Checklist: What to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Your roof is one of the most important—and expensive—components of your home. When it's time for a replacement or major repair, choosing the right contractor is crucial. Unfortunately, the roofing industry has its share of unqualified operators, scammers, and fly-by-night companies that leave homeowners with shoddy work and no recourse. Use this comprehensive checklist to protect yourself and your investment.

Essential Questions to Ask Every Roofing Contractor

Licensing and Insurance

"Are you licensed to work in Alabama?" All legitimate roofing contractors in Alabama should hold appropriate state licensing. Ask to see their license and verify it's current. You can check license status with the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.

"Can you provide proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation?" This is non-negotiable. Liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property. Workers' compensation protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Without these, you could be held liable for damages or injuries. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they're current by calling the insurance company directly.

Experience and Reputation

"How long have you been in business, and do you have a permanent local address?" Longevity matters in roofing. Companies that have been operating in the community for years have a reputation to maintain. Be wary of contractors who only provide a cell phone number or PO box.

"Can you provide local references from recent jobs?" A reputable contractor will happily provide references from satisfied customers in your area. Take time to call a few and ask about their experience. Were they satisfied with the work? Was the project completed on time? Would they hire this contractor again?

"What do your online reviews say?" Check Google, the Better Business Bureau, and other review sites. Look for patterns in both positive and negative reviews. One bad review among dozens of good ones might be an outlier, but consistent complaints about the same issues are a red flag.

The Work Itself

"What specific materials will you use, and what are their warranty terms?" Get specifics about the shingle brand and product line, underlayment type, flashing materials, and ventilation components. Ask about manufacturer warranty terms and whether the contractor is certified to offer enhanced warranties.

"What is included in your workmanship warranty?" Understanding exactly what the contractor will guarantee—and for how long—is essential. A 1-year warranty is minimal; look for contractors offering 5 years or more. But remember: a warranty is only as good as the company behind it.

"Will you pull the required permits and schedule inspections?" Proper permits protect you by ensuring the work meets local building codes. Reputable contractors handle permits as a matter of course. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to "save you money," that's a major red flag.

"Can you provide a detailed, written estimate?" The estimate should clearly specify the scope of work, materials to be used, timeline, payment terms, and total cost. Verbal agreements and vague estimates leave too much room for misunderstanding.

Red Flags to Avoid

High-pressure sales tactics or demands for large upfront payments, door-to-door solicitations immediately after storms, prices that seem too good to be true, reluctance to provide licensing, insurance, or references, insistence on starting work before insurance approval, and contractors who want to negotiate directly with your insurance company without your involvement.

Taking the time to properly vet contractors protects your home and your wallet. At River City Roofing Solutions, we welcome your questions—because we know our credentials, our reputation, and our work speak for themselves.