10 Questions You Should Always Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Roofing your home is a major decision, and hiring the wrong contractor can cost you thousands down the line. To help you avoid the most common pitfalls, here are the ten most important questions every homeowner should ask before signing any roofing contract.

1. Are You Fully Insured (Including Workers’ Comp)?

If the contractor can’t show proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance, you could be financially responsible for accidents on your property.

Look out for: Cases where uninsured contractors leave homeowners on the hook for medical bills after a crew member is injured on-site. It happens more than you’d think.

“Better Way Roofing showed me all their paperwork up front and even explained what it meant. Total peace of mind.” Patricia K.

2. Do You Have Manufacturer Certifications?

Certified roofers are trained by manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed to install products to spec and maintain full warranty coverage. Without certification, your warranty could be void before the roof is even finished.

Look out for: Some companies may not have the proper certifications to register your warranty with the manufacturer, so you won’t be getting a manufacturer’s warranty, and the warranty will be gone once the company goes out of business.

3. Will You Inspect the Attic and Decking?

A proper inspection starts underneath, from the attic. This reveals leaks, trapped moisture, or structural issues that wouldn’t be visible from the roof surface.

Look out for: A proper attic inspection will reveal any bad sheeting or decking issues, as well as adequate insulation and any signs of mold from poor ventilation. 

4. Will You Take Photos and Provide a Report?

Clear documentation gives you visibility and protection. “Before” photos and notes from the inspection ensure transparency and accountability throughout the project. Be cautious of vague quotes without proof. If you’re being charged thousands but shown no evidence, it’s a red flag.

5. Will You Provide a Detailed Scope of Work?

You should know exactly what’s included, from underlayment and flashing to clean-up and haul-away. A clear scope sets expectations and reduces surprises.

Look out for: Quotes that simply say “new roof” with no material list or breakdown. That often means shortcuts are coming. A professional roofing contractor should always have clear transparency and a detailed scope of work for your project.

6. What’s the Estimated Timeline?

You don’t need an exact day, but you do deserve a clear schedule. Know the expected start week, duration, and how weather delays are communicated.

Look out for: Contractors who say “we’ll fit you in when we can” with no further detail. That’s a common setup for ghosting. With that said, roofing is weather-dependent so changes in timing are not unusual. In this case, good communication is key.

7. How Will You Communicate During the Project?

Consistent updates and one point of contact can make the difference between a smooth project and a stressful one. Communication is a key part of professionalism.Look out for: Crews that show up unannounced, miss appointments, or fail to return calls during the job. If you’re chasing them, that’s not a good sign.

8. How Do You Handle Safety, Clean-Up, and Project Oversight?

Best practice here is to have Catch-All System that goes up under your soffits and over your landscaping to protect bushes and flowers, as well as an Equipter that goes up to roof level to catch the debris and dump in a dump trailer on-site. 

Look out for: It can be frustrating to have companies drop a dumpster in the driveway, blocking you from going to town or parking near your home.

9. If your decking is rotten or there’s hidden structural damage, how will they handle it?

It is inevitable that sometimes issues arise that were not visible in the initial inspection. In this instance,a good contractor will notify you immediately and update you on any changes needed to keep the project running smoothly.  

Look out for: Sometimes a lower quote is used to win a project, and the contractor will then look to bump up costs with additional items throughout the work. Make sure they are always transparent if they are adding to the final invoice. 

10. Will You Offer a Walkthrough and Warranty at the End?

Once the job is complete a crew leader should do a walk-through to make sure the work is completed per quota and that the homeowner is 100% satisfied. For a shingle roof, it is important that the certified contractor properly registers the warranty with the manufacturer. For a metal roof, there is no paperwork to be done for the warranty – the installers just need to follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the warranty.

Look out for: Companies that don’t want to do a final walkthrough may be trying to hide something. Cheaper contractors may not be certified to register the warranties.

Last updated: September 6, 2026