Why the Right Questions Save You Thousands
Choosing a roofing contractor is a decision that affects your home for decades. The average roof replacement costs $8,400 to $12,600, and the quality of the installation matters as much as the materials. Industry experts note that installation quality is a leading factor in roof longevity, often ahead of material defects.
These 15 questions help you evaluate any contractor's legitimacy, quality, and reliability before you sign anything.
Licensing and Insurance
1. Are you licensed in this state? Ask for the license number and verify it with your state's contractor licensing board. Unlicensed work may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance.
2. Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Request a certificate of insurance and verify it directly with the insurance company. Coverage should be current, not expired.
3. Will you pull permits for this job? Most municipalities require roofing permits. If a contractor says permits are "not needed," that is a red flag.
Materials and Process
4. What brand and product line of shingles will you use? Get the specific product name (e.g., "Owens Corning Duration" not just "architectural shingles"). See our materials guide for what to look for.
5. Will you do a full tear-off or overlay? Full tear-off is always better. Overlays save money upfront but reduce roof life and can void manufacturer warranties.
6. What underlayment will you install? Synthetic underlayment is the current standard. Felt paper is cheaper but less durable. Ask specifically.
7. Will you replace the flashing, drip edge, and ridge vent? These components should be replaced on every re-roof. If they are "extra," factor that into the total cost comparison.
Warranty and Guarantees
8. What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long? Get this in writing. Industry standard is 5-10 years. SquareDash offers 25 years. See our warranty guide.
9. Are you certified by the shingle manufacturer? Certified contractors can offer enhanced system warranties that cover both materials and labor. Non-certified contractors can only offer standard material warranties.
10. Is the warranty transferable if I sell the home? Transferability adds value to your home and protects the next owner.
Logistics and Timeline
11. How long will the project take? Most residential re-roofs take 1-3 days. See our timeline guide for what to expect.
12. How will you protect my property during tear-off? Tarps over landscaping, plywood against siding, and magnetic nail sweeps should be standard practice.
13. Who will be on-site supervising? A project manager or foreman should be present. Crews without supervision are more likely to cut corners.
Payment and Contract
14. What is the payment schedule? Standard is 10-30% deposit, balance upon completion. Full payment before work begins is a red flag.
15. Can I get everything in writing? Every detail discussed should appear in the written contract: materials, scope, timeline, payment, warranty, and what happens if unexpected issues arise (like rotted decking).
Skip the interrogation: SquareDash answers all 15 of these questions upfront. Transparent pricing, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, 25-year warranty, full tear-off, all permits included, no deposit required. See your price in 30 seconds.
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Jordan Stokes
Jordan covers roofing costs, materials, and homeowner guides for SquareDash. He has helped thousands of homeowners understand what they should actually pay for a new roof.