What to Ask a Roofing Contractor: 7 Questions

While roof inspections are a priority, repairing your roof can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You want to make sure you hire the right team for the job, and that’s why knowing what to ask a roofing contractor is so important. In fact, roof repair and replacement costs in the U.S. totaled nearly $31 billion in 2024, reflecting how common and costly roofing work has become for homeowners nationwide.

Asking the right questions up front helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your home is in capable hands. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the most important questions to ask when interviewing roofers, how to evaluate qualifications, what to look for in warranties and estimates, and why doing your homework now can protect your home for years to come.

What to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before You Hire One

Before you start getting quotes, it’s a good idea to sit down with potential contractors and ask questions that will help you define the right one for you. Getting estimates without these conversations can leave you paying for surprises or low-quality work. Are you still asking yourself, “What questions should I ask a roofing contractor?” Well, let’s break down the essential ones to inquire about. 

Are You Licensed and Fully Insured?

This should always be one of the first questions to ask a roofer, because licensing confirms they understand local codes and requirements. Insurance matters just as much; without it, you could be financially responsible if a worker is injured or property damage occurs. A trustworthy contractor will gladly show proof and explain their coverage without hesitation.

What Certifications or Manufacturer Credentials Do You Have?

Certifications show that a contractor has gone beyond the basics of roofing and completed advanced training on proper installation standards. Manufacturer-backed credentials often come with stricter requirements, routine audits, and access to stronger warranty protections for homeowners. It’s also a good sign when a contractor maintains third-party accreditation focused on ethics, transparency, and customer trust. Those extra layers of accountability help ensure your roof is installed correctly, not just quickly.

Will You Do A Full Roof And Attic Inspection Before Quoting?

A full inspection should always include both the roof and the attic. The attic often reveals hidden issues such as moisture damage, poor ventilation, or rotting wood; problems that may not be obvious from the outside. That’s why this is one of the most important questions to ask when getting a new roof, as it helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures your estimate reflects the true scope of work.

Is This A Full Tear-Off Or A Roof Overlay?

Tear-offs allow the contractor to remove all old roofing materials and fully assess the condition of your decking, flashing, and underlayment. Overlays may seem faster or cheaper, but they often trap existing problems and reduce the lifespan of your new roof. A trustworthy roofer will walk you through why a full tear-off is usually the better investment for long-term performance.

What’s Included In Your Written Estimate?

Every detail should be clearly outlined, including materials and labor, tear-off, disposal, and contingency costs. One of the smartest questions to ask when getting a roof estimate is how they handle potential extras, such as decking repairs or steep-slope surcharges. A contractor who offers a fully itemized, easy-to-understand estimate is far more likely to be transparent throughout the project.

What Warranties Do You Offer On Labor And Materials?

Not all warranties are created equal. Some cover materials only, while others include workmanship—both are critical to protect your investment. Ask whether the contractor offers manufacturer-backed warranties and how long their labor guarantee lasts; strong warranties often signal higher installation standards and greater accountability.

How Will You Protect My Property During Construction?

Roofing is loud, messy work, but it doesn’t have to damage your home. Ask about tarps, ladders with gutter guards, debris removal, and daily cleanup procedures. This is one of those questions to ask roofers that shows whether they value your entire property, not just the roof's square footage. A professional team will have systems in place to keep your landscaping, driveway, and siding protected from start to finish.

Red Flags to Watch For in Contractor Responses

Even when you're asking all the right things, how a contractor answers can tell you a lot. Some responses sound polished but are vague or evasive, and those are the ones that should raise concern. When going through your questions to ask a roofing company, keep your ears open not just for answers, but also for hesitations, contradictions, or dismissive attitudes.

Here are some red flags that indicate the contractor may not be the right fit:

• Avoids Showing Documentation: If they dodge questions about licenses, insurance, or certifications, that’s a major red flag.

• Gives Quotes Without Inspections: A roofer who offers pricing without inspecting your roof or attic is skipping crucial steps.

• Provides Vague or Verbal Estimates: If everything is “ballpark” or not in writing, you’ll likely face hidden charges later.

• Pushes Roof Overlays: Insisting overlays are always better than tear-offs often signals they’re cutting corners.

• Dodges Warranty Questions: If they can’t clearly explain labor or material coverage, there’s a good chance there isn’t much.

Trustworthy roofing companies take the time to walk you through your options, answer honestly, and never rush you through the conversation. If any answers feel off, that’s your signal to keep looking.

How to Choose the Right Contractor

Choosing a contractor is about more than pricing; it’s about trust, process, and long-term protection for your home. Once you’ve worked through your questions to ask roofing contractors, the next step is understanding how to weigh their responses against what matters most for your project.

Clear Scope

The best contractors are upfront about what’s included and what’s not. This means clearly stating whether decking, flashing, and ventilation work are part of the job, and explaining how the roof will be removed, installed, and cleaned up. When the scope is clear, there are fewer surprises, fewer change orders, and far less stress.

Warranty Coverage

Solid warranties back good roofing work. That includes both the manufacturer's material protection and the contractor's workmanship guarantee. The more detailed and transparent the warranty coverage, the more confident you can be in the roof’s long-term performance.

Long-Term Accountability

Roofing isn’t just about installation day. You want a contractor who will still be around years from now, ready to address concerns or honor warranties if something goes wrong. This means looking for companies with strong reputations, proper credentials, and a documented process—not just a name on a truck.

Restoration Roofing Co.’s Transparent Roofing Process

As a trusted roofing contractor in Maryland, Restoration Roofing Co. takes the guesswork out of roof replacement by focusing on education, communication, and complete system integrity. We don’t just quote a job, we explain every step, from attic inspection and material selection to full tear-off and proper ventilation. 

Our process includes thorough assessments, written estimates with no surprises, and manufacturer-backed warranties that give homeowners peace of mind. Whether it’s your first time replacing a roof or your forever home needs an upgrade, our team is here to make sure you feel confident, protected, and informed.

Why Maryland Homeowners Trust Us

Homeowners across Maryland rely on us. because we combine industry-leading credentials with a customer-first mindset. Our attention to detail, commitment to transparency, and focus on long-term performance have made us a top-rated local contractor. What sets us apart is more than just quality work—it’s how we guide homeowners through every phase of the project. We are:

• Manufacturer-Certified Installers: Our CertainTeed credentials reflect strict standards, ongoing training, and access to enhanced warranty coverage.

• Accredited and Ethical: We’re proud to maintain an A+ reputation with third-party organizations that evaluate customer service and business integrity.

• Clear Start-To-Finish Process: From free evaluations to cleanup, we walk you through every step with a single dedicated point of contact.

It’s not just about replacing a roof, it’s about doing it right the first time and being a company you can call years from now with total confidence.

Final Words on What to Ask Roofing Contractors

Knowing what questions to ask a roofing contractor helps you avoid shortcuts, spot red flags, and choose someone who stands behind their work. From verifying licensing and insurance to understanding the full scope of work, warranties, and final inspections, asking the right questions leads to better outcomes and fewer headaches.

Ready for honest answers and zero-pressure guidance? Schedule your free roofing estimate with Restoration Roofing Co. today, and get peace of mind built right into your roof.