Questions to Ask Before Signing a Roofing Contract

What Should You Ask Before Signing a Roofing Contract?

A roof replacement is a $9,000 to $30,000 project for most homeowners. These questions protect you from the most common problems.

What Is the Full Warranty Coverage?

Ask for the warranty in writing before signing: the shingle manufacturer’s material warranty (typically 30 to 50 years depending on product tier), and separately, the contractor’s labor/workmanship warranty (covering installation defects). Understand what voids the material warranty: improper installation, inadequate ventilation, or the wrong underlayment can void shingle warranties entirely. A manufacturer-certified contractor provides a combined system warranty that protects both components. The labor warranty is the contractor’s skin in the game — a 1-year labor warranty is the minimum standard; 5 to 10 years is better.

Who Does the Work?

Ask whether the crew performing the installation are employees of the roofing company or subcontractors. A company that subs out all roofing work to unknown crews has limited quality control over the installation. Some general roofing contractors use subcontractors effectively; others use inexperienced crews during busy storm seasons. Ask the contractor how they verify the quality of the crew performing your specific job. The foreman’s experience level and the crew’s familiarity with the specific material being installed matter for quality outcomes. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor.)

How Is Decking Replacement Priced?

Ask before the project starts: ‘If you find damaged decking during tear-off, how is it priced?’ Acceptable: a per-sheet price ($100 to $350 per 4×8 plywood sheet, which is $3 to $11 per square foot of decking) with documentation of what was replaced. Not acceptable: a vague ‘we’ll handle it’ without a clear pricing mechanism, or a very high per-sheet price that creates incentive to over-replace. Get the decking replacement pricing in writing as part of the contract. (For more on this, see Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement (Not Just Repair).)

What Is the Payment Schedule?

Maximum 30 percent deposit at signing. Delivery of materials can trigger a progress payment. Final payment after completion and your inspection. Never pay the full amount upfront. The final payment is your primary leverage for ensuring the job is completed to your satisfaction — do not surrender it before the project is done and inspected.

Working With a Contractor on This Project

Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.

Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.

Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project.

Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.

Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.

Making a Confident Decision

The information in this article is designed to help you ask better questions of the professionals you work with, evaluate their answers with more confidence, and understand the decisions involved in this type of home services project. It is not a substitute for professional assessment of your specific home.

Every home is different. Roof slopes, local weather, tree exposure, soil conditions, and existing system condition all affect what the right solution is for your specific situation. The general principles here apply broadly, but a professional who assesses your home in person will give you guidance that accounts for the details that general articles cannot.

When you are ready to move forward, getting at least two or three quotes from licensed, insured, local contractors is the most important practical step. It lets you compare approaches, assess contractor quality, and confirm that the solution proposed matches your specific situation and budget. The FTC advises hiring only licensed, insured contractors, getting the full scope in writing, and never paying the full amount up front.