Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor

Updated September 26, 2026 · Nashville Roofing Experts editorial team

Verify the company you are hiring

Ask for the contracting entity’s name and relevant license information. Tennessee provides a public license-verification service; compare the details you receive with the official record. Ask for current insurance information and confirm it with the issuing source. This website does not claim that a particular provider has been vetted.

Ask about your specific roof

What was inspected? Which areas could not be examined? What findings support the recommendation? What alternatives were considered? Request photographs and an explanation that ties the proposed work to the observed conditions.

Make the estimate precise

Ask for the named products, work at transitions and openings, tear-off and disposal, deck-repair process, property protection, and cleanup. Identify subcontracted work and who supervises the project. Clarify permits and required inspections for the property address.

Understand the agreement

Who approves changes? How are payment milestones defined? What happens if materials or weather affect the schedule? What does each warranty actually cover? Keep these answers in the written agreement rather than relying on a verbal understanding.

Know what you receive at completion

Request the final invoice, warranty documents, product information, and agreed photographs. Ask about maintenance expectations and a clear contact for later questions. Confirm that the agreed cleanup and final walkthrough are complete.

Compare estimates for the same work

Use the cost-factor guide to organize bids. If the underlying condition is unclear, begin with an inspection before deciding between repair and replacement.

Helpful tips for planning your roofing project. Your roof’s condition, the materials you choose, and local rules will shape the work. About our content.