Most people wait until something breaks before calling a roofer. That's usually the worst time to shop around. A little research upfront saves a lot of hassle.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number and look it up yourself. Every state has a database. If they can't give you one, walk away. For insurance, you want two things: general liability and workers' comp. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is active and covers the date of your job. If a guy shows up without workers' comp and his helper falls off your roof, you get sued. Don't let that happen.
Experience & References Questions
Years in business matter less than recent, similar work. Ask for three references from jobs done in the last year. Call them. Ask if the crew showed up on time, if they cleaned up every day, and if any leaks appeared later. Also ask if the crew spoke English well enough to communicate issues. A good crew communicates problems before they become disasters. If a company can't produce three recent references, that's a red flag.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get at least three written estimates. Don't pick the cheapest or the most expensive without knowing why. Ask what happens if it rains for three days straight. Does the timeline shift? Do they charge extra? Get a start date and a rough finish date in writing. Also ask about dumpster placement and who handles permits. Some towns require permits and inspections. If they say permits aren't needed, get a second opinion.
Contract Questions
Read the contract before you sign. Look for the exact materials listed by brand, color, and model number. Vague language like "comparable shingles" means you might get something cheaper. Check the payment schedule. Never pay more than 10% down or the full amount before the job passes final inspection. Make sure the contract says they handle cleanup and haul away debris. If it doesn't say it, it won't happen.
Take these questions and compare your local options on RatingsNearMe.