10 Top Questions to Ask a Roofer Before Hiring (2026)

Ask for their contractor license number and verify it with your state licensing board (most have online lookup tools). Then ask to see a current Certificate of Insurance showing general liability (minimum $1 million) and workers' compensation coverage. An uninsured roofer who falls off your roof or drops materials on your car makes YOU liable. Licensing requirements vary by state — some require state-level licenses, others require only local business permits. But regardless of your state's requirements, never hire a roofer without proof of both liability and workers' comp insurance.

The manufacturer's material warranty is standard (25–50 years), but the workmanship warranty — the one your contractor provides — is what protects you from installation errors. Ask specifically: How many years? What does it cover? What voids it? Is it transferable if you sell? Good contractors offer 5–10 year workmanship warranties. Anything under 2 years is a red flag. Get the warranty terms in writing as part of the contract — verbal promises are unenforceable.

Most jurisdictions require a building permit for roof replacements. Your contractor should pull the permit and handle the building inspection. A roofer who suggests skipping the permit is either unlicensed (permits require a license in most states), cutting corners, or both. Unpermitted work can create problems when you sell the home — buyers and their inspectors will find the code violation.

Ask for addresses or photos of recent projects in your area — ideally completed in the last 12 months with a similar roof size, pitch, and material. Drive by and look at the work quality from the street. Better yet, ask the contractor to connect you with those homeowners for a reference call. Reputable roofers are proud of their work and happy to share references. Contractors who can't or won't provide local references are a significant risk.

Ask for an itemized estimate that separates materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, and permits. Then ask specifically: What happens if you find damaged decking? Is there a per-sheet price for plywood replacement? What about unexpected flashing work? The most common source of roofing disputes is mid-project cost increases that the homeowner didn't anticipate. A good estimate addresses these variables upfront with clear pricing for contingencies.

On a well-run job, a project manager or foreman is present throughout the installation — not just at the start and end. Ask who that person is and how to reach them. Crews without supervision cut corners: skip nails, improperly layer flashing, or rush valley work. If the contractor sends a crew but isn't present or reachable during the work, quality control depends entirely on the individual workers' professionalism.

Contractors who use their own W-2 employees generally provide more consistent quality because they train and manage their crews directly. Contractors who subcontract labor may have less control over workmanship and crew behavior. Neither model is inherently bad, but knowing which one you're hiring sets appropriate expectations. If subcontractors are used, ask who they are and whether they're insured independently.

Standard payment terms for residential roofing: 10–30% deposit at contract signing, remainder on completion. Some contractors offer financing through third parties. Red flags: demanding full payment upfront, cash-only payments, and no written receipt. A large upfront payment gives you no leverage if the work is poor. If the contractor needs the deposit to buy materials, they may be undercapitalized — a risk for mid-project abandonment.

Roofing generates significant debris: old shingles, nails, packaging, and dust. Ask specifically: Do you use tarps to protect landscaping? Do you run a magnetic nail sweep after tear-off? Where is the dumpster placed? How do you protect the driveway? Nail cleanup is particularly important — missed roofing nails cause flat tires for months after the job. A magnetic sweep of the yard, driveway, and surrounding area should be standard on every job.

Most roof replacements take 1–3 days. If the crew tears off the old roof and rain is forecast, how is your exposed deck protected? Professional contractors carry tarps and can waterproof an exposed deck in under an hour. Ask: Do you check the forecast before starting tear-off? Do you carry emergency tarps? What's the policy if weather delays extend the project — any additional charges? Understanding the rain plan prevents soggy surprises.