10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

By Janice Reyes · October 30, 2026
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

How to Choose a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

Short answer: Before hiring a roofing contractor, ask whether they are licensed and insured, how long they have worked in your area, what warranties they offer, who will do the work and whether you will get a detailed written estimate and contract. Then verify the license yourself with your state, get more than one quote and never pay in full up front.

A new roof is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home, and the contractor you hire matters as much as the materials. That is especially true after storms. After hail and wind events, unlicensed contractors and scammers often show up looking to take advantage of homeowners, a pattern the Arizona Attorney General's Office has warned about.

PRQ Exteriors is a BBB-accredited, Inc. 500 roofing company serving homeowners across Utah, Colorado, Arizona and beyond. Here are the 10 questions we think every homeowner should ask before signing with any roofer, including us.

The 10 Questions

1. Are you licensed in my state?

Roofing licensing rules vary by state. Ask for the contractor's license number, then look it up yourself (see the next section for how). A contractor who cannot or will not give you a license number is a red flag.

2. Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation?

Insurance protects you if a worker is injured or your property is damaged during the job. Ask for proof of coverage, and make sure the policy is current.

3. How long have you been working in my area?

A contractor with local experience understands your climate, from Utah snow loads and ice dams to Arizona heat and monsoon storms. Local roots also mean they will be around if you need warranty service later.

4. Can you give me a detailed written estimate?

A good estimate lists the scope of work, materials, tear-off and disposal, flashing, ventilation and cleanup. Verbal quotes are a red flag.

5. What warranties come with my roof?

There are usually two kinds: the manufacturer's warranty on materials and the contractor's warranty on workmanship. Ask how long each lasts, what each covers and whether you get them in writing.

6. Are you certified by the manufacturer?

Some shingle manufacturers certify contractors who meet their standards, and certification can affect which warranties are available to you. Ask which certifications they hold.

7. Who will actually do the work?

Ask whether the crew works directly for the company or is subcontracted, and who will supervise the job and be your main point of contact.

8. How will you protect my home and property?

Ask how they protect landscaping, siding, windows and driveways, how they handle debris and nails and what happens if it rains or snows mid-project.

9. What is the payment schedule?

A reasonable deposit and final payment after completion is common. Be cautious of anyone who wants full payment up front, cash only or unusual payment methods. The Arizona Attorney General's Office warns never to pay by gift card or cryptocurrency.

10. Can you help with my insurance claim?

If you have storm damage, ask whether the contractor can document damage with photos and help you understand the claim process. Your insurance company makes coverage decisions, but a contractor with claim experience can make the process smoother.

How to Verify a Roofer's License in Utah and Arizona

How do I check if a roofer is licensed? Look the contractor up on your state's official licensing website. It is free and takes a few minutes.

In Utah: The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) lets you check a contractor's license for free at dopl.utah.gov, or call (801) 530-6628. According to DOPL's consumer guide to hiring a contractor, licensed contractors must hold and maintain liability coverage, and they can pull building permits that unlicensed contractors cannot. DOPL also notes that hiring an unlicensed contractor could make you liable if their employees or subcontractors are injured on your property.

In Arizona: Search the Arizona Registrar of Contractors at roc.az.gov or call (602) 542-1525. You can also check for complaints there.

Other states: Licensing rules vary, and some roofing licenses are handled by cities or counties. Check with your state or local building department.

Pro tip: Look up the license yourself instead of relying on a license card or a number on a truck. Make sure the license is active and matches the company name on your estimate.

Red Flags to Watch For

Red flag

Why it matters

Source

Pressure to sign on the spot

Rushing you keeps you from comparing bids and checking credentials

Arizona Attorney General

Verbal quote only

Without a written estimate, there is no record of what you agreed to

Arizona Attorney General

No license number

You cannot verify they are licensed or check for complaints

Arizona Attorney General

A "discount" for leftover materials from a nearby job

A common door-to-door pitch after storms

Arizona Attorney General

Requests for a large down payment

Payments should be made as work is completed

Utah DOPL

Cash-only payment

Leaves you with little proof or recourse

Utah DOPL

Gift card or cryptocurrency payment

A common sign of a scam

Arizona Attorney General

No written contract

Utah DOPL recommends a written contract for every project, no matter the size

Utah DOPL

If something feels off, slow down. The damage will still be there tomorrow, and a reputable roofer will give you time to make a decision.

How to Compare Roofing Quotes

How many roofing quotes should I get? Utah DOPL recommends contacting 2 to 3 contractors for bids and checking at least three references for each one before choosing who to hire.

When the quotes come in, compare them line by line, not just by the total price:

  • Scope of work – Does each quote include tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, drip edge and cleanup?
  • Materials – Are the shingle brand, product line and color listed? Is one quote for a higher-rated product, like impact-resistant shingles?
  • Warranties – How long are the manufacturer and workmanship warranties, and what do they cover?
  • Timeline – When will the work start and finish?
  • Permits – Who is responsible for pulling permits?
  • Payment terms – How much is due up front, and when are the remaining payments due?

What should a roofing contract include? According to Utah DOPL, a written contract should include the exact work to be done, the contract price, the start and end dates, permit procurement and a guarantee of liability coverage.

Before the final payment: DOPL also recommends making sure your contractor has signed lien releases from all suppliers and subcontractors. In Utah, you can check the status of liens on your home through the State Construction Registry at scr.utah.gov.

Ask Us Too

We encourage homeowners to ask PRQ every one of these questions. Here is a starting point:

For license numbers, insurance certificates and warranty details, just ask during your inspection, and then verify them yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a roofing contractor is legitimate?

Verify their license with your state, ask for proof of insurance, check references and reviews and get a detailed written estimate and contract. Be cautious of pressure tactics and unusual payment requests.

How many roofing quotes should I get?

Utah DOPL recommends getting bids from 2 to 3 contractors and checking at least three references for each.

Should I pay a roofer up front?

Be cautious of large down payments. Utah DOPL recommends making payments as work is completed and never paying in cash.

What should be in a roofing contract?

The exact work to be done, the price, start and end dates, permit responsibilities and proof of liability coverage, according to Utah DOPL. Warranty terms and payment schedules should be in writing too.

Is it safe to hire a roofer who knocks on my door after a storm?

Be careful. The Arizona Attorney General's Office has warned that scammers and unlicensed contractors often go door to door after storms. Take your time, verify their license and compare quotes before signing anything.

What is the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty?

A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials. A workmanship warranty from the contractor covers installation errors. Ask about both, and get them in writing.

Ready to Talk to a Roofer?

The right roofing contractor will welcome your questions, put everything in writing and give you time to decide. Use this list with every roofer you talk to, including us.

Schedule your free, no-obligation roof inspection today. Request your free roof inspection or get an instant quote.

Sources and Helpful Resources

This article is for general education. Licensing and contract requirements vary by state and city. Check with your local licensing agency and building department for the rules that apply to your project.

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