This research-based guide contains no affiliate tracking, paid placement, contractor ranking, savings promise, or claim of inspecting an installation. Building conditions, codes, incentives, financing, and professional requirements vary; verify current local and official information.
Ask roofing contractors about inspection findings, scope, materials, ventilation, flashing, decking, permits, crews, weather protection, price, changes, warranties, payment, liens, and cleanup.
Questions about the inspection
- What conditions did you observe, and can you show dated photos by location?
- Is repair, partial replacement, or full replacement recommended—and why?
- Which areas could not be inspected?
- What evidence suggests active leakage, storm damage, age, installation error, ventilation trouble, or another cause?
- Does the attic, decking, flashing, drainage, or wall interface need further evaluation?
A contractor’s opinion and an insurer’s coverage decision are separate. Avoid anyone who promises claim approval, asks you to misstate damage, offers to absorb a deductible improperly, or demands assignment of benefits without careful review. Contact the insurer through a verified channel and understand local rules.
Questions that make bids comparable
| Area | Specify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Removal | Number of layers, tear-off, disposal, and surfaces protected. | Overlay and tear-off are different projects. |
| Decking | Inspection method, included quantity, unit price, authorization, and code requirement. | Hidden deterioration is a common change-order area. |
| Assembly | Manufacturer and product lines for underlayment, membrane, covering, fasteners, and ventilation. | A brand name alone does not define the installed system. |
| Details | Valleys, edges, walls, chimneys, skylights, penetrations, transitions, and drainage. | Leaks often occur at interfaces, not the field material. |
| Closeout | Inspection, photos, permit, warranty registration, cleanup, and lien releases. | Documentation supports future service and property decisions. |
Questions about the business and crew
- What is the exact legal business name, address, and time operating under that name?
- Which license is required locally, who holds it, and how can it be verified with the issuing authority?
- Can the insurer send current general liability and workers’ compensation evidence directly?
- Who is the contract holder, on-site supervisor, permit applicant, and warranty contact?
- Are installers employees or subcontractors, and who pays and supervises them?
- What training or manufacturer status applies to this exact system, and can it be confirmed independently?
Questions about protection and schedule
Ask how weather is monitored, how much roof is opened at once, what temporary protection is kept on site, and who responds after hours if protection fails. Define start conditions, estimated duration, working hours, access, material staging, landscaping protection, pets, noise, dust, and what counts as an excusable delay.
Questions about price and changes
The contract should state total scope and price, taxes, permit, disposal, allowances, unit prices, payment milestones, financing terms, and exclusions. Changes should require written description, cost, schedule impact, and authorization before work except for a defined emergency. Avoid a large cash payment, payment to an unrelated person, or a schedule that gets far ahead of completed work.
Ask how final payment relates to inspection, punch list, warranty documents, and lien releases. Rules differ by state; obtain qualified local guidance for lien rights and required notices.
Questions about warranties
Separate manufacturer material coverage, enhanced system coverage, and contractor workmanship coverage. Ask who diagnoses a leak, who pays access and interior repair, which maintenance and ventilation conditions apply, whether coverage transfers, and what happens if the installer closes. Obtain the actual documents, not only a duration printed on the proposal.
Coordinate future solar
If solar exists or is planned, identify who removes and reinstalls it, how penetrations are designed, which warranties may be affected, and whether roof and array lifetimes align. Use the solar buyer’s guide to keep the scopes and responsible parties consistent.
Pause for these warning signs
- An unsolicited contractor uses a disaster or insurance deadline to demand an immediate signature.
- The company will not provide a verifiable address, license, insurance, or written scope.
- The proposal omits flashing, ventilation, decking price, permits, cleanup, or change authorization.
- A salesperson asks you to sign completion documents before inspection.
- Warranty promises are broader than the actual documents.
- Financing is presented only as a monthly amount without total cost and security-interest terms.
Bottom line
The best contractor decision is built from verified identity and credentials, comparable scope, clear responsibility, controlled changes, and useful closeout evidence. Keep all versions, photos, payments, permits, warranties, and communications. A home warranty should not be assumed to cover roof defects or leaks; read its exact exclusions separately.
How we evaluated this page
We organized pre-contract questions around diagnosis, specification, building-science interfaces, permits, labor, safety, weather, change orders, insurance, warranties, payment, liens, cleanup, documentation, and future solar work.
Read the full review methodologySources and reference notes
Sources were checked on August 20, 2026. Product capabilities and prices can change; verify purchase-critical details directly.
- FTC: How to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam Federal guidance on contractor verification, written contracts, payment, and disaster-related fraud.
- FTC Pass It On: Home Repair Scams Consumer education on unsolicited work, payment pressure, and verification.