7 Essential Questions To Ask A Roofer Before Hiring

Hiring the right roofer can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking at or what the problem actually is. The last thing you want is to end up with shoddy work or a surprise bill for something you didn’t agree to.

Unfortunately, bad roofers are out there, and many homeowners get burned. The good news? You can avoid a roofing nightmare by asking the right questions before signing anything.

 

7 Most Important Questions to Ask a Roofer Before Hiring

You don’t hire a roofer every day, so it’s easy to feel unsure about what to look for. And if we’re being honest—some roofers count on that.

Contractors can overcharge, encourage you to adjust the truth for insurance claims, or disappear when issues arise. To avoid these issues, ask your roofer the following:

 

Are You Licensed? Can I See Proof?

If the roofer you’re talking to doesn’t have a license—walk away. Every reputable roofer should be licensed, whether they specialize in roof repairs or installations.

Don’t just take their word for it, either. If they say something like, “Of course, I’m licensed, don’t worry about it. I’ve been doing this for decades,” kindly ask for proof.

Because at the end of the day, you do have to worry about it. If something goes wrong and the roofers get injured, you could be held financially responsible.

For example, roofers (or their lawyers) who don’t have worker’s compensation insurance could come after you for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Some states don’t need a roofing license. If that’s the case, you can ask the roofer if they have any certifications or credentials that show their experience and expertise.

 

Who will Be Doing the Actual Work? Will there be a Foreman On-site?

Big projects like new roof installations require manpower. To compensate, smaller contracting companies subcontract or outsource some of the work, which isn’t uncommon.

The issue is when roofers don’t disclose that they’re subcontracting. If they hide this from you, they might want to cut labor costs or hire unlicensed roofers.

Note that subcontracting isn’t a red flag. If the roofer you’re talking to is subcontracting, ask them how long they’ve been working with the outsourced workers.

A company that constantly cycles through workers may have reliability issues.

 

Will There Be a Project Manager or Foreman On-Site?

A project manager or foreman keeps your roofing project on track. They prevent mistakes, ensure proper installation, and act as the liaison for you and the roofers.

You’ll be stuck if you don’t have either, hoping every worker knows what they’re doing. The chances are they do. However, miscommunication can quickly happen at any point in the project.

When problems pop up, you don’t want to be left chasing different workers for answers. This often happens in big projects like roof installations or specialized jobs like flashing or chimneys.

A lead roofer may be enough for minor repairs. But you should always ask, “Who’s overseeing my project?” If they can’t give you a clear answer, that’s a red flag.

 

How Do You Handle Unexpected Costs or Hidden Damage?

After you book a free roof inspection and get an estimate, costs might still change. A simple leak could have underlying issues only found after the roof was stripped apart.

These are things you should consider when creating a budget. To help you prepare, you should ask a roofer how they would handle unexpected costs or hidden damages.

A reputable roofer will be upfront about how they handle change orders, especially for things like rotted decking. What you’re looking for here is up-front transparency. You don’t want to be left with a surprise bill for new decking once the project is done.

 

What Kind of Warranties Do You Offer?

Not all warranties are the same. Your roofer should explain what’s covered and what’s not. In most cases, you want information on two types of warranties: Manufacturer and Worksmanship.

The manufacturer’s warranty covers roofing material defects. The warranty can last 10 to 50 years, depending on the product or brand.

Some materials require specific installation methods, so ask your roofer if they’re manufacturer-certified. In addition, there are essential questions you should ask your roofer about the manufacturer’s warranties, such as:

• How long do your workmanship warranties last?
• What voids the manufacturer’s warranty?
• If there’s an issue, how do I file a warranty claim?
• Do you offer an extended warranty?

Workmanship warranties cover installation errors. Even the best materials won’t last if they’re poorly installed. Some roofers offer up to 25 years of warranty.

However, workmanship warranties of 1-2 years are common, especially in places like North California, which gets a lot of wind-driven rain.

 

Do You Provide a Written Contract?

Before committing to or paying a downpayment, ensure that everything is written. This will protect both you and the roofers you plan on hiring.

Contracts differ between projects. But in most cases, you’d want to have the following in writing:

• Total cost
• Materials used
• Scope of work
• Payment schedule
• Warranty details

Remember, if it’s not in writing, it doesn’t exist. Ensure the contract is as detailed as possible, especially regarding warranty details and timelines.

 

What Happens if I Have Concerns About the Work?

Mistakes happen. Even the best roofing crews can miss something, and sometimes, things just don’t turn out how you expected them to.

It is essential to know how the roofer handles it when you raise a concern. Before hiring anyone, ask: “If I notice an issue during or after the job, what’s the process for fixing it?”

A good roofer will have a clear answer, not just a vague, “Oh, don’t worry about it.” You want to know:

• Who do you talk to? (The foreman? The owner? Some office person who dodges calls?)
• How quickly do they respond? (A great roofer won’t leave you hanging for weeks.)
• Is there a warranty process? (Or do they just hope you’ll go away?)

If a roofer gets defensive when you ask this, that’s a bad sign. A pro should be confident in their work and willing to fix any reasonable issues.

 

Things to Consider Before Paying in Full

Do a final walkthrough before paying in full. This is your chance to point out anything that looks off. Get everything in writing. If they promise to fix something, make sure it’s on paper.

Don’t like what you see? Speak up early. The sooner you bring up concerns, the easier they are to address. A trustworthy roofer will want you to be happy with their work.

Remember, happy customers lead to referrals. If they act like they just want to grab your check and disappear, they’re not the right roofer for you.

 

Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Asking the right questions ensures you’re hiring a trustworthy roofer who’ll handle your needs from start to finish. To recap, here are seven important questions to ask every roofer:

• Are you licensed?
• Who will be doing the work? Are you using subcontractors?
• Will there be a project manager or foreman?
• How do you handle unexpected costs?
• What kind of warranty do you provide?
• What happens if I have concerns about the work?

Trenton Roofing is more than happy to answer any other specific questions or concerns you may have or just want to ask for advice. Contact us today!