Hiring a roofer is a leap of faith. Most of the work happens out of sight, and you will not know if corners were cut until the next storm. The right questions, asked up front, are how you protect yourself before any money changes hands. A good contractor welcomes them.
Credentials and protection
- Are you licensed where required, and fully insured? Can I see the documents?
- Do you carry general liability and workers compensation for your crew?
- Are you local, and how long have you worked in this area?
- Will you pull the required permits for this job?
No insurance, no deal
If a contractor does not carry liability and workers compensation, an injury or accident on your property can become your financial problem. This one is non-negotiable, regardless of your state.
The work itself
- Will you tear off the old roof, or install over it? (Tear-off is usually the right answer.)
- What underlayment, flashing, and ventilation will you use?
- Is the crew your own employees or subcontractors?
- How do you protect my landscaping and clean up nails afterward?
Money and warranty
- Is this a detailed, written, itemized quote, not just a single number?
- What is the payment schedule?
- What workmanship warranty do you offer, in writing, and how long is it?
- What is your manufacturer warranty on the materials?
Pay close attention to the payment answer. A reasonable deposit is normal, but a demand for full payment up front is a serious warning sign we explain in why you should never pay a roofer in full upfront.
“You are not just buying shingles. You are buying the crew that installs them and their willingness to come back if something is wrong.”
If a roofer gets cagey on any of these, compare their behavior against our list of red flags.
