A reliable roofing contractor is one that can explain the recommended work, provide licensing and insurance documents, and put the project terms in writing. Last reviewed:
Before hiring a roofer, ask about the diagnosis, materials, project scope, permits, payment terms, subcontractors, cleanup, warranties and hidden damage. Use the same checklist with at least three roofers so you can compare the written scope, not only the final price.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting multiple written estimates, checking licenses and insurance, and avoiding contractors who pressure you to decide immediately.
Quick Checklist: Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
| Area | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Does my roof need a repair, partial replacement or full replacement? |
| Credentials | Are you licensed or registered for roofing work in this location? |
| Insurance | Can you provide current general liability and workers' compensation certificates? |
| Experience | Can you provide recent local references for similar roofing projects? |
| Crew | Who will perform the work, and who will supervise the job? |
| Materials | Which roofing products, underlayment, flashing and ventilation will you install? |
| Scope | What is included and excluded from the estimate? |
| Hidden damage | What happens if you find damaged roof decking after removing the shingles? |
| Permits | Who obtains required permits and schedules inspections? |
| Timeline | When can the work start, and how long should it take? |
| Payment | What is the payment schedule, and how much is required upfront? |
| Warranty | What do the manufacturer's warranty and workmanship warranty cover? |
| Cleanup | Who removes the old roofing, nails, debris and unused materials? |
| Changes | How are extra costs approved before additional work begins? |
| Completion | What documents, photographs, inspection records and lien releases will I receive? |
1. Does My Roof Need a Repair or Replacement?
The recommendation should be based on an inspection, visible damage and an explanation of why the proposed work is appropriate.
Ask the roofer to show you the affected areas and explain the difference between:
- A small repair
- A leak investigation
- Flashing or valley replacement
- Damaged roof decking
- A partial roof replacement
- A complete roof replacement
Ask:
"Can you show me the damage and explain why repair or replacement is the better option?"
A roofer who recommends full replacement without inspecting the roof carefully should be able to provide clear evidence. Ask whether the inspection included penetrations, flashing, valleys, vents and the underside of the roof where accessible. Also ask whether the roof was measured before the estimate was prepared.
2. Are You Licensed or Registered to Perform Roofing Work Here?
The roofer should provide a license or registration number that you can verify with the relevant state, county or city authority.
Licensing requirements vary by location. A general business license may not be the same as a roofing contractor license.
Ask:
- What is your legal business name?
- What is your license or registration number?
- Which entity holds the license?
- Is the license current?
- Are there local licensing requirements for this project?
The name on the license, insurance documents, estimate and contract should match or have a clear connection.
The FTC recommends confirming a contractor's license with the relevant state or county government. The National Roofing Contractors Association also recommends checking the company's permanent business location, phone number, tax identification and required licenses.
3. Can You Provide Proof of Insurance?
The roofer should provide current certificates for general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.
General liability insurance can help address property damage caused by the contractor. Workers' compensation insurance relates to injuries suffered by workers.
Ask:
"Can you provide current certificates, and can my address be listed as the certificate holder for this project?"
Do not rely only on a verbal statement that the company is insured. If subcontractors will work on the roof, ask whether each subcontractor has appropriate coverage and who will verify it.
The NRCA recommends requesting copies of both certificates and checking that the coverage remains active during the project.
4. Can You Provide Recent Local References?
A roofer should be able to provide at least three recent references for similar work.
Request references from homeowners with the same type of roof, such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, slate or flat roofing.
Ask each reference:
- Was the work completed on schedule?
- Did the final price match the contract?
- How did the company handle unexpected damage?
- Was the property cleaned thoroughly?
- Did the roofer respond after payment?
- Would you hire the company again?
The NRCA recommends requesting client references and examples of completed projects.
Online reviews can reveal patterns, but they do not replace license checks, insurance documents and direct references.
5. Who Will Perform and Supervise the Roofing Work?
The sales representative may not manage the project or perform the installation. The contractor should identify the crew and the person responsible for supervision.
Ask whether the work will be completed by:
- The company's employees
- A regular subcontracted crew
- Several subcontractors
- Temporary labor hired for the project
Then ask:
"Who will supervise the crew, and who should I contact if there is a problem?"
Get the supervisor's name and contact information. Ask how many workers are expected on-site and whether the same crew will work from start to completion.
6. What Exactly Is Included in the Written Estimate?
The written estimate should describe the work, materials, dates, payment process and warranty terms.
Compare estimates by scope rather than price alone. A detailed proposal should identify:
- Existing roofing materials to be removed
- Number of roofing layers to be removed
- New shingles, tiles, metal panels or membrane
- Manufacturer and product name
- Roofing color or finish
- Underlayment
- Ice and water protection where applicable
- Flashing replacement or repair
- Drip edge and other metal components
- Ridge vents, soffit vents or other ventilation
- Roof decking allowances
- Skylights, chimneys and pipe penetrations
- Labor
- Permits and inspections
- Waste disposal
- Cleanup
- Start and completion dates
- Payment procedures
- Warranty terms
The NRCA recommends a written proposal that describes the work, specifications, dates and payment procedures. Its homeowner guidance also identifies the roof covering, materials, removal, flashing, ventilation, installation method, payment process and warranty as items that should be addressed.
If the roofer makes an important promise during a conversation, ask for it to be added to the contract.
7. Which Roofing Materials Will You Install?
The roofer should identify the exact products rather than describing them only as "high quality."
Ask:
- What brand and product line will you use?
- What is the product's wind, impact or fire rating where relevant?
- What underlayment will be installed?
- Will existing flashing be reused or replaced?
- What ventilation changes are needed?
- Is the product suitable for the roof pitch and local climate?
- Will the materials be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions?
The right material depends on the roof design, climate, building codes, budget and appearance. A lower estimate may include fewer components, less preparation or the reuse of flashing and ventilation parts.
8. What Happens if You Find Damaged Roof Decking?
The contract should explain how the roofer will document and price concealed damage found after the existing roofing is removed.
Ask:
"What is your price per sheet or per square foot for replacing damaged decking, and how will I approve that work?"
The agreement should state:
- How hidden damage will be documented
- Whether photographs will be provided
- The unit price for replacement
- Whether approval is required before work proceeds
- Whether emergency repairs can be authorized by phone or text
This process gives you a way to review extra work before it becomes a large price increase.
9. Who Obtains Permits and Arranges Inspections?
The contractor should state whether permits are required and identify who will obtain them.
Ask:
"Are permits required for this project, and who will obtain them?"
Permit requirements vary by location and by the type of roofing work. The contract should state who applies for the permit, pays the fee and schedules any required inspection.
The FTC warns homeowners to be cautious when contractors tell them to obtain required permits as part of a questionable arrangement. Confirm the process with your local building department if the answer is unclear.
10. When Can the Project Start, and How Long Will It Take?
The contractor should provide an estimated start date, completion date and explanation of common delays.
Confirm:
- Expected start date
- Estimated completion date
- Material delivery date
- Weather delays
- Inspection timing
- Daily working hours
- What happens if the crew stops work
- Whether another project could delay your start date
Your contract should include estimated start and completion dates. The FTC and NRCA both identify project timing as information that should be documented in writing.
11. What Is the Payment Schedule?
The contract should state how much is due at signing, during the work and at completion.
Ask how much is due:
- When the contract is signed
- When materials arrive
- When work begins
- At major milestones
- After final inspection
- After cleanup and completion
Do not pay the full project price upfront. The FTC advises homeowners to check local rules governing down payments and to avoid contractors who demand full payment before the work is completed.
Also ask:
"Which payment methods do you accept, and will I receive an itemized invoice?"
Avoid cash-only arrangements, blank contracts and pressure to sign immediately. Never sign a contract with blank spaces.
12. How Do Change Orders Work?
The contract should require written approval for non-emergency changes to the work or price.
Ask:
"What happens if the scope or price needs to change after work begins?"
A change order should state:
- What caused the change
- What additional work is required
- The additional cost
- Any effect on the schedule
- Who must approve the change
- Whether approval must be written before work proceeds
Do not rely on a casual verbal agreement for extra work.
13. What Warranties Will I Receive?
You should receive separate explanations of the manufacturer's warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty.
- Manufacturer's warranty: This generally addresses defects in roofing materials.
- Workmanship warranty: This generally addresses installation-related problems covered by the roofing contractor.
The NRCA states that manufacturer warranties can range from 20 years to lifetime coverage, while workmanship warranties commonly cover installation issues. The NRCA also notes that there is no industry-standard workmanship warranty, so the written terms matter more than the advertised number of years.
Ask:
- How long does the workmanship warranty last?
- What defects are covered?
- Who performs warranty repairs?
- Are labor and materials included?
- What actions void the warranty?
- Does the warranty transfer if the home is sold?
- Do I need to register the manufacturer's warranty?
- Will I receive the warranty documents after completion?
A long warranty has limited value if the exclusions are broad or the contractor is difficult to contact.
14. How Will You Protect My Property and Clean Up?
The contractor should explain how the crew will protect the property and remove roofing waste.
Ask how the crew will protect:
- Landscaping
- Siding
- Windows
- Gutters
- Driveways
- Outdoor equipment
- Attic and interior areas
Confirm that the price includes removal of old roofing materials, disposal fees, magnetic nail sweeping and final cleanup. Ask who is responsible for damage to landscaping, siding or interior finishes caused by the work.
The NRCA emphasizes clean, safe and properly managed job sites. Its homeowner guidance recommends addressing responsibility for property damage in the contract.
15. What Documents Will I Receive When the Job Is Complete?
Before final payment, you should receive the documents needed to verify payment, warranties, inspections and approved changes.
Ask for:
- Final invoice
- Paid receipt
- Manufacturer warranty information
- Workmanship warranty
- Permit and inspection records
- Completion photographs
- Written approval for change orders
- Lien waivers or releases where appropriate
- Contact information for warranty service
Keep the contract, estimates, receipts, photographs and warranty documents with your home records.
Extra Questions After Storm Damage or an Insurance Claim
A roofer should explain which work is included in the estimate and which costs may remain your responsibility.
If the roof was damaged by hail, wind or another covered event, ask:
- Will you provide photographs and a written damage report?
- Which work is included in your construction estimate?
- Which work is subject to my insurance policy?
- What costs will I personally owe?
- Will you communicate with my insurer, and in what capacity?
- Will you guarantee that the insurance company approves the claim?
A roofer can document construction damage and provide an estimate, but your insurance policy controls coverage. Do not hire a contractor solely because the contractor promises that the insurer will approve a replacement roof.
Roofing Contractor Red Flags
Choose another contractor if the roofer:
- Pressures you to sign immediately
- Demands full payment before work begins
- Refuses to provide license or insurance information
- Uses a vague, one-page estimate
- Will not identify the actual roofing products
- Offers an unusually low price without explaining the difference
- Asks you to obtain permits without a clear reason
- Promises to make your insurance claim "go away"
- Refuses to document extra work in writing
- Has no verifiable local address or references
- Leaves blank spaces in the contract
The FTC identifies high-pressure tactics, large upfront payments, cash-only demands and requests for homeowners to handle permits as warning signs of home improvement scams.
How to Compare Roofing Estimates
Choose the roofer whose proposal gives you the clearest answer to these five questions:
- What problem is being solved?
- What exact materials and installation steps are included?
- Who is responsible for permits, damage, cleanup and warranty work?
- How are hidden conditions and price changes handled?
- What documentation will you receive before and after the work?
The lowest bid is not automatically the best value. A higher estimate may include better materials, replacement flashing, improved ventilation, more thorough preparation or stronger warranty coverage. Compare the written scope line by line before making a decision.