A roof is one of your home's biggest investments. Choosing the right contractor matters just as much as choosing the right materials. A licensed, insured, and reputable roofer protects you from liability, poor workmanship, and hidden costs. This guide walks you through the essential steps to vet a roofing contractor before you sign a contract.
What should you check when vetting a roofing contractor?
Quick Answer: Always verify your contractor's state license, active insurance coverage (general liability and workers' comp), written warranty on materials and labor, and at least three recent customer references. Cross-check licensing with your state board and call references to confirm past work quality.
How do you verify a roofing contractor's license?
Every licensed roofer should hold a valid state or local roofing license. The first step is to ask for their license number—any legitimate contractor will have it ready. Don't accept verbal assurance; ask to see the physical license or documentation.
Next, verify the license directly with your state's licensing board or contractor registry. You can usually search online by contractor name or license number. Check that the license is:
- Currently active (not expired or suspended)
- Listed under the correct contractor's name
- Valid for roofing work in your jurisdiction
- Free of complaints or disciplinary actions
Some states also require roofing contractors to pass specific exams or maintain continuing education. Verify these details through your state's department of licensing or labor board. If a contractor refuses to provide their license number or can't verify it, move on—that's a major red flag.
What insurance should a roofing contractor have?
Insurance protects both you and the contractor if something goes wrong. A reputable roofer carries two main types of coverage:
- General Liability Insurance: Covers property damage and injuries that happen at your home during the project. If a worker damages your gutters or a neighbor's fence, this pays for repairs.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Covers medical bills and lost wages if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you could be liable for their medical costs.
Ask the contractor for proof of current insurance—a certificate of insurance is standard. Request that your address be added to the policy or ask for written confirmation that you're covered during the project. Call the insurance company directly to verify the policy is active; contractors occasionally provide old or fake certificates.
For large projects, some homeowners also request that the contractor name you as an additional insured on their policy. This adds another layer of protection. Never hire a contractor who claims "insurance isn't necessary" or tries to work cash-only to avoid coverage—that saves them money, not you, and leaves you exposed to major liability.
Why does a written warranty matter for roof work?
A warranty protects your investment if the roof fails prematurely or work isn't done correctly. Most roofing projects should include two types of warranty:
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Covers the roofing materials (shingles, membrane, etc.) for 10 to 50 years, depending on the product. This comes from the shingle or material maker, not the contractor.
- Workmanship Warranty: Covers the contractor's labor and installation quality, typically for 1 to 10 years. This is what protects you if the roofer makes mistakes.
Always get the warranty in writing before work begins. The contract should specify:
- What is covered (materials, labor, both, or specific areas)
- How long the warranty lasts
- What you must do to keep the warranty valid (e.g., annual maintenance)
- How to file a claim if a problem occurs
Red flag: A contractor who won't provide a written warranty or offers only a verbal promise. Warranties protect both of you by making expectations clear upfront.
How many references should you ask for and what should you ask them?
References are proof of the contractor's track record. Ask for at least three references from roofing projects completed in the last 12 months. Avoid references from friends or family—ask only for customer references from actual roofing jobs similar to yours.
When you call a reference, ask:
- "Did the contractor finish the job on time and on budget?"
- "What type of roof was installed, and how is it holding up?"
- "Did the crew respect your property and clean up afterward?"
- "Would you hire them again?"
- "Any problems after the work was completed, and how did the contractor handle them?"
Listen for hesitation or vague answers—these are yellow flags. A satisfied customer usually speaks enthusiastically about their experience. If a contractor refuses to provide references or only offers outdated ones, that's a sign they may not have a strong portfolio of recent work.
What should you ask about timeline and contract terms?
Before hiring, discuss the project timeline, payment schedule, and contract details. A professional contractor provides a detailed written estimate that includes:
- The scope of work (what's included and excluded)
- Materials to be used (brand and model numbers)
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Start and end dates
- Cleanup and debris removal plan
- Warranty details and conditions
Never pay the full amount upfront. A typical payment structure is 25-30% deposit to secure materials and labor, the balance due upon completion. Some contractors ask for a mid-project payment if the job takes weeks—this is normal. Avoid any contractor who demands full payment before starting work.
Get everything in writing. Verbal agreements are unenforceable if disputes arise, so a signed contract protects both you and the contractor. Take time to read it carefully; ask questions about anything you don't understand.
How can you check a roofer's reputation and complaints?
Beyond licenses and references, check online reviews and complaints. Search the contractor's name on:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): Look for their rating, complaint history, and how they resolved issues.
- Google Reviews and Yelp: Read recent customer feedback. Be cautious of contractors with no reviews or only one-star ratings.
- Your state's licensing board: Many boards maintain a public record of complaints and disciplinary actions.
- Local consumer protection agencies: Contact your state's attorney general's office or consumer affairs department for complaint records.
A few negative reviews don't disqualify a contractor—no business is perfect. But look for patterns. If multiple customers complain about the same issue (e.g., slow communication, incomplete work), that's a warning sign. Also note how the contractor responds to complaints. A professional acknowledges problems and works toward solutions.
What red flags should you watch for when vetting a contractor?
Steer clear of roofers who:
- Can't provide a valid license number or refuse to verify it
- Don't carry liability or workers' comp insurance
- Offer only verbal warranties or guarantees
- Refuse to provide recent customer references
- Demand full payment upfront or cash-only deals
- Pressure you to decide immediately or claim they're "only in your area this week"
- Quote significantly lower than other contractors without explanation
- Don't provide a written estimate or contract
- Have multiple unresolved complaints with the BBB or state licensing board
- Lack a physical business address or office phone number
Trust your gut. If something feels off, move on. There are plenty of qualified, honest roofers out there. Finding a local roofing contractor through a vetted directory can help you start with pre-qualified professionals.
Final thoughts
Vetting a roofing contractor takes time, but it's time well spent. Verify their license, confirm their insurance, review their warranty in writing, and check references from recent projects. Check online reviews and your state's complaint records. A professional roofer welcomes these questions and provides documentation without hesitation.
If you're ready to hire, request a free quote from local contractors or schedule a roof inspection to understand your needs first. Taking these steps now protects your home and your wallet for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a roofer without a license?
No—most states require roofing contractors to be licensed. Unlicensed roofers may not carry insurance, and you have no legal recourse if work is poor. Always verify the license with your state's licensing board before hiring.
What's the difference between a workmanship warranty and a material warranty?
A material warranty covers the roofing materials and usually comes from the manufacturer (10–50 years). A workmanship warranty covers the contractor's labor and installation quality, typically 1–10 years. You should have both in writing.
How much deposit should I pay upfront?
A standard deposit is 25–30% of the total project cost. This secures materials and labor. Never pay the full amount before work starts. Insist on a written payment schedule and only pay remaining balance upon completion.
What if a contractor has no reviews online?
New contractors may have few reviews, which isn't necessarily bad. Instead, ask for recent customer references and verify their license and insurance. If they've been in business for years but have zero reviews or presence, that's a red flag.
Should I get multiple quotes before hiring?
Yes, get at least 3 detailed quotes from different contractors. Compare the scope of work, materials, timeline, warranty, and price. Unusually low quotes may indicate shortcuts or hidden fees—trust your instincts.
What should I do if a contractor is injured on my property?
This is exactly why workers' compensation insurance matters. The contractor's insurance should cover medical bills and lost wages. Without it, you could be personally liable. Always verify active workers' comp coverage before work begins.
Can I verify a contractor's license online?
Yes—most states offer online license verification through their department of licensing, labor board, or contractor registry. Search by contractor name or license number to confirm it's current and has no disciplinary actions.
What questions should I ask a contractor's reference?
Ask if they finished on time and budget, quality of work, respect for the property, whether they'd hire again, and how they handled any post-project issues. A satisfied customer is usually eager to recommend their roofer.
Reviewed by the Top Roofing Solutions Editorial Team — homeowner-focused roofing guidance, updated May 2026.