Buyer's Guides
How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: 10 Questions to Ask
A great roofing contractor protects your home for decades; a bad one leaves you with leaks and headaches. The good news: you can spot the difference with a few smart questions before you sign anything. Here's exactly what to ask.
10 questions to ask before you hire a roofer
Ask every contractor you're considering the same questions, then compare their answers side by side.
- Are you licensed to do roofing work in my state, and can I see proof?
- Do you carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation?
- Will you provide a written, itemized estimate?
- What manufacturer and workmanship warranties do you offer?
- Will you remove the old roof or install over it, and why?
- Who will be on-site, your own crew or subcontractors?
- How do you handle unexpected issues like rotted decking?
- Can you share references or recent local projects?
- What is the payment schedule, and do you require a large deposit?
- How do you protect my property and handle cleanup?
Red flags to walk away from
- Pressure to sign immediately or 'today only' pricing
- No physical address, license, or proof of insurance
- A large cash deposit required up front
- An estimate scribbled on paper with no detail
- Reluctance to put promises in writing
Always verify, then compare
Even with great answers, confirm a contractor's license and insurance independently before hiring, and compare at least two or three quotes. Get Roofing Deals matches you with licensed, insured local roofers who provide free, no-obligation estimates, so you start with vetted pros and choose the one you trust most.