When your roof starts leaking or you notice missing shingles, it can be a stressful time. Your roof protects your entire home, so when there’s damage, you want it fixed right away. But choosing the wrong person for the job can cost you time, money, and even more problems down the road.
That’s why it’s so important to ask the right questions before hiring a roofer. Whether you’re fixing a small leak or replacing the entire roof, knowing what to ask can help you avoid shady contractors and poor work.
Do You Have Experience with Residential Roofing?
Before you hire anyone, you want to make sure they’ve worked on homes like yours. Some roofers may only focus on commercial buildings or industrial projects, which means they might not be the best fit for your home.
Residential roofing involves different materials, designs, and methods, so it’s important that the roofer has experience working with houses. You can ask them how many residential projects they’ve done recently and what types of roofs they’ve worked on. A roofer with a solid history of doing home roofs will likely be better prepared to handle yours.
Is Your Roofing Company Licensed and Insured?
A professional roofing company should always be licensed to do work in your area. A license means they meet the standards required by your state or local government. It also shows that they take their business seriously. Just as important is insurance. If the roofer doesn’t have proper insurance, you could be responsible if someone gets hurt on the job or if there’s damage to your home.
Always ask to see proof of both a license and insurance before agreeing to anything. It’s okay to double-check and even call the insurance provider if you want to be sure.
Can You Provide Local References?
One of the best ways to know if a roofer does good work is by hearing from people they’ve helped before. Ask if they can give you the names of a few local homeowners they’ve worked with.
You can call these people and ask if they were happy with the work, if the job was done on time, and if there were any problems. Some roofers may also have online reviews, but talking to a real customer often gives you a better idea of what to expect.
What Materials Will You Use?
Not all roofing materials are the same. Some last longer than others, and some look better on certain homes. Ask your roofer what kind of shingles or other materials they plan to use and why. You want to know that they’re using high-quality products that will last.
If they suggest a cheaper option, make sure you understand the pros and cons. A good roofer should be able to explain why one material is better than another and help you choose what’s best for your home.
What’s Included in the Quote?
Before any work starts, make sure you get a written quote that lists everything that will be done and what it will cost. Ask if the quote includes materials, labor, cleanup, and any unexpected costs that might come up. If something seems unclear or missing, don’t be afraid to ask for details.
A clear quote protects both you and the roofer and helps avoid surprises later. You should also ask how long the job will take and if bad weather might delay the work.