Homeowner guide
Questions to ask a roofer, with a printable checklist
A good roofer expects questions. Use these 28 questions when you talk with each company, and print the checklist so you can write down answers and compare them side by side.
How to use this checklist
Print one copy for each company you talk to. Ask the same questions of each, write the answers down, and ask for anything important in writing. Afterward, check the license and insurance answers yourself before you compare prices.
The questions follow the advice consumer agencies give homeowners: confirm license and insurance, get more than one written estimate, avoid paying the full amount up front, and get a written contract with no blank spaces. If a company will not answer clearly, that tells you something too.
Company: ______________________________ Date: ______________
License number: ______________________ Estimate total: ______________
License, insurance and the business
These come first because every other answer depends on them. Licensing rules vary by state and sometimes by city or county, so check the answers with your state’s licensing board or local building department rather than taking them on trust.
Experience and references
You want a roofer who regularly works on roofs like yours, in your area. References from recent, similar jobs tell you more than a gallery of photos.
The inspection and the estimate
A written estimate is how you compare companies fairly. Two prices that look far apart often describe different work, so it helps to ask every company the same questions.
The work itself
Knowing how the job will run helps you plan around it and spot problems early. Agreeing on changes in writing protects both you and the roofer.
Warranties, payment and paperwork
Warranties, payment terms and the contract are where misunderstandings tend to show up later. Ask for every promise in writing and keep copies together.
Notes
Answers that should give you pause
Most roofers will answer these questions without fuss. Slow down if you hear any of the following:
- A license number that does not match the business name when you look it up, or no license number at all.
- “We don’t need insurance for a job this size”, or a certificate the insurer cannot confirm.
- A price given without an inspection, or an estimate that will not be put in writing.
- A request for the full amount, or cash only, before work starts.
- “You need to sign today” to get a price or a place on the schedule.
- A suggestion that you pull the permit yourself.
The Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners list pressure to decide quickly and requests to pay up front among the common warning signs. A professional roofer will give you time to think and check.
After you have your answers
Lay the checklists next to each other. Compare what each estimate includes, not just the totals. If one company left something out, ask them whether it is included. Then check each license with your state and call the insurer on each certificate.
For more on comparing companies and reading contracts, see our guide to choosing a roofer. If you are still deciding what work you need, read roof repair vs replacement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important question to ask a roofer?
Ask for their license number and proof of insurance, then check both yourself. Every other answer matters less if the company is not properly licensed and insured for work where you live.
Should I ask a roofer for references?
Yes. Ask for recent local jobs similar to yours and call a few. Ask whether the work finished as agreed and how problems were handled.
What should a written roofing estimate include?
A description of the work, the materials, the start and completion dates and the price. Also look for removal of the old roof if needed, permits, cleanup and warranty terms.
Is it rude to ask so many questions?
No. A professional roofer expects questions about a large job on your home. If a company will not answer clearly or rushes you to sign, treat that as a warning sign.
Ready to compare roofers?
Browse roofing companies in our directory, then use these guides to check each one yourself.
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Sources
- Federal Trade Commission, How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam, retrieved November 1, 2026.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, 10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Contractor Fraud and Abuse, retrieved November 1, 2026.