5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Most homeowners don't hire roofers very often, so it's easy to get caught off guard when the time comes. A few smart questions upfront can save you from a bad job, a disappearing contractor, or a warranty that isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Here's what to ask before anyone gets on your roof.

Are You Licensed and Insured in Minnesota?

This is the first question, and it's non-negotiable. Minnesota requires roofing contractors to carry a residential building contractor license. Ask to see it. Then ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.

If a worker gets hurt on your property and the contractor doesn't carry workers' comp, you could be on the hook. General liability protects your home if something goes wrong during the job. Don't take a contractor's word for it. Ask for the actual certificates and verify them.

Do You Use Local Crews or Subcontractors?

After a big storm rolls through the Twin Cities, out-of-state crews show up in full force. Some are fine. Many are not. The problem is accountability. When a company uses local crews they employ directly, there's a clear chain of responsibility if something goes wrong.

Ask the contractor who will actually be on your roof. Are they employees of the company, or are they hired out for the job? A contractor who uses the same local crew year after year tends to produce more consistent work. They also tend to be around when you need warranty service down the road.

What Does the Warranty Actually Cover?

Roofing warranties come in two parts. The manufacturer warrants the materials, and the contractor warrants the labor. Both matter.

A material warranty from a quality shingle manufacturer can run 30 to 50 years. But a labor warranty from a fly-by-night contractor is worthless if they're gone next season. Ask specifically what the workmanship warranty covers and for how long. Get it in writing before you sign anything.

Also ask whether the contractor is a certified installer for the brand of shingles they're recommending. Certified installers often unlock better manufacturer warranty terms. That's worth asking about, especially if you're comparing bids that look similar on the surface.

Can You Walk Me Through the Written Estimate?

A professional contractor gives you a written estimate that breaks things down. It should list the materials by brand and product line, the scope of work, how they'll handle old shingle removal and disposal, and the payment schedule.

Watch out for vague estimates that just say "roof replacement" and a lump sum. That leaves too much room for surprises. If a contractor can't explain every line item to you in plain language, that's a problem.

Get at least two estimates so you have something to compare. The lowest bid isn't always the best deal. If one estimate is significantly cheaper, ask why. Sometimes it means thinner materials or skipped steps like proper roof flashing or attic venting checks.

How Do You Handle Storm Damage Insurance Claims?

Minnesota weather beats up roofs. Hail, ice dams, high winds, all of it adds up. If your roof took storm damage, you may be filing an insurance claim, and that process has its own wrinkles.

Ask the contractor if they have experience working with insurance adjusters. A good contractor can document the damage properly and help you understand what your policy covers. Some contractors offer insurance claims assistance as a standard part of their storm damage work.

Avoid any contractor who asks you to sign over your insurance check before work starts or who promises to "cover your deductible." Those are red flags. The deductible is your responsibility under your policy, and any contractor who waves it away may be cutting corners somewhere else to make up the cost.

How Long Have You Been Operating in This Area?

Years in business matter more than years in the trade. A contractor who has operated in the Minneapolis area for a long time has a track record you can actually check. Ask for references from jobs done in the last year or two. Look them up on the Better Business Bureau and read reviews on Google.

Local longevity also means they understand Minnesota-specific issues. Ice dam damage, freeze-thaw cycles, and the heavy snow loads that roofs here deal with every winter require specific knowledge and materials. A contractor who has worked here for decades has seen what works and what doesn't.

Asking these questions before you sign anything takes maybe 20 minutes. That time can be the difference between a roof that holds up for 30 years and one you're calling about again in three. Roofs Direct has been working with Minnesota homeowners for over 28 years. Schedule a free roof inspection and get a written quote the same day.