Checklist for Hiring a Roofer — Vet Contractors Before You Sign

Look up the license number on your state's contractor licensing board website — don't just accept a photocopy. License requirements vary by state, but most require passing exams, proving experience, and posting a bond. An unlicensed roofer means no regulatory oversight and no bond to file a claim against if things go wrong.

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and call the insurance company directly to verify it's active. General liability covers damage to your property during the job. If an uninsured roofer drops a bundle of shingles through your skylight, you're paying for the repair out of pocket.

If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn't carry workers' comp, you can be held liable for medical bills and lost wages. This happens more often than homeowners realize. Verify the policy is active with the insurer, not just the contractor.

Your state licensing board tracks complaints, disciplinary actions, and license suspensions. Also check the Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general's consumer complaint database. A pattern of complaints — even if resolved — indicates systemic problems.

Roofing companies that fold after 2–3 years leave homeowners with worthless workmanship warranties. A company with a physical local address, established relationships with suppliers, and years of local work has too much invested to disappear after a bad job. Check their business registration date with your Secretary of State.

Call the references and ask specific questions: Did the crew show up on time? Was the final price what was quoted? Did they clean up completely? Were there any callbacks or leak issues? Drive by at least one reference property to see the finished roof. A roofer who hesitates to provide recent references is hiding something.

A shingle roofer installing a metal roof — or vice versa — is a recipe for problems. Each roofing material has different fastening patterns, underlayment requirements, flashing details, and ventilation considerations. Ask how many roofs of your type they've installed in the past year and request photos of completed projects.

Manufacturer certifications mean the roofer has completed training, met insurance and licensing requirements, and maintains quality standards set by the shingle manufacturer. The practical benefit: certified installers can offer enhanced manufacturer warranties (25–50 years) that non-certified installers cannot. Only about 2–5% of roofers earn these certifications.

Each estimate should include: materials (brand, product line, color), labor, tear-off and disposal, permits, timeline, and payment schedule. Verbal estimates are worthless in a dispute. If a contractor won't put it in writing, walk away immediately.

Some contractors bid lower by layering new shingles over old ones (a 'nail-over'). This hides deck damage, adds weight, voids many manufacturer warranties, and shortens the new roof's lifespan by 20–40%. Building codes in many areas prohibit more than two layers. Always insist on full tear-off with deck inspection.

A $2,000 price difference between two estimates often comes down to underlayment quality, ice-and-water shield coverage, flashing replacement vs. reuse, or drip edge installation. The cheapest estimate frequently omits items the more expensive ones include. Create a comparison spreadsheet to see exactly where estimates differ.

Rotted decking is the most common source of unexpected roofing costs. A reputable roofer will include a per-sheet price for plywood replacement (typically $75–$150 per 4x8 sheet installed) in the written estimate. Contractors who say 'we'll figure it out' often present inflated charges once your roof is open and you have no leverage.

Reputable roofers have supplier accounts and don't need your money to buy materials. A request for 50% upfront is the #1 red flag for a scam or a financially distressed company. The industry standard is: small deposit at signing (if any), progress payment when materials are delivered, and final payment upon completion and inspection.

Material warranties from the manufacturer cover defective shingles. Workmanship warranties from the contractor cover installation errors — improper nailing, flashing mistakes, ventilation failures. These are separate warranties. A roofer who won't warranty their work for at least 5 years doesn't trust their own installation quality.

Without specific materials listed, a contractor can substitute cheaper products. 'Architectural shingles' is not specific enough — it should say 'GAF Timberline HDZ, Charcoal.' If the specified materials are unavailable, any substitution should require your written approval.

Roof replacements require permits in most jurisdictions. The contractor should pull the permit (which creates a public record of the work) and schedule a final inspection with the building department. Unpermitted roof work can create problems when selling your home and may void your homeowner's insurance coverage for roof-related claims.

Full upfront payment removes all your leverage. Cash-only payment eliminates your paper trail. Both are hallmarks of fly-by-night operations. Legitimate roofers accept checks, credit cards, and financing — and they don't need your full payment before starting work.

Storm chasers canvass neighborhoods after hail or wind events, manufacturing urgency to get signed contracts before homeowners can think clearly. They often 'find' damage on every roof they inspect. Get an independent inspection from a contractor you selected — not one who showed up uninvited.

Waiving your deductible is insurance fraud in most states. The contractor inflates the claim to cover both the work and your deductible — meaning they're submitting a fraudulent claim in your name. You're the policyholder, so you bear the legal risk if the insurer investigates.

A contractor without a physical location can disappear overnight. Drive by the business address to verify it exists. A functioning shop or office with signage, trucks, and employees indicates a permanent operation. A residential address with no signage may be legitimate for a small operation, but verify extra carefully.