How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Your roof is one of the most important investments you'll make as a homeowner. It protects everything underneath it — your family, your belongings, and the structural integrity of your entire house. So when it's time for a repair or replacement, choosing the right roofing contractor isn't something you want to rush through.

The problem? The roofing industry is full of fly-by-night operators, storm chasers, and unlicensed workers who disappear the moment something goes wrong. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), homeowners lose millions of dollars each year to roofing fraud and shoddy workmanship.

Here are the 10 questions you absolutely need to ask before handing over a deposit.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is the single most important question you can ask. A legitimate roofing contractor will 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 liable if a worker gets injured on your roof.

Ask for proof — not just a verbal confirmation. Call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is current and covers roofing work. In many states and provinces, contractors are also required to hold a valid business license or contractor's license. Check with your local licensing board to confirm.

Red flag: If a contractor hesitates or refuses to provide insurance documentation, walk away immediately.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters in roofing. A company that's been operating for 10 or more years has weathered economic downturns, dealt with warranty claims, and built a track record you can verify. That doesn't mean newer companies are automatically bad — but longevity is a strong signal of reliability.

Ask specifically about roofing experience, not just general contracting. A company that's been doing siding for 15 years and just started offering roofing services last year isn't the same as a dedicated roofing specialist.

3. Can You Provide Local References?

Any reputable roofer should be able to give you at least three references from recent jobs in your area. Don't just collect the names — actually call them. Ask about the quality of work, whether the crew showed up on time, how they handled cleanup, and whether any issues came up after the job was completed.

Better yet, ask if you can drive by a recently completed project to see the work firsthand. A confident contractor will have no problem with this request.

4. What Does Your Written Estimate Include?

A professional estimate should be detailed and itemized. It should include the scope of work, materials to be used (brand and product line), labor costs, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty information. Vague estimates with a single lump-sum number are a warning sign.

Make sure the estimate specifies whether old roofing material will be removed (a tear-off) or if new shingles will be layered over the existing roof. Layering is cheaper upfront but can hide underlying damage and void manufacturer warranties.

Pro tip: Get at least three written estimates before making a decision. The lowest bid isn't always the best value — and the highest bid isn't always the best quality.

5. What Manufacturer Warranties Do You Offer?

Roofing materials come with manufacturer warranties, but the coverage varies dramatically. Standard shingle warranties might cover 25 to 50 years, but the fine print often limits what's actually covered.

The real question is whether the contractor offers an extended manufacturer warranty or a workmanship warranty. Some manufacturers — like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed — offer enhanced warranty programs for contractors who meet specific certification requirements. These warranties cover both materials and labor, giving you much stronger protection.

Ask the contractor which manufacturer certifications they hold and what warranty options are available for your specific project.

6. Will You Handle the Building Permits?

In most jurisdictions, a roofing replacement requires a building permit. A professional contractor will handle the permit process for you, including scheduling any required inspections. If a contractor suggests skipping the permit to save money, that's a major red flag.

Working without a permit can create serious problems down the road — including issues with your homeowner's insurance, problems when selling your home, and potential fines from your local building department.

7. Who Will Actually Be on My Roof?

Some roofing companies use subcontractors or day laborers rather than their own trained crews. This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but you should know who's doing the work. Ask whether the crew members are employees of the company and whether they're covered by the company's insurance.

Also ask about the crew supervisor. Will someone from the company be on-site to oversee the work? A dedicated project manager or foreman ensures quality control and gives you a single point of contact if questions come up during the job.

8. How Do You Handle Unexpected Damage?

Once the old roofing material is removed, it's common to discover underlying problems — rotted decking, damaged flashing, or inadequate ventilation. A trustworthy contractor will explain upfront how they handle these situations.

Get a clear understanding of how change orders work. Will they call you before doing any additional work? What's the cost per sheet of replacement decking? Having this conversation before the project starts prevents unpleasant surprises on your final bill.

9. What's Your Payment Schedule?

Be cautious of any contractor who demands full payment upfront. A standard payment schedule might include a deposit of 10-30% to secure materials, with the balance due upon completion. Some contractors offer financing options through third-party lenders.

Red flag: Never pay cash without a receipt, and never make the final payment until you've inspected the completed work and confirmed you're satisfied.

10. Do You Offer a Workmanship Guarantee?

Separate from the manufacturer warranty, a workmanship guarantee covers the contractor's labor. If a leak develops because of improper installation — not a defective shingle — the manufacturer warranty won't help you. A workmanship guarantee means the contractor will come back and fix installation-related problems at no additional cost.

Look for a minimum of 5 years on workmanship, though many top-tier contractors offer 10 years or more. Get this guarantee in writing as part of your contract.

Bonus: How to Spot a Roofing Scam

Watch out for these common tactics used by dishonest contractors:

• Door-to-door solicitation after a storm. Legitimate contractors don't need to chase storms to find work.
• Pressure to sign immediately. "This price is only good today" is a classic high-pressure sales tactic.
• No physical business address. A P.O. box or a cell phone number with no office is a warning sign.
• Asking you to pull the permit yourself. This is often done to avoid accountability.
• Unusually low bids. If one estimate is dramatically lower than the others, ask yourself what corners are being cut.

Find Verified Roofers in Your Area

The easiest way to avoid these headaches is to start with a trusted directory. At Best Roofers Thrive, every listed contractor has been verified for licensing and insurance. You can read real customer reviews, compare services, and contact roofers directly — all in one place.

Browse our directory to find the best roofers near you, or claim your free listing if you're a roofing contractor looking to grow your business.