The Questions to Ask Before You Sign

You don't have to be a roofer to hire a good one. You just have to ask the right questions and pay attention to how confidently they're answered. A good contractor welcomes these. A bad one gets vague or annoyed — which is an answer in itself. Bring this list to every estimate.

• Are you licensed and insured, and can I see proof? Non-negotiable. Ask for the license number and current insurance.
• Will you pull a permit, and is it included in the price? A legitimate re-roof is permitted and inspected.
• What underlayment are you using? You want a specific product, not "standard." (See the underlayment article.)
• Are you replacing the flashing and vents, or reusing them? On a tear-off, these should usually be new.
• How do you handle rotten decking, and what does it cost per sheet? Get the number now, before it becomes a surprise later.
• On tile: how is it being attached, and what's done at the valleys and walls? Screw-set vs. adhesive, plus the steep-slope details. (See the tile article.)
• What warranties do I get — on materials and on your workmanship? Get both, in writing, with lengths.
• What's the payment schedule? Be cautious about large deposits before any work starts.
• How long have you been working in this area, and can I see recent local jobs? Local history and a reputation to protect are worth a lot, especially after storms.

Then watch how they answer. The right contractor answers plainly and puts it in writing. The wrong one talks around it, leans on price, or pushes you to sign before you've had time to compare. You're not just buying a roof — you're choosing who to trust on top of your house. These questions tell you who that should be.