15 Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

Getting a new roof is a big deal. For most homeowners, it’s one of the largest investments they’ll make in their home, and the contractor you choose will make or break the experience. The problem? Not all roofers are created equal, and it can be hard to tell the difference between a seasoned pro and someone who just started their truck last spring.

The best way to protect yourself is simple: ask the right questions before you sign anything. From storm damage to an aging roof that’s run its course, asking the right questions when getting a new roof means hiring with confidence.

Here are the top questions to ask a roofing contractor before any work begins.

Before You Start: Why These Questions Matter

Shopping for roofing quotes without asking questions is a bit like buying a car without taking it for a test drive. You might get lucky, but you’re leaving a lot up to chance.

A good roofing contractor will welcome your questions. If a contractor gets defensive or dismissive when you start asking about credentials and processes, that tells you something important. The right company will be transparent, thorough, and happy to walk you through everything. That’s exactly the kind of contractor you want on your roof.

Questions to Ask a Roofer About Their Credentials

Before anything else, you need to know who you’re actually dealing with. These foundational questions help you verify that a contractor is legitimate, accountable, and worth your time.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

This is the first thing to verify, no exceptions. A reputable roofing contractor should carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. General liability protects your property if something goes wrong during the job. Workers’ comp protects you from being held financially responsible if a worker gets injured on your property.

Ask to see certificates of insurance, not just verbal confirmation. A professional contractor will have these documents ready to share without hesitation.

Licensing requirements vary by state, so check what’s required in your area. In Colorado, for example, most local municipalities require contractors to be licensed and to pull permits for roofing work.

2. How long have you been in business, and are you local?

Experience matters in roofing. A company with years of local work under their belt understands regional weather patterns, building codes, and common challenges specific to your area. They also have a reputation to protect, which tends to translate into better workmanship and accountability.

Be cautious of out-of-town contractors who show up in large numbers after a major storm. These “storm chasers” often disappear shortly after completing a job, leaving homeowners with no one to call if something goes wrong down the road.

3. Can you provide references from recent projects?

Any contractor confident in their work should be able to point you to past customers. Ask for references from jobs completed in the last year or two, ideally in your area. Take the time to actually follow up. A quick phone call can tell you a lot about how the company communicates, whether they stayed on schedule, how the cleanup went, and whether the customer would hire them again.

4. Are you a member of any roofing or industry associations?

Membership in organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) or local trade groups isn’t a guarantee of quality, but it does indicate a commitment to professional standards and ongoing education. It’s a good sign that a contractor takes their work seriously.

Questions to Ask When Getting Roofing Quotes

5. What does the estimate include?

Not all roofing estimates are equal. Some are detailed line-item breakdowns; others are frustratingly vague. Before you compare quotes side by side, make sure each one clearly outlines:

• The specific materials being used (brand, product line, warranty rating)
• Labor costs
• Tear-off and disposal of the old roof
• Underlayment and decking work
• Flashing replacement
• Cleanup and site protection

If an estimate seems unusually low compared to the others you received, dig into why. Missing line items are often the culprit.

6. Will you be pulling the necessary permits?

Legitimate roofing projects typically require permits, and it’s the contractor’s responsibility to pull them. Permits ensure that the work is inspected and meets local building codes. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time or money, walk away. Unpermitted work can cause headaches when you go to sell your home or file an insurance claim.

7. Who will actually be doing the work?

It’s worth asking whether the crew completing your job is made up of the company’s own employees or subcontractors. This isn’t automatically a red flag either way, but you deserve to know. If subcontractors are being used, confirm they are also fully insured and that the primary contractor takes responsibility for their work.

8. What materials do you recommend, and why?

A knowledgeable contractor should be able to explain which roofing materials make the most sense for your specific home, climate, and budget. For Colorado homeowners, that might mean recommending Class 4 impact-resistant shingles due to the frequency of hailstorms along the Front Range. A contractor who just tells you what you want to hear without backing it up isn’t doing their job.

Ask about the specific brands and product lines they plan to use, and look them up. Are those materials manufacturer-approved for your roof’s pitch and configuration?

Questions to Ask a Roofer About the Project Itself

9. Will the old roof be torn off, or will new materials be installed over it?

In some cases, a second layer of shingles can be applied over an existing one. But this isn’t always the right call. Installing over an existing layer can trap moisture, add excess weight, and make it harder to spot deck damage. A good contractor will inspect your roof thoroughly and give you an honest recommendation. In Colorado, many local codes also have specific rules about the number of allowable roofing layers.

10. How will my property be protected during the job?

Roofing projects create debris. Torn-off shingles, old nails, and scraps can end up in your yard, gutters, landscaping, and driveway if the crew isn’t careful. Ask what steps will be taken to protect your property and how cleanup is handled at the end of each day and at project completion. Magnetic rollers for nail pickup are a standard practice among quality contractors.

11. What happens if you find damage to the decking or underlying structure?

Once the old roofing material is stripped away, contractors sometimes discover rotted decking, damaged rafters, or other issues that weren’t visible beforehand. Ask upfront how this scenario is handled. Will you be notified before additional work is done? What does decking replacement cost per sheet? Knowing this ahead of time prevents unpleasant surprises on your final invoice.

12. How long will the project take?

For most average-sized homes, a full roof replacement takes one to two days under good weather conditions. Larger homes, complex roof geometries, or premium materials can extend that timeline. Get a realistic estimate and ask what might cause delays, including weather holds or material lead times.

Questions to Ask About Warranties and Insurance

13. What warranties come with the job?

There are two separate warranties to understand here: the manufacturer’s product warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. The product warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. The workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation.

Ask how long each warranty lasts and what it covers. Also, ask whether the warranties are transferable if you sell your home. A transferable warranty can be a selling point down the road.

14. Are you a certified installer for the materials you’re using?

Many major roofing manufacturers offer enhanced warranty coverage when materials are installed by a certified contractor. For example, certain shingle brands offer longer or more comprehensive warranties when installed by someone trained and approved by the manufacturer. It’s worth asking, especially if you’re investing in premium materials.

15. Will this project affect my homeowner’s insurance?

If your roof replacement is related to storm or hail damage, your homeowner’s insurance may cover part or all of the cost. A reputable contractor can walk you through the claims process and provide detailed documentation to support your claim. Be cautious of contractors who pressure you to file a claim or promise to waive your deductible, as these are red flags for insurance fraud.

On the flip side, installing Class 4 impact-resistant shingles may actually qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance premium. Ask your insurance provider about this before choosing your materials.

A Quick Reference Checklist

Before signing a contract with any roofing contractor, make sure you have clear answers to these questions:
 

Don’t Hand Over Your Roof to Just Anyone

Hiring a roofing contractor doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. The right contractor will be upfront about their credentials, transparent with their pricing, and communicative throughout the project. If someone gives you vague answers, resists pulling permits, or pressures you into making a quick decision, trust your gut and keep looking.

Taking the time to ask the right questions before work begins is what separates a smooth roofing project from a frustrating one.

Ready to Get Started?

At Roof Source, we welcome every question you have. Our team is locally rooted, fully licensed and insured, and committed to walking you through every step of the process with honesty and transparency.

Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important questions to ask a roofing contractor?

Start with the basics: licensing, insurance, local references, and a detailed written estimate. From there, dig into the materials they recommend, how permits are handled, and what warranties are included. These roofing questions to ask cover the most critical bases before you commit.

What should I ask when getting roofing quotes?

Make sure each quote includes a clear breakdown of materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, and any additional work like decking repairs or flashing replacement. Comparing apples to apples is only possible when all the line items are spelled out.

How do I know if a roofing contractor is reputable?

Look for an established local presence, verifiable licensing and insurance, references from recent jobs, and transparent communication. Membership in trade organizations is a bonus. Contractors who are defensive about credentials or push you to skip permits are not worth the risk.

How many quotes should I get for a roof replacement?

Getting at least three quotes is a good general rule. This gives you enough data to compare pricing, scope, and materials without overwhelming the process. The lowest quote isn’t always the best choice; make sure you’re comparing the full scope of work.

Will a new roof increase my home’s value?

A new roof can have a positive impact on your home’s resale value, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. It also gives potential buyers peace of mind. Ask your contractor about materials that may qualify for insurance premium discounts or energy efficiency benefits.