How to Choose a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Sign
A roofing proposal should answer your questions before you sign it.
The right contractor should be able to explain the work, show relevant experience and tell you who is responsible from the first inspection through the final cleanup. These 10 questions help you compare companies on more than price.
Start Here: Check the Registration
Do this before you sign a contract or pay a deposit. It's free and only takes a few minutes.
Washington: Use the L&I "Verify a Contractor" Tool
Washington requires construction contractors, roofers included, to register with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Its free lookup lets you search by business name, owner name, registration number or UBI number. Look for:
An active contractor registration
A bond and insurance on file
Any violations or lawsuits against the bond
North Idaho: Check Idaho Contractor Registration
Idaho requires most contractors to register with the state. The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) has a public search. Ask for the registration number and confirm that the record matches the business you are hiring.
10 Questions to Ask a Roofer Before You Sign
1. Are you registered, bonded and insured? Can I see proof?
Ask for a copy of their liability insurance and proof of workers' comp. Check that the coverage fits your job and stays current until the work is done. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) suggests the same.
2. Where is your business, and how do I reach you later?
A trustworthy roofer has a real address and a phone that still gets answered after the job is done. That matters if a warranty question ever comes up.
3. Can I see reviews and photos of past jobs?
Read their Google reviews. Look past the star count to how the company handled problems. Ask for photos of work like yours.
4. Who will be on my roof, and who's in charge?
Find out who runs the crew and who your main contact is. You should have one name to call if something looks off.
5. What exactly is in the written estimate?
A clear estimate spells out:
Materials by name and product line
Tear-off, underlayment, ventilation and flashing
The expected schedule and how changes will be communicated
Payment terms
Cleanup and haul-away
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says to get every promise in writing and make sure every blank is filled in before you sign. Our guide to what decides the cost of a new roof shows how to compare quotes line by line.
6. What does my roof actually need, and what supports that recommendation?
Ask to see the findings and hear which options are practical. Depending on the roof, that could mean repairs, maintenance, rejuvenation, restoration or replacement. A useful recommendation explains both the proposed work and why it suits the existing system.
7. What warranties come with the job?
Ask what the manufacturer covers and what the contractor covers. Manufacturer warranties mainly cover product defects, and some upgraded options also cover certain installation errors. The contractor's workmanship warranty has its own terms. Compare what's covered, what's not, who registers the warranty and who handles a claim. Get it all in writing.
8. Who pulls the permit?
For a contracted roof replacement, confirm in writing who obtains required permits and requests inspections. Be cautious if a contractor shifts that responsibility to you without explaining why. Our permit guide explains what Spokane and Coeur d'Alene require.
9. How will you protect my home and clean up?
Ask about protection for occupants, vehicles, landscaping, siding, gutters and neighboring property. The proposal should address cleanup, nail collection, access and weather protection. For an occupied commercial property, discuss tenant communication and operating hours.
10. How and when do I pay?
The FTC advises against paying the full cost up front, and against making the final payment until the work is done right. Be careful with cash-only deals. If financing is offered, read the terms before you sign.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Most roofers in our area are hard-working people who do good work. These signs help you spot the rare exception:
Pressure to sign today or lose a "special deal"
A knock on the door with "leftover materials from a job down the street"
No written contract, or a contract with blanks
Cash only, or full payment before work starts
No registration number, or one that doesn't show up in the state lookup
Price is only one part of the choice. The cheapest bid and the best value aren't always the same thing.
How We Answer These Questions
Ask us these questions too. At First Rate Roofing Services, we document inspection findings with photos, video and a complete breakdown. Your proposal explains the approved work, materials, property protection, required permits and applicable warranty coverage and registration.
Ask for our current registration and insurance information and verify it through the state resources above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many estimates should I get?
L&I suggests at least three written bids. Compare what each one includes, not just the total. A bid that skips tear-off, flashing or cleanup isn't the same job.
A roofer knocked on my door after a storm. Should I be worried?
Not every door knocker is a scammer, but take your time. Get the business name, look it up, and don't sign anything that day. A trustworthy roofer will give you time to check.
What if a roofer doesn't show up in the state lookup?
Try the owner's name or part of the business name, since names can be listed differently. If you still can't find an active registration, ask the roofer about it. If the answer doesn't add up, keep looking.
Learn more about our Who We Are service.
Want a Second Opinion Before You Sign?
Book a free roof inspection. We'll take photos, explain what we see in plain words and walk you through your options.
Or call (509) 842-6611.
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