Questions to Ask Before Hiring
The Problem: Too Many Unknowns
Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the bigger home decisions you'll make. The stakes are real: your budget, your timeline, and the integrity of your home's biggest defense against the weather.
But most homeowners don't know where to start. You get a quote, maybe two, and you're supposed to just pick one. How do you actually know if you're making the right choice?
This guide walks you through the questions that actually matter. Ask these, and you'll understand what you're getting into before you sign anything.
What to Consider
The Contractor's Credentials
You need to know who you're hiring and whether they're actually qualified to do the work. This isn't about trust—it's about verification.
The Project Specifics
Every roof is different. Your contractor needs to understand your specific home, your materials, and your timeline before committing to anything.
Your Budget & Timeline
Know what you're paying for and what factors might affect the cost or schedule. No surprises partway through.
The Warranty & Follow-up
Understand what happens after the work is done. A good contractor stands behind their work.
Step Through It
Is your Home Improvement Contractor License current?
In New Hampshire, any home improvement contractor should be registered. Don't take their word for it. Before signing anything, you can verify a contractor's Home Improvement Contractor registration directly through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. This is the official state agency responsible for HIC registration. A few minutes of checking saves real headaches later.
What's your liability and workers' compensation insurance?
Get the name of their insurance carrier and a certificate of insurance. Call the carrier and verify it's active. If someone gets hurt on your property, you want to know you're covered. This isn't optional.
Can I see three references from similar projects?
Not satisfied customers from online—actual people you can call who had similar work done. Ask them specifically: Did the contractor finish on schedule? Were there any surprises? Would you hire them again?
How often do you recommend roof inspections?
Industry guidance from the National Roofing Contractors Association recommends scheduling roof inspections at least twice a year—a good benchmark question to ask any contractor about their inspection recommendations. A quality contractor will have a clear answer about ongoing maintenance.
What materials are you recommending and why?
Different roofs call for different materials. Asphalt shingles, metal, slate—each has tradeoffs in cost, durability, and maintenance. Ask your contractor to explain the pros and cons of what they're proposing for your specific home.
What's included in your warranty?
How long? Does it cover both materials and labor? What voids the warranty? Get this in writing. Some contractors warranty their labor for a few years; others for longer. Good ones stand behind their work.
What's your timeline and what could affect it?
When do they start? How long does the project take? What happens if weather delays things? What's the plan for protecting your home if work extends longer than expected?
Is your quote itemized or a lump sum?
A good quote breaks down labor, materials, permits, and any other costs. A vague lump sum makes it hard to compare apples to apples with other contractors.
When to Call a Professional
There's a difference between a contractor who does the job and one who does it right. After you've asked these questions, you'll know more than 90% of homeowners about what you're actually buying.
Trust Your Gut
If a contractor won't answer your questions, gets defensive about references, or rushes you to decide—that's a sign. A good contractor respects the process and understands you want to be informed. You're making a big investment. Take your time.
The right contractor will be honest about what your roof needs, explain their approach clearly, and stand behind their work. That's the baseline. Everything else is details.
Keep Exploring
Learn more about roofing decisions and when professional help is worth it.