Questions to Ask your Roofing Contractor

There’s a lot that goes into getting your roof replaced. How well things go relies on the contractor you pick for the job. Whether you’re going by referral or research there are some questions you should always ask. Here is a list of questions to definitely ask your roofing contractor before signing anything.

  • How long have you been in business?

    • It is good to know if your contractor has been in business for a while or if they are new and starting out. It isn’t necessarily a negative if they business is young, but if they have been around for a while it is safer to assume they know what they are doing.
  • How many projects like mine have you completed?

    • If your roof or home is unique, you want to make sure they’ve done similar projects before.
  • Are there any completed roofing projects I can see?

    • If they have done similar projects, it is a good idea to get referrals and some pictures of past jobs. This will help build your confidence in your roofing contractor. And you can also confirm that they know what they’re doing.
  • Is the whole crew insured?

    • Your roofing contractor should have liability insurance as well as workman’s compensation. Working on a roof can be dangerous, making sure they are insured protects you from any damages during your roof replacement. It will also give you peace of mind to know the workers are covered in case of injuries during the project.
  • How much experience does your crew have?

    • Experience is important. Sure everyone needs to do their first roof to get experience. But you want to make sure at least 90% of the crew working on your roof including your main contractor has a good amount of experience working on roofs.
  • What licenses do you have?

    • Make sure your contractor is properly licensed by your state to actually work on your roof. Each state is different so it’s important to make sure your roofing contractor has all the right paperwork.
  • Can I have a written estimate?

    • Having a written copy of the agreed estimate and cost of the roof will help avoid possible price hikes during or after the job is done.
  • Can I see the warranty before you start the job? How long is your warranty?

    • Find out how long the job is guaranteed. Are you covered for repairs up to a year or longer? Is the quality of the job guaranteed at all? Every roofing contractor is different so make sure to find out before you sign anything.
  • Does the warranty cover the job or the materials or both?

    • Does the warranty cover the materials or is the manufacture taking care of that? Finding out if your warranty covers the labor or the materials will give you an idea of who to contact if you start having problems with your roof.
  • How long will the job take?

    • This essentially gives you an idea of how long to expect a crew at your home working on your roof. It’ll help you plan your schedule better. Asking about rain dates is important as well. It is good to find out what the plan is when the weather changes.
  • How is the payment going to be handled?

    • Are you paying half upfront or 25% up front? What happens if the job is not done as agreed or on time? If they are using subcontractors are you paying the sub-contractors separate? Are you paying for material and labor or just labor and purchasing the materials on your own? Make sure all parties are clear on how the payment is going to work and what percentage is due up front.

These are some great questions to keep in mind when you’re looking for a company to replace your roof. Feeling comfortable with the process is always important when you are having a big project done on your house.