Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Roofer Before You Hire

Short answer: The right residential decision usually comes down to balancing durability, curb appeal, and long-term ownership cost.

If you’re researching ask your roofer, this guide gives you the practical details to make a confident decision quickly.  I've sat in thousands of estimate meetings.  The homeowners who end up happiest are the ones who come with a list.  They know what to ask, they write down the answers, and they...

Before we get into the details, here’s the part I wish every homeowner heard upfront.  Most “roof advice” online is written like Utah has the same weather as somewhere mild and flat.  We don’t.

On real inspections, we’re usually paying attention to the boring stuff: flashing, ventilation, drain paths, and how the previous install handled edges and penetrations.  Those are the spots that decide whether your roof behaves during snow melt, wind-driven rain, and late-summer monsoons.

When someone asks about ask your roofer, we try to answer in plain English.  What fails first on this type of roof?  What’s easy to maintain?  What’s expensive to fix later if we ignore it now?

If you remember nothing else, remember this: roofs don’t “randomly” leak.  They leak where water is being funneled, trapped, or pushed—usually around transitions and details.  That’s where good planning and good installation pay off.

On residential work, the goal is simple: a roof that looks great and stays quiet.  Quiet means no surprise leaks, no constant repairs, and no “mystery stains” showing up on drywall.

We also think the homeowner experience matters.  Clear communication, tidy job sites, and photos of what we found (and fixed) should be standard, not a bonus.

This should be the first question.  In Utah, roofers need a contractor license.  Ask for the license number and verify it with the state.  Then ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.  If a worker is injured on your property and the company isn't insured, you could be liable.  I've seen homeowners learn that the hard way.  A professional will have certificates ready.  If they don't or they brush it off, walk away.

Vague quotes cause most of the disputes I hear about.  "Roof replacement" can mean different things.  Does it include tear-off of the existing roof?  How many layers?  Dump fees and cleanup?  New flashing, drip edge, pipe boots?  What about deck repair if you find rot?  Get it in writing.  The quote should list materials (brand and product), scope of tear-off, and any assumptions.  If something isn't listed, ask.  You want to compare apples to apples when you look at multiple bids.

Some roofers are booked weeks or months out.  Others can start soon.  Ask when they can start and how many days the job will take.  Weather can shift things, but they should give you a realistic window.  If you're on a deadline—insurance, sale, winter—say so.  Also ask who will be on site.  Is it the same crew from start to finish?  Subcontractors?  You want to know who's actually doing the work and whether they're experienced with your type of roof.

Materials come with manufacturer warranties—25, 30, 50 years depending on the product.  But those only cover defects in the product.  They don't cover installation errors.  So ask: what workmanship warranty do you offer?  One year?  Two?  Five?  What does it cover—leaks, lifting shingles, flashing failures?  Get it in writing.  And ask what could void the warranty.  Some manufacturers require specific installation practices; if the installer doesn't follow them, the warranty may not hold.  A good roofer will explain both the product and labor warranty clearly.

Once the old roof is off, we often find surprises.  Rotten decking, previous repairs that didn't hold, or structural issues.  Ask: how do you handle that?  Do you get a change order or call before doing extra work?  What are your typical rates for deck repair or additional sheathing?  You don't want to be hit with a big bill and no warning.  A professional will explain the process and give you ballpark numbers so you're prepared.

Nothing is more frustrating than calling a company and getting passed around.  Ask who your main contact is—project manager, owner, foreman—and how to reach them.  Phone, text, email?  Will they give you updates or do you need to chase?  If something goes wrong or you have a question mid-job, you want to know exactly who to call.  Write down the name and number before work starts.

In many Utah jurisdictions, a roof replacement requires a permit.  Ask if the roofer pulls it and who pays—often it's included in the quote or there's a line item.  Permits mean an inspector may come out, which is a good thing.  It adds a second set of eyes.  If a roofer says you don't need a permit when your city requires one, that's a red flag.  They might be cutting corners or not familiar with local rules.

Roofing is messy.  Nails, old shingles, and debris can end up everywhere.  Ask how they protect your property.  Do they use tarps or magnet sweeps for nails?  Do they cover landscaping or windows if needed?  What's the cleanup process at the end of each day and at final completion?  You shouldn't have to chase nails in your yard for the next six months.  A good crew has a system and takes pride in leaving the site clean.

Be wary of anyone who wants full payment upfront.  A reasonable structure is a deposit to secure the job (often 10–30%) and the balance when work is complete and you're satisfied.  For large jobs, progress payments are common—e.g. half at tear-off, half at completion.  Get the schedule in writing.  And never pay the full amount before the work is done and you've had a chance to inspect it.

Last but not least: ask for references.  Recent jobs in your area are best.  Can you drive by and look at the roof?  Can you talk to the homeowner?  A confident roofer will give you two or three names.  If they're reluctant or only offer old references, that's a warning.  You're about to spend thousands of dollars.  A few phone calls or a short drive are worth it to confirm they do quality work and stand behind it.