Questions about the contractor
1. What is your California contractor license number?
Ask for the license number and the business name that will appear on your contract. Check that they match the contractor’s record and that the license covers the proposed roofing work. You can find guidance on checking a contractor’s license and references before signing.
2. Can you provide proof of insurance?
Ask about general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, including who will be working on your property. Request current documentation and confirm any questions with the insurer. A contractor license number alone does not explain the insurance coverage for your job.
3. Have you completed roofs like mine?
Ask for recent examples using the same roofing material and a similar roof design. Experience with asphalt shingles does not answer every question about tile, metal, or a commercial membrane roof. Look at completed roofing projects and ask whether you can contact a previous customer.
4. Who will supervise the job?
Find out whether the contractor uses employees, subcontractors, or both. Ask who will be on site, who checks the installation, and whom you should call about schedule changes, damage, or extra costs.
Questions about your roof
5. Can this roof be repaired instead of replaced?
Ask the roofer to show you the damage and explain why a repair would or would not be enough. Request photos of areas you cannot see from the ground. If the problem is limited to one leak or flashing detail, ask for a roof repair estimate alongside the replacement recommendation.
6. Will you remove the old roofing?
Ask how many layers are present, whether the quote includes removing all of them, and how the wood underneath will be inspected. If an overlay is proposed, ask why it is suitable and how the contractor will check manufacturer and local requirements.
7. Which materials are included?
Request the brand and product name, not just “architectural shingles” or “TPO.” Ask about underlayment, flashing, ventilation, roof edges, and any insulation included in the price. For single-ply roofing, ask about membrane thickness, attachment method, and seam installation.
8. What happens if you find rotten wood?
Ask how decking, fascia, or framing repairs will be priced and whether the quote includes an allowance. Request photos and a written description of extra repairs before approving them. The agreement should explain how changes to the contract are documented and approved.
Questions about price and scheduling
9. What does the estimate leave out?
Ask specifically about permits, disposal, wood repairs, gutters, skylights, and removing or reinstalling solar panels. Compare the same items across bids. Our Sacramento roof replacement cost guide explains common costs and extras, but your estimate should be based on your roof’s measurements and condition.
10. Who handles permits and inspections?
Ask whether a permit is needed, who will obtain it, and whether fees and inspection visits are included. Find out who handles any corrections requested by the inspector. Have these responsibilities written into the contract.
11. When can you start, and how long will it take?
Ask for an estimated start date and installation time. Discuss material delivery, daily work hours, and what happens if rain interrupts the job. Ask how exposed areas will be protected overnight and who to contact if water gets inside.
12. What is the payment schedule?
Ask when each payment is due and what completed work it corresponds to. Read the deposit, progress-payment, and final-payment terms before signing. Keep a copy of the written contract and payment schedule, along with receipts for payments.
Questions about cleanup and follow-up
13. How will you protect the property and clean up?
Ask where materials and debris containers will go, what needs to be moved, and how landscaping, windows, driveways, and outdoor equipment will be protected. Confirm who removes the debris and checks for loose nails. For occupied commercial buildings, discuss entrances, customer access, and parking before installation starts.
14. What warranties will I receive?
Ask for the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty in writing. Check what each covers, what it excludes, how long it lasts, and whether registration or maintenance is required. Ask whom to call if the roof leaks after installation.
15. What will you provide when the job is finished?
Ask for completion photos, warranty documents, maintenance instructions, and any applicable final inspection record. Arrange a walkthrough to discuss unfinished items before the job is closed out.
Bring this checklist to your estimate
- License number and insurance documents.
- Photos explaining the recommended repairs or replacement.
- Named materials and a written list of included items.
- Prices and approval terms for extra repairs.
- Permit responsibilities, schedule, and payment terms.
- Cleanup arrangements and written warranties.
Higher Level Roofing provides free roof replacement estimates. Bring your questions to the appointment so we can discuss the roof’s condition, proposed materials, and estimate together.
