TITLE: Before You Sign: What Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring
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---The contract you sign with a roofing contractor defines every aspect of your legal relationship with the contractor. Signing quickly leaves you exposed on every dimension. Seven specific questions asked before any contract is executed reveal the quality of the contractor, the completeness of the scope, and the strength of your protections. These questions cost nothing to ask and can save thousands of dollars in disputes, substandard work, and unpleasant surprises.
License number and insurance documentation are the first things to verify, not the last. Ask for the license number and verify it on your state licensing board website - do not rely on the card the contractor hands you. Request a certificate of insurance naming you as the certificate holder. Confirm the policy expiration dates are current. Confirm the certificate shows both general liability and workers compensation coverage. A contractor who hesitates to provide a current COI does not earn the next conversation.
Ask specifically what the general liability policy covers and what the coverage limits are. A $500,000 GL policy may not be sufficient for a large residential project. General liability covers damage to your property caused by the crew - accidental damage to your siding, windows, landscaping, or the interior of the home. Workers compensation covers injuries to crew members on your property. Without workers comp, the property owner can be held liable for medical costs and lost wages if a worker is injured. Both coverages are non-negotiable.
Ask what specific shingle product they are installing. Require the exact brand, product line, color, and shingle weight in writing. A contract that says only shingles or dimensional asphalt shingles gives the contractor latitude to substitute a cheaper product without your knowledge. GAF Timberline HDZ, Owens Corning Duration, and CertainTeed Landmark are specific products with specific performance specifications and warranty terms. Name the product in the contract so substitution requires your written approval.
Ask how many layers are being torn off and what happens if deck damage is found. The protocol for unexpected deck conditions - who approves additional work and at what cost per sheet - should be stated in the contract before a single shingle is touched. Ask for the start date, the estimated completion, and what happens if weather delays the schedule. Ask what the payment schedule is and what triggers each payment. These are not adversarial questions - they are the standard items any professional contractor should be able to answer without hesitation.
Ask for the workmanship warranty in writing. How long does the contractor warrant their labor? What specific conditions does it cover? Does a callback include full tear-off and reinstall if an installation defect is found, or only a patch of the failed area? A professional contractor should provide a minimum of two years on workmanship. A contractor who cannot commit to a workmanship warranty in writing is not providing a professional-grade service. Verbal promises are not warranties.
Ask whether the manufacturer warranty requires installation by a credentialed contractor. GAF Golden Pledge, Owens Corning Platinum Protection, and CertainTeed SureStart PLUS each require installation by a manufacturer-certified roofer. If the contractor is not credentialed, the enhanced system warranty is not available - only the base product warranty applies. For a $12,000 to $18,000 investment, knowing exactly what warranty coverage you are getting is not a secondary concern. Get the warranty terms confirmed in the contract so there are no misunderstandings about what is covered when you need to use it.
Every question on this list is answered routinely by professional contractors. If a contractor cannot see more answer them or becomes defensive when asked, that response is its own answer about what kind of project experience to expect.