You’ve probably been putting this off for a while. Maybe you noticed water stains creeping across your ceiling, found a few shingles scattered around your yard, or heard some suspicious rustling in your attic. Whatever tipped you off, the message is the same: it’s time to deal with your roof.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s exactly what we’re here for.
Finding the Right Roofer for the Job
Before any work gets done, you need to find a contractor you can actually trust. A quick online search will give you plenty of names, and asking friends or family for recommendations is always a smart move but neither of those approaches tells you everything you need to know about who’s qualified and who isn’t.
At Newhaus Roofing, we believe an informed homeowner is a confident homeowner. We serve homeowners across California and Texas, with offices in Houston, Arlington (Dallas), Los Angeles / Burbank, San Diego, and San Jose. So whether you’re vetting us or anyone else, here are 15 questions you should ask before signing anything.
Should You Hire a Pro or Go DIY?
We get it. Roofing videos make it look doable. And for small, minor repairs, a handy homeowner can sometimes manage. But a full roof replacement or a significant repair is a serious investment, and the stakes are high. A professional roofer brings knowledge of materials, local building codes, and safety practices that protect both your home and your wallet. Plus, you’ll have warranty options that give you real peace of mind long after the job is done.
Our honest advice? Hire a pro.
15 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
Think of meeting with a roofing contractor like a job interview because that’s exactly what it is. Here’s what to ask:
1. How much experience do you have? This isn’t just about how long the company has been open. Ask about the team’s overall experience in the industry. Many seasoned roofers have spent years working under other companies before going out on their own. You want to understand the depth of knowledge behind the crew showing up at your home.
2. Are you insured? This one is non-negotiable. Any reputable roofing contractor should carry general liability insurance at least $1 million worth to protect your home in case of accidental damage. Ask to see the certificate of insurance before work begins.
3. Are you licensed?
Licensing requirements vary by city and state, so check with your local municipality to find out what’s required in your area. A trustworthy contractor will happily provide a copy of their license. It’s also worth checking with your local Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no unresolved complaints on their record.
4. Will you provide a written estimate?
Verbal agreements leave too much room for misunderstandings. Your estimate should spell out exactly what work will be done, which products will be used, and whether any portion of the job will be subcontracted out. If it’s not in writing, it doesn’t count.
5. Will you do a thorough roof inspection first?
A good contractor won’t just glance at your roof and start quoting numbers. They should inspect the deck, attic, flashing, chimney, soil stacks, valleys, and all other penetrations. A complete picture of your roof’s condition is the only way to accurately scope the job.
6. Do you check attic ventilation?
This one surprises a lot of homeowners, but proper attic ventilation is a huge deal. Poor ventilation can shorten the life of your shingles and create conditions for dangerous mold growth. Your contractor should inspect your ventilation system and walk you through what they find in plain language, not roofing jargon.
7. Can you explain how a roofing system works as a whole?
A roof isn’t just shingles. It’s a complete system of components that work together to protect your home. A knowledgeable contractor should be able to explain each layer including underlayment, decking, flashing, ventilation, and more and how they all fit together for maximum performance.
8. Do you understand ice and water barriers?
Depending on where you live, your roof may need specific protection against ice, snow, or wind driven rain. Your contractor should not only know the difference between various ice and water barrier products but should also be able to recommend the right solution for your specific climate and roof design.
9. Will you walk me through shingle options?
You should never feel like you’re being handed a take it or leave it choice on materials. There are many shingle styles, colors, and performance levels available, some with features like impact resistance or solar reflectance that may matter in your area. A great contractor gives you real options and helps you understand the tradeoffs.
10. Can you explain the difference between workmanship and manufacturer warranties?
These are two very different things, and it’s important to understand both. The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. The contractor’s workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation. Make sure you know what each covers and who to call if something goes wrong down the road.
11. Can you provide references?
Confident, experienced contractors are usually happy to share a list of past customers. Take them up on it and actually call a few references and ask about their experience. It only takes a few minutes and can tell you a lot.
12. When can you start?
Weather and scheduling can shift things around, but you should leave your initial meeting with a general sense of when your project will get underway. A vague or evasive answer here can be a red flag.
13. How’s your communication style?
Here’s a simple truth: if a contractor is hard to reach or dismissive of your questions before the job starts, it’s only going to get worse once they have your signature. Trust your gut. You want someone who listens, communicates clearly, and makes you feel like a priority.
14. What are your payment terms?
You should never pay for a roof upfront, full stop. For most standard jobs, payment in full at completion is the norm. Larger, more complex projects might require a different arrangement, but any legitimate contractor will put those terms in writing. If someone is pushing hard for a big deposit before work begins, proceed with caution.
15. Do you offer financing?
Financing options aren’t just helpful for budgeting. They can also signal that a contractor is financially stable. Lenders typically vet contractors before offering financing partnerships, so it’s a decent indicator that you’re dealing with a reputable business.
Get Started with a FREE Roof Inspection
At Newhaus Roofing, we’re happy to answer every single one of these questions and then some. We believe the best roofing relationships are built on transparency, clear communication, and quality work you can count on for years to come.Request your free estimate today and let’s get started. We’d love to earn your trust.