10 Important Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor – Guidance from MJAK Contracting
When it comes to improving your home, few decisions are as important as choosing the right roofing contractor. Your roof isn’t just a major investment—it plays a key role in protecting your home, your family, and everything inside. For many homeowners, the process of hiring a contractor can feel overwhelming or confusing. At MJAK Contracting, we understand the uncertainty that comes with selecting the right professional for the job.
That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to help you ask the most important questions when vetting a roofing contractor. These questions are designed to give you peace of mind, help you avoid costly mistakes, and ensure that your home improvement project is handled by experienced, trustworthy professionals.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
One of the first questions you should ask any contractor is whether they’re properly licensed and insured. These credentials aren’t just boxes to check—they’re essential protections for you and your home. A valid license proves the contractor is authorized to perform roofing work in your area and follows local building codes and regulations.
Just as important is liability and worker’s compensation insurance. If an accident happens during the job and your contractor isn’t insured, you could be financially responsible for damages or injuries. Always ask to see proof of both license and insurance before work begins.
2. Can You Provide References?
A reputable roofing contractor should be more than willing to share references from previous clients. Speaking with homeowners who’ve worked with the contractor can give you insight into the quality of their workmanship, reliability, and overall customer service.
It’s helpful to ask if the contractor has completed similar roofing projects, especially if your home is in an area with unique challenges—like frequent storms or coastal weather conditions. If they’ve successfully worked on homes like yours, that’s a good sign they’re equipped to meet your needs.
3. What Is Your Warranty Policy?
Understanding the warranties that come with your new roof is essential to protect your investment. Roofing warranties typically fall into two categories: one from the manufacturer that covers the materials and one from the contractor that covers their workmanship.
For example, manufacturers may offer warranties that range from limited lifetime coverage to coverage over specific decades. On the other hand, a contractor might provide a workmanship warranty that lasts anywhere from one to ten years. Make sure to clarify what’s covered, for how long, and what could potentially void your warranty.
4. What Types of Roofing Materials Do You Recommend?
Every home is different, and so are its roofing needs. A knowledgeable contractor will take time to explain your options and recommend materials that match your home’s structure, climate conditions, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
For instance, asphalt shingles are often an affordable and popular choice for suburban homes, but if you live in a region with heavy snowfall or extreme temperature swings, metal roofing could offer better performance and durability. The right contractor will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option to find what works best for your home.
5. What Is the Estimated Timeline for Completion?
Knowing how long your roofing project will take helps you plan around the work and avoid unnecessary stress. Ask for a realistic timeline—from the start date to final cleanup—and be sure to discuss possible factors that could affect the schedule, such as weather delays or material availability.
An experienced contractor will give you a clear outline of the project, including major milestones. For example, they might estimate that the roof replacement will take 3 to 5 days, depending on your home’s size and weather conditions. Having this information upfront makes it easier to adjust your routine and reduces the chances of unwelcome surprises.
6. How Will You Protect My Property During the Project?
Roofing is a messy job. That’s why it’s so important to ask how your contractor plans to protect your property during the installation. From landscaping to outdoor furniture to the structure of your home itself, a professional roofing team should have a plan to minimize disruption and prevent damage.
Ask if they’ll use tarps, protect flower beds, or move outdoor furniture out of the way. Also ask about how they plan to remove debris and clean up the worksite afterward. A contractor who takes these details seriously is one who values your home as much as you do.
7. What Payment Terms Do You Require?
It’s critical to understand the payment schedule before your project begins. Discuss how much is required upfront, how the rest is structured, and what payment methods are accepted.
For example, a reputable contractor may ask for a 10% deposit to secure the project, followed by payments at specific milestones, like material delivery or job completion. Be cautious of any contractor who asks for full payment before any work is done—this is often a red flag.
8. What Happens If Unforeseen Issues Arise?
Sometimes issues like wood rot, mold, or structural problems aren’t discovered until the old roofing materials are removed. Make sure your contractor explains how they handle these kinds of surprises.
They should clearly outline their process for discussing unexpected findings with you and getting your approval before proceeding with additional work or costs. You should never be caught off guard by added expenses halfway through a project.
9. Will You Handle Permitting and Inspections?
Many roofing jobs require permits and final inspections to meet local building codes. Confirm whether your contractor will take care of these steps for you.
A full-service roofing company will handle all necessary permits and coordinate inspections as needed, helping your project stay compliant and hassle-free.
10. Do You Provide a Written Contract?
A written contract protects both you and the contractor. It should clearly spell out the scope of work, materials being used, estimated start and finish dates, payment schedule, and warranty terms.
Never agree to a roofing job without a signed contract. It’s your best tool for keeping the project on track and avoiding misunderstandings down the line.
Why Trust MJAK Contracting as Your Roofing Experts
The success of your roofing project depends on asking the right questions—and getting honest, thorough answers. At MJAK Contracting, we believe in complete transparency, open communication, and delivering excellent results. We’re committed to helping homeowners feel confident every step of the way.
We’re not just here to put on a new roof—we’re here to earn your trust, answer your questions, and ensure you feel informed and empowered throughout the entire process. That’s what sets us apart.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your roofing options or you’re ready to get a quote, we’re here to help. Reach out to us online or give us a call at (336) 360-6642 to talk with one of our experienced team members. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you take the next step toward protecting and improving your home.
