How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: 12 Questions That Filter Out 90% of Bad Actors
Storm chasers, unlicensed subs, and door-knockers dominate the post-storm market. Use this 12-question filter to hire a contractor you won't regret.
The single biggest predictor of a bad roofing experience isn't the material — it's the contractor. This checklist removes the majority of risk in under an hour.
License, insurance, and address
Verify the state contractor license number on the state licensing board website — not on the truck.
Ask for a current certificate of insurance (COI) sent directly from the insurance agent — not a PDF from the contractor. Confirm both general liability ($1M+) and workers' comp.
Physical address in your county, on Google Street View, in business under the same LLC for 5+ years.
Manufacturer certifications
GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster. These are gated by volume, complaint rate, and passing manufacturer audits.
The certification is what unlocks the extended system warranty. No certification = no meaningful warranty.
The 12 questions to ask on the first call
1. State license number and year issued?
2. Physical business address?
3. Are your crews employees or subcontractors, and is the sub's workers' comp on your COI?
4. Which manufacturer are you certified with?
5. Do you offer the extended (system) warranty, and what does it cost?
6. Will my proposal itemize underlayment, ice-and-water shield, starter, ridge, and ventilation?
7. Will you photograph decking before shingles go on?
8. Who is my point of contact during install?
9. What is your workmanship warranty and is it in writing?
10. Deposit policy? (Anything more than 10% or first-payment-on-delivery is a red flag.)
11. Do you pull the permit? (If they ask you to pull it, they're avoiding license accountability.)
12. Can I have three references from installs in the last 12 months in this ZIP code?
Red flags to walk away from
Door-knocking after a storm without an appointment.
'We'll waive your deductible.' (Insurance fraud in every state.)
Pressure to sign a contingency contract on the first visit.
Refusal to itemize the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the cheapest bid usually the worst?
- Not always, but the cheapest bid on a storm claim almost always skips underlayment upgrades, ice-and-water shield, and code items — the exact things that let insurance underpay the supplement later.
- Should I sign an AOB (Assignment of Benefits)?
- Rarely. AOBs give the contractor control of your insurance claim. FL restricted them heavily in 2023, and most reputable contractors no longer require them.
Choosing materials for your roof?
Compare brands and price your project before you sign anything.