15 Questions You MUST Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring Them
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Whether you’re dealing with a leak, storm damage, or an aging roof that’s seen better days, hiring the right roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. But with so many options out there, how can you be sure you’re choosing a company that’s reliable, experienced, and trustworthy?
The key is to ask the right questions. A reputable roofer will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. At Nailed It Roofing, we believe in transparency and empowering our customers with knowledge. That’s why we’ve compiled this essential list of 15 questions to ask any roofing contractor before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
This is the most important question you can ask. A legitimate roofing contractor will be licensed to work in your state (both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have specific requirements) and carry two types of insurance:
- General Liability Insurance: This protects your property from any damage the contractor might cause during the roofing project.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance: This covers the contractor’s employees if they are injured on the job, protecting you from any liability.
Don’t just take their word for it. Ask for copies of their license and insurance certificates, and make sure they are up-to-date.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
While a new company isn’t necessarily a bad thing, a long-established roofing company with a solid reputation in your local area is always a safer bet. A company that has been around for many years has a proven track record of quality work and customer satisfaction. Nailed It Roofing has been proudly serving homeowners throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania for years, and we have a long list of satisfied customers to show for it.
3. Can You Provide a List of References?
A reputable roofing contractor should be able to provide you with a list of recent customers you can contact. Speaking to past customers is a great way to get an unbiased opinion of the contractor’s work, professionalism, and reliability. Ask them about their overall experience, the quality of the workmanship, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
4. Do You Use Subcontractors?
Some roofing companies use subcontractors for all or part of their work. While this is a common practice, it’s important to know who will be working on your home. If a contractor does use subcontractors, ask if they are also licensed and insured. At Nailed It Roofing, we use our own team of highly trained and experienced roofers to ensure the highest quality workmanship on every job.
5. What Type of Roofing Materials Do You Recommend and Why?
A good roofer will be able to explain the different types of roofing materials available and recommend the best option for your home and budget. They should be knowledgeable about the pros and cons of different materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and flat roofing systems. They should also be able to explain the different brands they work with, such as GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed.
6. Will You Provide a Detailed, Written Estimate?
Never accept a verbal estimate. A professional roofing contractor will provide you with a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the costs of labor, materials, and any other expenses. The estimate should also include a clear description of the work to be done, the project timeline, and the payment terms.
7. What is Your Workmanship Warranty?
There are two types of warranties to consider: the manufacturer’s warranty on the roofing materials and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. The workmanship warranty covers any errors in the installation. A reputable roofer will stand behind their work with a solid workmanship warranty. Be sure you understand the terms and length of the warranty before you sign a contract.
8. How Will You Protect My Property During the Project?
A roofing project can be a messy job. Ask the contractor what steps they will take to protect your landscaping, siding, windows, and driveway from damage. A professional roofer will use tarps and other protective measures to keep your property clean and safe. They should also have a plan for cleaning up debris at the end of each day and upon completion of the project.
9. Do You Have a Safety Plan?
Roofing is a dangerous job, and safety should be a top priority. Ask the contractor about their safety plan and the measures they take to protect their workers and your family. A professional roofing company will have a comprehensive safety program in place and be in compliance with all OSHA regulations. For more information on roofing safety, you can visit the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) website.
10. Will You Pull the Necessary Permits?
Most roofing projects require a permit from your local municipality. A professional roofing contractor will be familiar with the local building codes and will handle the permit process for you. This is an important step that ensures your new roof is up to code and will pass inspection.
11. How Will You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Even with the most careful planning, unexpected issues can arise during a roofing project, such as rotted decking or hidden structural damage. Ask the contractor how they handle these situations and what the process is for addressing any additional costs. A reputable roofer will communicate with you immediately and provide you with a written change order for any additional work that is needed.
12. Who Will Be My Main Point of Contact?
Clear communication is key to a successful roofing project. Ask who your main point of contact will be and how you can reach them with any questions or concerns. A good roofing contractor will have a project manager or a dedicated point of contact who will keep you updated on the progress of your project and be available to address any issues that may arise.
13. How Long Will the Project Take?
While the timeline for a roofing project can be affected by weather and other factors, a good roofer should be able to give you a realistic estimate of how long the project will take. This will help you plan accordingly and minimize any disruption to your daily routine.
14. What Are Your Payment Terms?
Be wary of any contractor who asks for the full payment upfront. A reputable roofer will typically ask for a deposit to cover the cost of materials, with the final payment due upon completion of the project and your satisfaction with the work. Make sure the payment terms are clearly outlined in the written contract.
15. What Sets You Apart From Other Roofing Contractors?
This is your opportunity to learn what makes the contractor unique and why you should choose them over the competition. A good roofer will be able to articulate their company’s values, their commitment to quality, and their dedication to customer satisfaction. They should be able to tell you about their training, certifications, and any specializations they may have.
Why Nailed It Roofing is the best roofer for your New Jersey Home?
At Nailed It Roofing, we’re confident that we have the right answers to all of these questions. We are a fully licensed and insured roofing company serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We have a team of experienced and certified roofers who are committed to providing the highest quality workmanship and customer service. We offer a wide range of roofing services, from repairs to full replacements, and we use only the best materials from trusted manufacturers like GAF.
We believe in open and honest communication, and we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your roofing project is a success. We invite you to ask us these questions and any others you may have. We’re confident that once you do, you’ll see why Nailed It Roofing is the right choice for your home.
Ready to get started? Contact Nailed It Roofing today for a free, no-obligation estimate!
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do roofers have to be licensed and insured?
Yes, absolutely. In states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, a legitimate roofing contractor must hold a valid state license to perform home improvement work. More importantly, they must carry both General Liability insurance to protect your property from damage and Worker’s Compensation insurance to cover their employees in case of injury. Hiring a roofer without both is a significant risk to you as a homeowner.
2. How to verify a business is licensed and insured?
Don’t just take their word for it. Ask the contractor to provide you with a copy of their state license and their insurance certificates for both General Liability and Worker’s Compensation. You can then contact the licensing board or the insurance agency directly to confirm that the policies are active and up-to-date. A reputable contractor will provide this documentation without hesitation.
3. How can you tell if a business is insured?
A legitimate, insured business will readily offer proof of insurance. Ask for their insurance certificates. The certificate will list the policy numbers, coverage limits, and the name of the insurance carrier. Be wary of any contractor who is evasive or cannot produce these documents promptly.
4. How to know if a construction company is legit?
A legitimate construction company will have several key characteristics: they are properly licensed and insured, have a physical business address, have a long-standing presence in the community, provide detailed written estimates, offer warranties on their work, and can supply a list of recent references you can contact.
5. How to spot a fake contractor?
Be cautious of contractors who use high-pressure sales tactics, demand full payment upfront (especially in cash), or show up uninvited after a storm. Other red flags include not having a marked company vehicle, being unable to provide proof of license or insurance, and offering a price that seems too good to be true.
6. What questions should I ask a roofing contractor?
You should ask about their license and insurance, how long they’ve been in business, if they use subcontractors, and for a list of references. It’s also critical to ask about the specific materials they recommend, their workmanship warranty, how they protect your property, and how they handle permits and unexpected issues. Finally, always insist on a detailed written contract.
7. How can you tell a good roofer?
A good roofer communicates clearly and professionally. They are transparent about their process, pricing, and timeline. They have a strong local reputation, positive online reviews, and are certified by major manufacturers like GAF or Owens Corning. They will also prioritize safety and leave your property clean upon project completion.
8. What is a workmanship and materials warranty?
These are two separate warranties that protect your investment. The material warranty is provided by the manufacturer of the shingles or other roofing products and covers defects in the materials themselves. The workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor and covers any errors made during the installation process. A reputable roofer provides a strong workmanship warranty to stand behind the quality of their labor.
9. What is meant by workmanship warranty?
A workmanship warranty is the contractor’s guarantee on the quality of their installation. If a leak or other issue occurs due to an installation error, such as improper nailing or flashing installation, the contractor is responsible for fixing the problem at no cost to you for the duration of the warranty period.
10. How do you know if your roofing contractor is ripping you off?
Signs of a potential scam include vague or incomplete estimates, pressure to sign a contract immediately, a large upfront cash deposit request, or if the contractor claims to have leftover materials from a “nearby job.” A trustworthy contractor provides a detailed, itemized estimate and has clear, fair payment terms outlined in a written contract.
11. What are the biggest red flags to watch for when hiring a roofer?
The biggest red flags are a lack of proper licensing and insurance, demanding cash payment or the full amount upfront, an inability to provide local references, using high-pressure sales tactics, and providing a non-detailed or purely verbal estimate. Avoid any contractor who exhibits these behaviors.
12. Why is a local, established roofing company a better choice?
A local company with a long history in the community has a reputation to uphold. They are familiar with local building codes and permit requirements, understand the specific weather challenges of the region (like in New Jersey and Pennsylvania), and will be there to honor their workmanship warranty should any issues arise years down the line.
13. What should I expect in a professional roofing contract?
A professional contract should be a detailed, written document that leaves no room for ambiguity. It must include a full scope of work, an itemized breakdown of costs for labor and materials, brand names of products being used, the projected start and completion dates, payment terms, and details on both the material and workmanship warranties.
14. How will a professional roofer protect my home and property during installation?
A professional crew will take deliberate steps to protect your property. This includes using tarps to cover landscaping, siding, and windows; strategically placing a dumpster on protective boards to avoid driveway damage; and performing a thorough cleanup with magnetic sweeps at the end of each day to remove stray nails and debris.
15. What’s the process for handling unexpected damage found during a roof replacement?
A professional contractor will stop work immediately upon discovering unforeseen issues, such as rotted decking. They will document the problem with photos, clearly explain the situation to you, and provide a written change order outlining the necessary additional work and associated costs. They will not proceed with the extra work until you have reviewed and approved the change order.
