Hiring a roofer
15 questions to ask a roofer before you sign anything
By Roof InspectorsUpdated 3 min read
The short answer
Before hiring a roofer, ask about their registration or license, insurance, local address, and references; ask to see photos of every finding; get a written contract with the price and payment schedule; confirm the materials, decking, permits, crew, cleanup, and timeline; and understand both the manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
A good roofer is glad to answer these, and the answers make it much easier to compare companies side by side.
About the company
- Are you registered or licensed for this work here? Kansas requires roofers to register with the Kansas Attorney General. Our pages on roofer registration in Overland Park and Olathe’s contractor rules explain the Kansas side. Missouri leaves licensing to cities, so ask what your city requires. Here’s how to check a roofer’s registration in Kansas and Missouri.
- Can I see your certificate of insurance? Look for general liability and workers’ compensation — and confirm they’re current.
- Do you have a local address? A permanent local presence matters if you need warranty service later.
- Can I talk to recent customers nearby? Ask for references from the last year.
About the inspection
- Can you show me photos of every issue you found? Wide shots and close-ups.
- Which findings are storm damage, which are normal wear, and which are maintenance?
- What, if anything, needs attention now — and what can wait?
Curious what storms were recorded near you?
See how many significant storms are on record near your address, free in about 30 seconds. Add your contact details to see each storm’s date and hail size.
- Doesn’t file an insurance claim
- One local partner, never a pile-on
About the contract
- Will I get a written contract before work starts? The Kansas Attorney General recommends one that states the work to be done, the materials, the warranties, the timeline, the total price and the payment schedule. The FTC advises not paying the full price up front and holding the final payment until the work is done.
About the materials and permits
- Which exact products will you use? Shingle brand and line, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation.
- Will you replace damaged decking, and how is it priced?
- Who pulls any required permits? Some cities require them for reroofing; some don’t. Kansas City, Missouri, for example, lists a reroof with a light roof covering as permit-exempt unless 32 square feet or more of roof deck (sheathing) is replaced or the structure is altered.
About the job
- Who will be on my roof — your crew or subcontractors?
- How long will it take, and how do you protect my yard and home?
- How do you handle cleanup, including nails?
About the warranty
- What’s covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and what’s covered by your workmanship warranty — and for how long? Get both in writing.
Sources
Sources (2) · Kansas Attorney General, FTC
How our free inspections work and who pays us
Common questions
How do I check a roofer’s registration in Kansas?
Kansas requires roofing contractors to register with the Kansas Attorney General. Ask for their registration number and verify it with the Attorney General’s office before you sign.
Is it normal to pay a deposit for a roof?
Many roofers ask for a deposit so they can order materials, and the amount varies by company and job. The FTC advises not paying the full price up front and holding the final payment until the work is done. Put the deposit amount and the payment schedule in the written contract, as the Kansas Attorney General recommends.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance, or legal advice. How we write and update guides.