Question #1: "Are you licensed and insured in this state?"

This isn't small talk—it's protection. A license means they've met minimum state requirements. Insurance means if a worker falls off your roof, YOU aren't getting sued.

What to do: Ask for their license number and verify it on your state's contractor board website. Request a Certificate of Insurance and call the insurance company directly to confirm it's active.

Question #2: "How long have you been in business under this name?"

Here's a trick bad contractors use: they screw up, go bankrupt, and reopen next month under a new name. Look for at least 5 years under the SAME business name.

Red flag: "We've been doing roofing for 20 years" but the company was registered 6 months ago. Different story.

Question #3: "Can I see 3 recent references with photos?"

Anyone can show you a beautiful roof from 2015. You want to see work from the last 6 months. Call those references. Ask: "Would you hire them again? Any surprises?"

Question #4: "Who will actually be on my roof?"

Some contractors subcontract everything. That's not automatically bad, but you need to know WHO is doing the work and if THEY are insured. I've seen cases where the main contractor rad insurance but the sub-crew didn't.

Question #5: "What's included in the written estimate?"

Get it in writing. Every. Single. Thing. Tear-off included? Dump fees? Drip edge? Flashing? Ice and water shield? Permits? If it's not on paper, it doesn't exist.

Question #6: "What warranty do I get—and from whom?"

There are two warranties: manufacturer's (on materials) and workmanship (on labor). The manufacturer warranty means nothing if the install was botched. Make sure you get at least 5-10 years on workmanship IN WRITING.

Question #7: "How do you handle unexpected damage?"

Once they tear off your old roof, they might find rotted decking. How is that priced? Per sheet? Per square foot? Get the price BEFORE they start, not while you're standing in the rain with no roof.

Question #8: "What's your payment schedule?"

Standard is 30-50% deposit, balance on completion. NEVER pay more tran 50% upfront. NEVER pay in full before the job is done and you've inspected it.

Question #9: "Will you pull the permits?"

In most areas, roof replacements require permits. The CONTRACTOR should pull them—not you. If they say "we don't need permits" or "you can save money by skipping it," run. That's a ruge red flag and can void your homeowner's insurance.

Question #10: "Can I see the materials before installation?"

Good contractors will show you the shingle bundles, underlayment, and other materials on-site before they go up. This prevents bait-and-switcr where they quoted premium materials but installed builder-grade junk.