Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. A good roof protects your home, affects insurance outcomes, and can save you time and money. Use this guide – organized by topic- to ask the right questions, understand contractor responsibilities, and handle insurance claims confidently.
Contractor credentials & experience
- Are you licensed and insured? Ask to see proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Verify the policy is current and that limits are adequate for your job.
- How long have you been in business, and can you provide local references? Local, long-term experience indicates stability and familiarity with local codes and weather issues. Call recent customers and look for real project photos.
- Are you certified by the manufacturer for the materials being installed? Manufacturer certification can affect warranty coverage and indicates proper training.
- Will you use subcontractors? If yes, request subcontractor licensing and insurance documents and ask who manages them on-site.
Project scope & materials
- Is this a complete tear-off or a roof-over? A full tear-off is generally recommended to inspect decking, remove hidden damage, and avoid added weight from multiple layers.
- What materials do you recommend, and why? Ask for specifics: shingle brand/model, shingle class (25, 30, 40-year; architectural vs. 3-tab), underlayment type (synthetic vs. felt), starter strips, ridge vents, and flashing materials. Get reasons tied to durability, warranty, wind resistance, and local climate.
- Will you replace damaged decking? Good contractors will inspect and replace compromised decking; ensure this is included as a line item in the estimate.
- Do you install ice and water shield? For cold climates or eaves, valleys, and penetrations, ice/water shield is critical—confirm locations and product type.
Warranty & protection
- What is your workmanship warranty, and how long is it? Get this in writing. Typical workmanship warranties range from 1 to 10 years depending on the contractor.
- What is the manufacturer warranty on materials, and is it transferable? Confirm length, what it covers (labor vs. materials), and whether it transfers to a new owner.
- What is your cleanup process, and how will you protect my property? Ask about magnetic sweeps for nails, daily site cleanups, and protections for landscaping, gutters, windows, driveways and outdoor furniture. Request a written cleanup policy.
Costs & scheduling
- Can I have a detailed written estimate? Insist on an itemized estimate showing materials, labor, disposal (hauling and landfill fees), permit fees, and any allowance amounts.
- How do you handle unexpected repairs or costs? Ask how change orders are documented, approved, and priced. Get authorization thresholds in writing.
- What is the estimated timeline for start and completion? Include weather contingency language and a projected duration.
- Who will be the on-site supervisor? Get a name and contact for the project manager or foreman.
- Will you obtain necessary building permits? Reputable contractors handle permits and inspections; confirm they are included and will be pulled in your name or theirs as required.
If you’re filing an insurance claim – contractor questions:
- Do you have experience working with insurance claims in my area? Local experience helps with code requirements, common damage patterns, and local adjusters.
- Will you provide a detailed, line-item estimate that matches the adjuster’s report? This helps ensure the insurer funds agreed items and prevents missed scope.
- Can you help manage the process with my insurance adjuster? Many contractors will meet adjusters, document damage, and justify scope—clarify what assistance they provide and how they charge for it, if at all.
- Are you experienced with supplements? If damage or costs are missed by the adjuster, a contractor should be able to submit supplements with documentation.
- Do you guarantee your work, and are you licensed and insured? Reconfirm these items—insurers and homeowners both rely on contractor credentials.
- Will you replace flashing, vents, and ice/water shields as needed? These are commonly overlooked but essential components—confirm replacement scope.
- How do you handle cleanup and disposal of the old roof? Confirm debris removal, nail-sweeping, and dumpster/hauler arrangements.
- What is your policy on recoverable depreciation? For RCV policies, discuss how final payments and recoverable depreciation will be handled—who submits invoices and how the final draw from the insurer is obtained.
Questions to ask your agent or adjuster about coverage
- Is my policy Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV)? ACV pays depreciated value; RCV pays full replacement cost (subject to policy terms).
- What is my deductible, and when is it due? Deductible is typically owed by the homeowner and may be due upon completion or to the contractor—clarify timing.
- What is the time limit to complete repairs to receive full payment? Many policies require repairs or a claim settlement within a specified period (often 180 days to 1 year).
- Are there exclusions for wear and tear or improper maintenance? Understand what the insurer will not cover and what documentation they require for storm or accidental damage.
Practical tips and red flags
- Get everything in writing: contract, scope, materials, warranties, payment schedule, and change-order process.
- Avoid large upfront payments: a reasonable down payment is normal, but be wary of contractors demanding the majority of the cost before work begins.
- Verify license and insurance independently: call insurers and check state licensing boards.
- Check for a physical business address and long-term contact methods.
- Watch for high-pressure sales, demand for cash-only payments, or vague answers about materials and warranties.
- Keep copies of all communications, photos before/during/after work, and receipts for insurance purposes.
Checklist to bring to contractor meetings
- Proof of license, insurance certificates
- Manufacturer certifications
- Itemized written estimate and contract template
- Project timeline and site supervisor contact
- Permit responsibilities and plan for inspections
- Cleanup and protection plan
- Written warranties (workmanship and materials)
Asking these targeted questions will help you hire a qualified roofer who uses proper materials, follows code, manages insurance interactions appropriately, and stands behind their work. Prioritize clear contracts, written warranties, and documented estimates- these protect your home and your wallet.
