10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
When it’s time for roof work, the last thing any homeowner wants is to make the wrong choice in who to hire. Your roof is one of the most important investments in your home, and the contractor you choose will directly impact its safety, durability, and value. Unfortunately, not every roofer is equally qualified—or equally honest.
Before you sign a contract, make sure you ask these 10 critical questions. They’ll help you separate trustworthy, professional roofers from the ones who may cut corners.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is non-negotiable. A legitimate roofing contractor should hold all required state or local licenses. In Tennessee, roofers handling jobs valued over $25,000 must be licensed through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Equally important is insurance. The contractor should carry both:
General liability insurance (covers property damage)
Workers’ compensation insurance (protects you if a worker is injured on the job)
Pro tip: Ask for proof of insurance and call the provider to confirm it’s current.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters. A roofing company that’s been around for a decade or more has weathered market shifts, storms, and customer feedback. That longevity signals stability.
In East Tennessee, roofs face unique challenges from humid summers, sudden thunderstorms, and heavy winter ice. An experienced local roofer knows what materials and installation techniques stand up to this climate.
3. What Roofing Materials Do You Offer?
Not all shingles and roofing systems are created equal. A reliable contractor should give you options, explain the pros and cons, and help you choose what fits your budget and your home’s needs.
Asphalt shingles: Affordable, common, versatile
Metal roofing: Durable, energy-efficient, long-lasting
Specialty systems: Slate, tile, or designer shingles
The best contractors are product-certified (for example, as a GAF or Owens Corning installer), which also unlocks stronger warranties.
4. Can You Provide References or Local Examples?
A quality roofer should have nothing to hide. Ask for references from recent jobs—or better yet, addresses you can drive by.
In the Knoxville and Maryville areas, you may even recognize some of Pinpoint Roofing’s work. Seeing a finished project in person is the best proof of craftsmanship.
5. What Warranties Do You Offer?
There are two types of warranties to ask about:
Manufacturer’s warranty – Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves (often 20–50 years).
Workmanship warranty – Covers the contractor’s installation work. This can range from one year to a lifetime, depending on the roofer’s confidence and reputation.
A solid roofing company stands behind both.
6. What Is the Project Timeline?
Get clear on when the project will start and how long it will take. Weather delays are always possible, but you should have a firm estimate.
Beware of contractors who promise to “start tomorrow” without scheduling logistics—sometimes that means they’re cutting corners or desperate for work.
7. How Will You Protect My Property?
Roofing can get messy. A professional roofer will take steps to protect your landscaping, driveway, and gutters.
Ask specifically about:
Dumpster placement
Use of tarps or protective coverings
Cleanup process and debris removal
Magnet sweep to collect nails
Your yard should look better when they leave, not worse.
8. Do You Hire Subcontractors?
Some roofing companies rely heavily on subcontractors. While that’s not always a red flag, you should know who will be on your property.
Questions to clarify:
Are subcontractors insured?
Who supervises them?
Who is responsible for quality control?
The best roofing companies, like Pinpoint Roofing, use trained in-house crews or closely vetted teams to ensure accountability.
9. What Is the Payment Schedule?
Be cautious if a contractor asks for full payment up front. A common industry standard is:
Small deposit at contract signing
Payment installments tied to project milestones
Final payment once you’re satisfied with the work
This protects both you and the contractor while keeping everyone accountable.
10. How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Sometimes roofers uncover hidden problems—like rotten decking or structural damage—once work begins. Ask how the company handles surprises.
A professional contractor will:
Document issues with photos
Communicate clearly before doing extra work
Provide a written change order with costs
Transparency here is key to avoiding inflated bills or unfinished work.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner makes. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll gain the clarity you need to choose a trustworthy partner.
At Pinpoint Roofing, we welcome every one of these questions—and we’re happy to provide proof, references, and detailed answers. That’s what sets us apart as a roofing leader in East Tennessee.
👉 Ready to talk about your roof? Contact us today for a free inspection and estimate.
