Key Takeaways
Summary
18 items · 20–40 minutes
Why Your Questions Matter More Than the Contractor's Pitch
Most homeowners wait to ask tough questions until after they've received a bid — by which point they may already feel committed. The smarter approach is to have your questions ready before any contractor walks through your door or climbs onto your roof.
A contractor who gets defensive about routine questions is telling you something important. Experienced, legitimate roofers expect to be vetted. They carry their documentation, welcome references, and can explain their process clearly. Your job is to create a consistent standard and apply it to every contractor you speak with.
This checklist organises the most important questions into logical categories, so you can work through them systematically. For a broader look at how this process compares to other home improvement projects, see our contractor vetting guide for walk-in shower renovations.
Notepad or checklist printout
Record contractor answers during each conversation so you can compare responses accurately across multiple bids.
State contractor licensing board website
Independently verify that a contractor's license is active and in good standing before you commit.
Certificate of insurance
A document provided by the contractor's insurer confirming the types and limits of coverage currently in force.
Local building department contact
Confirm whether a permit is required for your specific project and what the inspection process involves.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) search
Check for unresolved complaints or patterns of disputes filed against a contractor.
The Complete Pre-Hire Checklist
Work through each group below before agreeing to any proposal. Take notes as you go — comparing answers across multiple contractors will quickly reveal who stands out.
Credentials and Legitimacy
Project Scope and Process
Permits and Compliance
Contracts and Payment
Warranties and References
Once you've gathered answers, review any bids carefully side by side. Our guide on getting a roofing estimate and spotting red flags walks you through what to look for in the numbers. And if you want to understand which materials you might be agreeing to, questions to ask before agreeing on a roofing material is a natural next step.
Beware of Door-to-Door Solicitations After Storms
Contractors who appear unsolicited after severe weather — often called "storm chasers" — may pressure you to sign a contract on the spot before you have time to verify their credentials. Legitimate contractors do not require immediate decisions. Always take time to independently verify license status, insurance, and references before signing anything or making any payment.
Never Pay the Full Amount Upfront
A request for full payment before work begins is a significant warning sign. Standard practice is a reasonable deposit (often 10–30% depending on project size) with the balance due upon satisfactory completion. Confirm payment terms in writing before work starts, and use a traceable payment method rather than cash.
What Good Answers Look Like
Asking the questions is only half the work — you also need to recognise a satisfactory answer. Here are some benchmarks:
- License: The contractor should provide a license number you can verify independently through your state's contractor licensing board website.
- Insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance, not just a verbal confirmation. It should list both general liability and workers' compensation coverage.
- Permits: In most jurisdictions, a full roof replacement requires a permit. If a contractor says otherwise, verify with your local building department before proceeding.
- Warranty: Distinguish between the manufacturer's material warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty — they cover different things and have different durations.
- References: Prioritise references from jobs completed within the last 12 months in your general area. Local references are more verifiable and more relevant.
For additional warning signs to watch for beyond these questions, see our article on red flags homeowners often miss when vetting a roofer.
Once you've chosen a contractor, budgeting accurately becomes your next priority. Our Roof Costs & Planning hub provides a solid foundation for understanding what a project should realistically cost.
This article is for informational purposes only. Licensing, insurance, and permit requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify requirements with your local building authority and consult a licensed professional before authorising any roofing work.