What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor: 7 Must-Ask Questions Before You Hire

Hiring the wrong roofer can cost you more than money — it can cost you your peace of mind, your time, and your home’s long-term protection.

Whether you need a quick leak fix or a full roof replacement, finding the right roofing contractor means asking the right questions and watching for the red flags.

Here’s a breakdown of what to look for before signing that contract.

1. Verified Reviews from Real Customers

Don’t just skim the testimonials on their website — dig deeper. Look for:

• Google Reviews with photos and location tags
• Third-party platforms like Yelp, Angi, and BBB
• Patterns in reviews: Are people raving about cleanup? Speed? Communication?

Red Flag: All reviews posted in the same week or only 5-star ratings with no details.

2. Proof of License, Insurance & Bonding

Roofing involves liability. A legit contractor should have:

• Active state licensing
• General liability insurance
• Workers’ comp coverage
• Bonding in case something goes wrong mid-project

Ask for documents. Then actually verify them. If they hesitate? Walk away.

3. Experience With Your Roof Type

There’s a huge difference between shingle, metal, flat, tile, and rubber roofing. Make sure they’ve handled projects like yours.

Ask questions like:

• “How many flat roofs have you installed in [your neighborhood]?”
• “Do you work with slate? I heard not every roofer does.”

Pro tip: Local experience = faster permits, better pricing on materials, and fewer surprises.

4. A Written, Itemized Estimate

A handshake and a ballpark number won’t cut it.

Look for a contractor who provides:

• Labor and materials broken down by line
• Timeline estimates
• Disposal/cleanup fees
• Terms of payment

Avoid vague phrases like “roof job” or “miscellaneous repairs.” You need clarity.

5. Clear Communication from Day One

You can spot a reliable roofer by how they communicate before the work even begins.

Ask yourself:

• Do they return calls and texts promptly?
• Do they confirm appointment times and follow up?
• Do they explain things in a way that makes sense?

Roofing is technical — a good roofer should be able to make it understandable.

6. Warranties That Actually Mean Something

Not all warranties are created equal.

Ask:

• What’s covered? Just labor? Just materials? Both?
• How long is it valid? 1 year? 10 years? Lifetime?
• Who backs the warranty? The roofer, or the shingle manufacturer?

You don’t want surprises two years from now when a leak shows up.

7. Clean-Up Guarantees & Emergency Support

Roof work is messy. Shingles, nails, flashing — it gets everywhere.

A professional contractor will:

• Use magnetic nail sweepers
• Haul away all debris
• Leave your property better than they found it

Also ask: “What happens if there’s a problem after hours?”

A reliable roofer won’t disappear once the invoice is paid.

Final Thought: You’re Not Just Buying a Roof. You’re Buying Trust.

Roofing isn’t cheap. And it’s not something you do often.

Take your time. Ask the questions. And don’t settle for vague promises or rock-bottom pricing.

You deserve a roof that lasts — and a contractor who stands behind their work.

Want help finding a vetted roofing contractor who checks all the boxes?