10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
The best way to judge a roofer is to ask good questions and listen to the answers. These ten questions to ask a roofer cover the company, the job and the paperwork, with what a solid answer sounds like.
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Why questions beat ads
Every roofing company says it is experienced, trusted and local. Questions cut through that. A contractor who knows the trade answers clearly and specifically, and shows you documents. One who does not tends to talk about price, urgency and how easy everything will be.
Ask these questions to every company you are considering, ideally in person during the inspection. Write down the answers. When you compare later, you will be comparing facts, not impressions. For the paperwork side, our licensed and insured contractor guide explains which documents to request.
You do not need to be a roofing expert to ask them. You only need to notice whether the answers are clear, consistent and backed by something you can check. A contractor who is comfortable with these questions will not mind you writing the answers down or asking for them in writing.
Questions 1 to 5: about the company
1. What is your full company name, address and phone number?
You want a physical address and a number that rings to the company, not only a cell phone. It is how you reach them a year from now.
2. Can you show me proof of insurance?
A good answer is a current certificate of insurance, given without hesitation. Ask how workers are covered if someone is hurt on your roof.
3. What license or registration do you hold, and who issued it?
Rules vary across Texas. The answer should name the issuer so you can confirm it yourself.
4. Are you credentialed by a shingle manufacturer?
Owens Corning and GAF credential contractors and list them on their own websites. Ask which level and check it.
5. How long have you been in business, and who will be on my roof?
Ask who runs the job day to day and whether the crew works for the company or is subcontracted.
Questions 6 to 10: about your roof and the job
6. What did you find, and can I see the photos?
A roofer who inspected the roof should show you the damage or wear, slope by slope, not just describe it.
7. Why repair, or why replace?
Ask them to explain the recommendation. Our guide to roof repair vs replacement shows what the reasoning should cover.
8. What exactly is in the estimate?
Tear-off, decking price, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and cleanup should be written down, with materials by product line.
9. What warranties apply, and what do they cover?
Ask what the manufacturer covers, whether the contractor offers a workmanship warranty, and get both in writing.
10. How do payment and scheduling work?
Ask when each payment is due, what triggers it, and how rain delays or decking surprises affect the schedule.
Listening to the answers
Good answers are specific and come with paper. Proof of insurance is a document, not a promise. A manufacturer credential can be checked on the manufacturer's site. An estimate lists what will be done. If an answer is vague, ask the question again in a different way, or ask for it in writing.
Pay attention to how the company treats your time. A contractor who lets you think, compare and call back is confident in the offer. One who pushes for a signature today is usually protecting a weak one. After a storm, that pressure is common. Our guide on what to do after a hailstorm damages your roof covers how to stay calm in that moment.
If insurance is involved, listen for honesty. No contractor can tell you what your insurer will pay. Coverage depends on your policy and your insurer's decision. A good roofer inspects, documents with photos and gives you a written estimate, then explains how the process works.
Also notice the questions the contractor asks you. A good roofer wants to know how old the roof is, whether it has leaked, whether it has been repaired, and what you want from the project. A contractor who asks nothing is usually selling the same job to everyone.
Finally, compare the answers to the paper. If a contractor told you the flashing would be replaced, it should be in the estimate. If they said the crew is their own, the contract should name who is responsible. What was said and what was written should match.
Answers that should worry you
Your roof will not cost you anything.
We will take care of your deductible. Texas law prohibits it.
This price is only good if you sign today.
We do not need to get on the roof to give you a number.
We do not put that in writing.
We need full payment before we order materials.
We can start tomorrow, but we cannot tell you who will be on site.
How to use the questions
Shortlist two or three companies
Choose companies you can verify, not only the first one at your door.
Ask the same ten questions
Use the same list with each so the answers are comparable. Take notes.
Verify what you can
Check the insurance certificate with the insurer and the manufacturer credential on the manufacturer's site.
Compare the estimates line by line
Use our guide on what to include in a roof replacement estimate to line them up.
Decide without pressure
Give yourself a day or two. A fair offer will still be there.
Ask GemSco all ten
Asking these questions takes about as long as the inspection itself, and it can save you from years of problems with the wrong contractor. If you want a reference for what the full project should look like once you hire, read what happens during a professional roof replacement.
We welcome every one of these questions. GemSco is family owned, fully licensed and insured, with more than 20 years of experience, and an elite contractor for Owens Corning and GAF. We inspect, show you photos and give you a free estimate in writing for residential and commercial roofs across Houston, Fort Worth, the rest of DFW, Austin and San Antonio. Start on our roof replacement page or call (844) 980-5506.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important question to ask a roofer?
Can you show me proof of insurance is near the top, because an uninsured job can leave you exposed if someone is hurt or your property is damaged. After that, ask to see photos of what they found on your roof. Both answers should come with something you can check.
How many roofing quotes should I get?
Two or three is usually enough to see the range and spot anything unusual. More than that can make comparison harder. What matters is that each estimate is in writing, based on an inspection, and detailed enough to compare line by line.
Is it a red flag if a roofer knocks on my door after a storm?
Not automatically, but it is a reason to be careful. Verify the company, its address and insurance before letting anyone on the roof or signing anything. Be wary of pressure to sign quickly or promises about what insurance will decide. A legitimate contractor will still be there after you check.
Should I hire a roofer who uses subcontractors?
Many companies use subcontracted crews, and that is not wrong by itself. What matters is who is responsible for the work, how the crew is insured and who supervises the job. Ask those questions directly and get the answers in writing as part of the contract.
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GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.