44 Questions to Ask Your Roofer | Precision Exteriors

Before hiring a roofing contractor, ask these 44 questions to protect yourself from substandard work, hidden costs, and warranty gaps. A trustworthy contractor will welcome every question on this list — if they dodge or get defensive, that tells you everything you need to know. This list is based on our experience as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor serving Maryland's Eastern Shore, where we've seen the damage caused by homeowners who hired without asking enough questions.

Credentials & Licensing (Questions 1–8)

What is your Maryland MHIC license number? Verify at dllr.state.md.us — legally required for work over $500.
Do you carry general liability insurance? What are your coverage limits? Ask for a certificate of insurance. $1M minimum recommended.
Do you carry workers' compensation insurance? Without it, YOU could be liable if a worker is injured on your property.
What manufacturer certifications do you hold? Owens Corning Preferred/Gold/Platinum, GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT — each determines your warranty options.
How long have you been in business on the Eastern Shore?
Do you have a physical office I can visit? Storm chasers operate from trucks and hotel rooms.
Are you licensed in Delaware if my property crosses the state line? Important for Delmar and border-area homes.
What is your BBB rating and do you have any unresolved complaints?

Pricing & Contract (Questions 9–16)

Will you provide a written estimate with line-item pricing?
What is included in the quoted price? Tear-off, disposal, underlayment, shingles, flashing, ridge vent, cleanup, permits — all should be itemized.
What is NOT included that might add cost? Decking repair is the most common add-on — ask how it's handled.
What is your payment schedule? Standard: 10–30% deposit, balance on completion. Never pay 50%+ upfront.
Do you offer financing? 0% options are available — ask about terms and qualifications.
How do you handle change orders if additional work is needed?
Is there a cancellation clause? What are the terms?
Will you match or beat a competitor's written estimate? Price isn't everything — but the answer tells you about their confidence.

Materials & Installation (Questions 17–28)

What shingle brand and product do you recommend, and why?
What wind rating do the recommended shingles carry? On the Eastern Shore, 130 mph minimum is essential. Owens Corning Duration with SureNail meets this standard.
Do the shingles have algae protection? Critical in the Eastern Shore's 70–80% summer humidity. StreakGuard prevents black streaks.
What underlayment do you use — felt paper or synthetic? Synthetic is superior and should be standard.
Where do you install ice and water shield? Eaves, valleys, and around all penetrations — minimum.
What type of ridge vent do you install?
How do you handle flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents?
Do you use hand-nailing or a nail gun? Both are acceptable when done properly — the key is correct placement in the nailing zone.
What is your nail pattern — how many nails per shingle?
How do you ensure proper attic ventilation?
Will you replace damaged decking plywood? At what cost per sheet? Expect $75–$150 per sheet. We find decking damage on about 28% of replacements.
Do you install drip edge along all eaves and rakes?

Warranty (Questions 29–34)

What warranty do you offer on materials?
What warranty do you offer on workmanship?
Who backs the workmanship warranty — you or the manufacturer? Owens Corning backs workmanship for Platinum contractors. Most other warranties are only backed by the installing contractor.
Is the warranty transferable to new homeowners? Platinum Protection is fully transferable — a selling point that adds value to your property.
What voids the warranty?
Can I see the warranty documentation before signing?

Process & Timeline (Questions 35–40)

When can you start?
How long will the project take? Most roof replacements take 1–3 days.
Who will be my on-site project manager? How do I reach them?
Will you use your own employees or subcontractors?
Do you handle building permits?
What happens if weather delays the project?

Cleanup & After (Questions 41–44)

How do you protect my landscaping and property during installation?
Do you use magnetic nail sweeps after the project?
What does your final cleanup include?
Will you do a final walkthrough with me before considering the job complete?

Why This List Matters

A contractor who answers all 44 questions confidently and transparently is a contractor you can trust. At Precision Exteriors, we welcome every one of these questions because our answers are strong — Owens Corning Platinum Preferred (top 1%), BBB A+ with zero unresolved complaints, MHIC #166640, full insurance, written line-item estimates, and the industry's strongest warranty.

For more guidance, read our contractor hiring checklist and our complete guide to choosing a roofing contractor. See our roofing cost guide for current pricing.

Call (443) 675-6485 to put us to the test, or get your free estimate.

44 Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor Before You Sign Anything