Consumer Protection
A roof is one of the largest checks most property owners write, handed to an industry with famously uneven standards. The good news: a few direct questions expose almost everything you need to know, because professionals answer them instantly and pretenders improvise.
1. Are you licensed for this work in this state — and what's the number?
Then verify it yourself on the state licensing board’s website; it takes two minutes. Requirements vary by state, but a professional knows exactly what applies locally and hands over the number without flinching. Hesitation here ends the conversation.
2. Can I see current certificates of insurance?
Two documents: general liability and workers’ compensation, both current, ideally sent directly from the insurer or agent. Without workers’ comp, an injury on your roof can become a claim against you.
3. Who actually does the work — and who supervises it?
Subcontracted crews are normal in roofing; unsupervised, unaccountable ones are not. You want a named project manager, a supervision plan, and clarity on who answers the phone when something needs attention mid-project.
4. What exactly is in the scope?
An itemized written scope: tear-off, decking repair terms and unit pricing, underlayment type, ice-and-water coverage, flashing (new, not reused), ventilation, fastener specification, cleanup, and disposal. “New roof — $X” on a single page is not a proposal; it’s a dispute scheduled for later.
5. What warranties come with this — in writing?
Two separate things: the manufacturer’s material warranty (ask whether the installation qualifies for the enhanced version, which requires credentialed installers) and the contractor’s own workmanship warranty covering the labor. Get the terms, the years, and the exclusions on paper.
6. How will you protect the property?
Landscaping, AC units, driveways, and attic contents during tear-off; magnetic nail sweeps after. Professionals have a specific answer because they do it every day.
7. What's the payment schedule?
Reasonable deposits tied to material ordering are normal. Large upfront payments before anything is delivered are how homeowners fund someone else’s disappearance. Final payment should follow a completed walkthrough.
8. If this is an insurance claim, how do you handle documentation?
You want photo documentation, an itemized scope in industry-standard format, and willingness to meet the adjuster — and you want to hear that you remain the policyholder making decisions. Anyone offering to “handle your deductible” just failed the interview; that’s fraud with your name on it, as our storm-scam guide explains.
9. Where can I see your work and speak to references?
Recent local projects, reviews across platforms, and references who’ll take a call. One curated testimonial is marketing; a pattern is evidence.
10. What happens when something goes wrong?
Every project has a surprise — rotten decking, a weather delay, a backordered material. The professional answer describes communication and change-order process, not a promise that nothing ever goes wrong.
The bottom line
License, insurance, itemized scope, written warranties, sane payment terms, and a straight answer to every question above — that’s the baseline, not the gold standard. Hold every contractor to it, us included. Our answers are one call away: start with a free inspection and ask us all ten.
Ask Us the Hard Questions.
Licensing, insurance, scope, and warranties — answered in writing, every project.