensing shows compliance with state and local regulations, while insurance protects homeowners from liability for injuries or property damage.

Ask For The Contractor’s License Number And The Issuing Agency, Then Verify It Online Or By Phone. Request Proof Of General Liability Insurance And Workers’ Compensation With Policy Numbers And Coverage Limits.

Red Flags Include Inability Or Reluctance To Provide Documents, Missing Workers’ Compensation, Or Policies That Are Expired Or Under Low Coverage Limits. If The Contractor Claims To Be “Self-Insured,” Ask For Written Proof From A Lawyer Or Insurance Professional.

What Materials And Brands Will You Use?

Material selection directly impacts performance and warranty eligibility. Quality materials from reputable manufacturers often come with stronger warranties and proven performance for specific climates.

Request Detailed Product Names, Manufacturer Warranties, And Specifications Such As Shingle Class, Wind Rating, Fire Rating, And Expected Lifespan. Ask How The Selected Materials Perform In The Local Climate, Especially Regarding Wind, Sun Exposure, And Freeze-Thaw Cycles.

Ask About Substitutions And Whether Subcontractor Or Installer Practices Affect The Manufacturer Warranty. A Contractor Should Explain Why A Particular Brand Or Product Is Recommended And Offer Alternatives With Cost And Longevity Comparisons.

Can You Provide A Detailed Written Estimate?

A thorough written estimate reduces misunderstandings and provides a basis for comparison. Estimates should list labor, materials, disposal, permits, roof deck repairs, and any line-item allowances.

Ensure The Estimate Includes A Clear Scope Of Work, A Breakdown Of Costs, A Payment Schedule, And A Statement On How Change Orders Will Be Handled. Confirm Whether The Price Is Fixed Or Subject To Change If Additional Damage Is Discovered.

Beware Of Vague Or Verbal Estimates, Large Upfront Cash Payments, Or Contractors Who Pressure For Immediate Signatures. Ask For The Estimated Total And The Cost If Additional Repairs Are Required Once The Roof Is Removed.

What Is The Project Timeline And Process?

Scheduling affects convenience, neighborhood disruption, and exposure to weather delays. A realistic timeline includes start and end dates, daily work hours, and contingencies for weather or material delays.

Ask For A Step-By-Step Project Plan: Tear-Off Or Overlay, Deck Repairs, Underlayment, Flashing Replacement, Shingle Installation, Venting Adjustments, And Cleanup. Clarify How The Crew Will Protect Landscaping, Driveways, And Gutters.

Confirm Who Manages Permits And Inspections, How Often The Contractor Will Communicate Progress, And What To Expect On Completion. Red Flags Include Vague Start Dates, No Timeline, Or Promises To Finish “In A Day” For A Complex Roof.

What Warranties And Guarantees Do You Offer?

Warranties address workmanship and materials, and some contractors offer additional performance guarantees. Distinguish Between Manufacturer Warranties (Materials) And Contractor Workmanship Warranties.

Request Written Warranty Documents That Specify Duration, Coverage, Exclusions, And Transferability. Ask How Warranty Claims Are Handled And Whether The Contractor Will Perform Repairs Or Coordinate With The Manufacturer.

Watch For Oral Promises Only Or Ambiguous Terms. Confirm Whether Routine Maintenance Is Required To Keep The Warranty Valid And Whether Storm-Related Claims Require Immediate Notification.

Can You Provide References And Past Project Photos?

References and photos demonstrate real-world performance and customer satisfaction. Local references are especially valuable because they reflect experience with area codes, weather, and permit procedures.

Ask For Recent Job References, Preferably Completed Within The Last Year, And Photos Of Similar Roofing Projects. Contact References To Ask About Timeliness, Cleanup, Communication, And Whether Any Post-Completion Issues Occurred.

Use Online Review Sites And Local Better Business Bureau Records To Cross-Check Reputation. Red Flags Include No Verifiable References, Only Out-Of-State Projects, Or Reviews That Mention Unresolved Warranty Problems.

Additional Practical Questions To Ask

Beyond the six core questions, a few targeted follow-ups help with details and protection. Ask About Dumpster Placement, Daily Cleanup, Safety Protocols, And How Storm Damage Claims Are Handled.

• Who Obtains Permits And Schedules Inspections?
• How Will The Contractor Protect Landscaping, Skylights, And Solar Panels?
• What Is The Payment Schedule And Accepted Payment Methods?
• How Are Change Orders Documented And Priced?
• Will The Contractor Provide A Lien Waiver After Final Payment?

How To Evaluate Answers And Spot Red Flags

How a contractor answers reveals reliability and professionalism. Clear, documented answers with verifiable references and local permits indicate a trustworthy contractor.

Red Flags Include Pressure For Large Cash Payments, No Written Contract, Evasive Answers About Insurance Or Licensing, Extremely Low Bids That Seem Too Good To Be True, And Reluctance To Provide References Or Photos.

Use Online Tools To Verify Licensing And Insurance, Ask For A Written Contract With Detailed Scope, And Consider Getting At Least Three Competitive Bids To Compare Materials, Labor, And Warranties.

Questions To Ask When Comparing Multiple Bids

Comparing bids requires more than price. Compare scope of work, material brand and specification, ventilation and flashing details, and warranty coverage.

Make A Comparison Table Or Checklist That Includes Material Type, Shingle Warranty, Workmanship Warranty, Estimated Tear-Off Versus Overlay, Permit Inclusions, Cleanup, And Payment Terms. Confirm Whether Gutters, Skylights, Or Chimney Flashing Are In The Bid Or Quoted Separately.

If A Bid Is Substantially Lower, Request Clarification On Material Grades, Labor Hours, And Exclusions. Lowball Bids Often Omit Critical Items Or Use Inferior Materials.

Document Everything And Use A Written Contract

Written contracts set mutual expectations and provide legal recourse. Contracts should include scope, timelines, payment schedule, materials, warranties, insurance verification, and procedures for change orders.

Keep Copies Of All Estimates, Permits, Photos Of The Existing Roof Before Work Begins, And Signed Lien Waivers Upon Final Payment. Consider Requiring A Final Walk-Through Checklist To Confirm Completion And Punch-List Repairs.

If Uncertainty Remains, Consult A Local Building Inspector Or Roofing Consultant For A Third-Party Assessment Before Signing A Contract.

Final Tips For Hiring With Confidence

Take Time to Vet Contractors Thoroughly. Prioritize contractors who provide clear documentation, local references, and written warranties rather than choosing solely on price.

Confirm Credentials Through State Licensing Boards And Insurance Carriers, Get Multiple Bids For Comparison, And Require A Detailed Written Contract Before Work Begins. Keep Communication Clear And Document All Changes In Writing.

Asking these six core questions and the recommended follow-ups gives homeowners the information needed to make an informed decision and helps ensure a durable, well-installed roof backed by verifiable warranties and protections.