Questions to ask a roofer before hiring

Business and insurance

• How long have you been in business here, and what is your local address?
• Are you licensed or registered where our state or city requires it? Can I see the license number?
• Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation? Can you send the certificate?
• Will your own crew do the work, or subcontractors?

The job itself

• Will you inspect the roof in person, including the attic?
• Are you tearing off the old roof or laying over it? Why?
• What will you do if you find rotten decking, and what does that cost per sheet?
• What brand and line of shingles or materials are included?
• Who pulls the permit and schedules inspections?

Warranty, clean-up and payment

• What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long? Is there a manufacturer warranty too?
• How do you protect landscaping and clean up nails (magnet sweep)?
• What deposit do you need, and when is the rest due?
• Can I talk to two customers whose roofs you did in the last year?

Red flags

• Door-to-door after a storm with out-of-state plates and pressure to sign today.
• Asking for most of the money up front.
• Offering to "cover your deductible" on an insurance claim.
• No written estimate.