Most people wait until a leak shows up before they start looking for someone to fix their roof. That is the worst possible time to make a good decision. A little legwork now can save you from dumpster fires later.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number and look it up yourself. Don’t take their word for it. Every state has an online check tool. Then demand a certificate of insurance sent directly from their carrier. Not a photocopy, not a screenshot. You want proof they carry general liability and workers comp. If someone gets hurt on your property and they don’t have comp, you get sued. End of story.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how long they have been in business under their current name. New name every two years is a red flag. Then ask for three recent jobs you can drive by and look at yourself. Not phone numbers of happy customers who will tell you everything is wonderful. Go see the work. Check for lifted shingles, sloppy flashing, gutters that don’t line up. Real roofers don’t mind showing off their last three jobs.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get three written estimates. The cheapest one is usually the one who cuts corners on materials or insurance. The most expensive one might just be busy. Ask for a breakdown of labor and materials. Then ask when they start and when they finish. Get a date, not a window. Also ask who cleans up each day and who hauls the debris. You don’t want a yard full of nails and old shingles for a week.
Contract Questions
Read the whole damn contract before you sign. Look for the warranty on materials and the warranty on workmanship. Manufacturer warranties are not the same as the contractor’s warranty. Make sure the contract lists the exact shingles, underlayment, and ventilation details. If it says “or equivalent,” that means they can swap in junk. Also check for a payment schedule. Never pay more than half upfront. Final payment after inspection and cleanup.
Now go compare local roofers on RatingsNearMe and see who actually delivers on their promises.