What to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer

Your roof is one of the most expensive components of your home, and hiring the wrong roofing contractor can lead to leaks, structural damage, and thousands of dollars in additional repairs. Before you sign any contract, you need to ask the right questions.

This guide covers the 12 essential questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a roofer, organized by category so you can work through them systematically.

Before You Call Anyone

Before you start calling roofers, take 30 minutes to prepare. Knowing what you need and what to expect will make your conversations more productive and help you spot unqualified contractors faster.

• Take photos of any visible damage from the ground (do not climb on your roof)
• Check your homeowners insurance policy for roof coverage details
• Know the approximate age of your current roof
• Research the typical cost range for roof work in your area
• Plan to get at least three quotes

Licensing and Insurance Questions

1. Are you licensed to do roofing work in this state?

Roofing contractor licensing requirements vary by state, but most states require some form of license or registration. Ask for the license number and verify it with your state's contractor board. An unlicensed roofer puts you at legal and financial risk.

2. Do you carry general liability insurance and workers compensation?

This is non-negotiable. General liability insurance protects you if the roofer damages your property. Workers compensation protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it is current by calling the insurance company directly.

3. Are you bonded?

A surety bond provides financial protection if the contractor fails to complete the work or does not meet code requirements. While not required in every state, a bonded roofer demonstrates a higher level of professionalism and accountability.

Scope and Pricing Questions

4. Will you provide a detailed written estimate?

The estimate should itemize materials, labor, permits, disposal fees, and any other costs. Avoid contractors who only provide a verbal quote or a single lump-sum number without breakdown. A detailed estimate protects both parties and prevents surprise charges.

5. Does the price include tear-off and disposal?

Some quotes only cover the new roofing installation and exclude the cost of removing the old roof and disposing of materials. Tear-off and disposal can add $1,000 to $3,000 or more, so make sure the estimate is comprehensive.

6. How do you handle unexpected problems discovered during work?

Once the old roof is removed, hidden damage like rotted decking or compromised flashing may be revealed. Ask how additional work is handled. A good roofer will stop, show you the problem, explain the cost to fix it, and get your approval before proceeding.

7. Do you pull the required building permits?

Most jurisdictions require permits for roof replacement. The contractor should handle this, and the cost should be included in the estimate. Skipping permits can cause serious problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.

Materials and Warranty Questions

8. What roofing materials do you recommend and why?

A knowledgeable roofer should be able to explain the pros and cons of different materials for your specific home, climate, and budget. They should discuss options like asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, metal, tile, or flat roofing systems based on what makes sense for your situation, not just what is cheapest or most expensive.

9. What warranty do you offer on labor?

Materials come with a manufacturer warranty, but labor warranties come from the contractor. Look for a minimum of 5 years on workmanship. Some top contractors offer 10-year or even lifetime labor warranties. Get it in writing.

10. Are you a certified installer for the materials you use?

Manufacturer certifications, such as GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, indicate the contractor has been trained and approved by the manufacturer. This is important because many manufacturer warranties are void if the installer is not certified.

Timeline and Process Questions

11. When can you start and how long will it take?

Get a realistic timeline in writing. Most residential roof replacements take 1 to 3 days for standard homes. Factor in weather delays during rainy seasons. Be cautious of contractors who can start immediately during peak season, as this may indicate they are not in demand for a reason.

12. How will you protect my property during the work?

Ask about protection for landscaping, gutters, siding, and outdoor furniture. A professional roofer uses tarps, plywood barriers, and magnetic nail sweepers. They should also describe their cleanup process, including how they handle debris and nails.

Frequently Asked Questions