Questions to Ask a Roofer Before Hiring
A comprehensive screening checklist for hiring a roofing contractor. Verify credentials, compare bids, and spot red flags before signing anything.
Hiring the wrong roofer can cost you thousands of dollars and months of frustration. The difference between a quality contractor and a scam artist often comes down to asking the right questions before any work begins.
This checklist covers everything you need to verify — from licensing and insurance to contract terms and red flags. Use it as a screening tool before signing anything.
License & Insurance Verification
Can I see your state contractor license number?
Why this matters: In states that require licensing, this is the minimum legal bar. An unlicensed contractor means zero recourse if something goes wrong.
Red flag: They can't provide a number, get defensive when asked, or say 'we don't need one in this state' without explanation.
Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance?
Why this matters: Without workers' comp, YOU could be liable if a worker is injured on your property. Without general liability, damage to your home during work is on you.
Red flag: They say 'we're covered' but won't show a current certificate of insurance with your project dates.
Can I verify your license and insurance independently?
Why this matters: Legitimate contractors expect this. Fake certificates of insurance are common in roofing scams.
Red flag: They provide a certificate but resist you calling the insurer to verify.
Contract & Pricing
Will you provide a detailed written contract before work begins?
Why this matters: A contract protects both parties. It should specify materials, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and cleanup responsibilities.
Red flag: They want to start work on a handshake, or the contract is vague about materials and timeline.
What is your payment schedule?
Why this matters: Industry standard is a small deposit (10-20%), progress payments, and final payment on completion and inspection.
Red flag: They demand 50%+ upfront, want cash only, or pressure you to pay before work begins.
Does your quote include permits and cleanup?
Why this matters: Some contractors quote low then add permit fees and debris removal as extras.
Red flag: The quote is suspiciously low compared to other bids, or they say permits aren't needed.
Warranty & Workmanship
What warranty do you offer on your workmanship?
Why this matters: Material warranties come from the manufacturer. Workmanship warranties come from the contractor and cover installation errors.
Red flag: No workmanship warranty, or a warranty that's only verbal.
Who will actually be on my roof — your crew or subcontractors?
Why this matters: Some contractors subcontract everything. You want to know who's responsible for the work quality.
Red flag: They can't tell you who will do the work, or they subcontract to crews they don't regularly work with.
Red Flags to Watch For
Did they knock on your door unsolicited after a storm?
Why this matters: Legitimate local contractors don't need to canvass neighborhoods. Storm chasers do.
Red flag: They showed up uninvited, are from out of state, and pressure you to sign immediately.
Are they asking you to sign over your insurance claim (Assignment of Benefits)?
Why this matters: AOB transfers your insurance rights to the contractor. This has been widely abused in states like Florida.
Red flag: They want you to sign an AOB before you've even gotten your own insurance adjuster's assessment.
Are they offering to waive or cover your deductible?
Why this matters: This is insurance fraud in most states. The contractor inflates the claim to cover the deductible, which is illegal.
Red flag: Any mention of 'don't worry about the deductible' or 'we'll take care of it.'
Protect Yourself
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask about their license, insurance (liability + workers' comp), warranty, payment schedule, timeline, who will do the work, and whether the quote includes permits and cleanup. Get everything in writing.
Get at least 3 written estimates. Compare not just price but scope of work, materials specified, warranty terms, and timeline. The lowest bid is often not the best value.
Never pay more than 10-20% as a deposit. Industry standard is progress payments tied to milestones, with final payment after completion and your inspection. Avoid contractors who demand large upfront payments.
A good contract includes: total cost, payment schedule, materials (brand and type), start and completion dates, warranty terms, permit responsibility, cleanup/debris removal, and change order process.
This tool provides publicly available licensing information. Absence from a database may not indicate non-compliance. Always verify directly with your state's regulatory agency.