Questions To Ask A Roof Contractor

Here's a list of suggested questions to ask any roofing company when you are getting estimates. How they answer these questions will help you decide whom to hire to work on your home. There may be other questions that are also important to you but this list will give you a good start.

  • How long have they been in business?
  • Where is their office located?
  • Can they provide references for work previously done?
  • Is there any pending legal action against the company?
  • What sorts of credentials does the company have? Are they certified by any of the major shingle manufacturers?
  • Will the materials used be installed according to the manufacturer's written specifications?
  • Ask to see a copy of their license.
  • Ask to see a copy of their general liability insurance and their workers' compensation insurance to make sure both are active.
  • Ask about their process for handling complaints.
  • Find out when payment is due. Deposit? Interim payments? Final payment?
  • How long will the job take (estimated)?
  • When can they start?
  • What happens with weather-related delays?
  • Will an on-site supervisor be present at all times?
  • See also the "Before-During-After Checklist".
  • Do they provide a written estimate that is detailed and itemized?
  • How do they handle unforeseen issues like hidden damage that is not visible at the time of the estimate? Is a revised estimate provided? How are work-order changes handled?
  • Do they provide a workmanship guarantee or warranty in addition to the manufacturer's warranty?
  • Are permits required and who is responsible for obtaining them?
  • What happens in the event that damage occurs to my property? Who is liable, for what?
  • Do they use subcontractors, or just their own employees?
  • Do they provide a lien release upon completion of the job?
  • Does the company perform a thorough cleanup of the entire work area (removal of all debris, nails, etc.) once the job is completed?

The most important thing to remember is never settle for an oral agreement - get everything possible in writing.