Why should I ask these questions before hiring a roofer?

Roofing is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home, and not all contractors operate at the same standard. Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid unlicensed operators, hidden costs, and poor workmanship. It only takes a few minutes and can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches.

How do I verify a contractor's license in Oregon?

Visit the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) website at oregon.gov/ccb and search by business name or CCB number. You'll see their license status, bond information, insurance status, and any complaints filed against them. It's free and takes about two minutes.

What's the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty?

A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves - for example, shingles that fail prematurely due to a manufacturing issue. A workmanship warranty covers the installation - if the contractor made an error that causes a leak or other problem, they'll come back and fix it at no cost to you. You want both.

How many estimates should I get before choosing a roofing contractor?

Getting two to three written estimates is a good practice. It helps you compare scope, materials, and pricing. But don't just go with the cheapest number - compare what's included, what warranties are offered, and whether the contractor is licensed and certified. The lowest bid often leaves out important details.

10 Essential Questions to Ask Every Roofing Contractor

Sean French walks you through the questions that separate the pros from the pretenders - and the answers you should expect from anyone earning your trust.

Watch Sean Explain

Hear It Straight from the Roofer

Questions 1–5 - quick version (2 min)

Questions 6–10 - quick version (2 min)

Choosing the right roofing contractor is crucial for the success of your project. We put this guide together because we believe informed homeowners make better decisions. Whether you hire French Roofing or someone else, these questions will help you hire with confidence.

“Are you licensed and insured?”

This is the first thing you should ask - no exceptions. A valid license means the contractor has met the requirements set by the state and is authorized to perform roofing work in your area. Insurance protects you from liability if something goes wrong during the project. In Oregon, you can verify any contractor's license at the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) website. If someone can't give you a CCB number on the spot, that's a major red flag. French Roofing's CCB number is #203933 - look us up anytime.

“Do you have experience with this type of roofing project?”

Not all roofing contractors specialize in the same types of projects. Whether you need a roof repair or a full roof replacement, it's important to choose a contractor with experience relevant to your specific needs. Ask about their experience with similar projects and request references or examples of past work. French Roofing has been handling everything from small repairs to full tear-offs across the Portland metro since 2014.

“What materials will you use, and why?”

The quality of roofing materials can significantly impact how long your roof lasts and how well it holds up. Ask the contractor what materials they plan to use and why they recommend those specific products. A good contractor should be able to explain the benefits and help you make an informed decision based on your budget. French Roofing is CertainTeed Certified - we use their roofing system because it's proven in the Pacific Northwest and comes with strong warranty coverage.

“What is the project timeline, and how will you communicate updates?”

Understanding the timeline is essential for planning. Ask about expected start and completion dates, as well as anything that could cause delays. Just as important: how will they keep you in the loop? Phone? Text? Email? You shouldn't have to chase your contractor for updates. At French Roofing, we're upfront about timelines and proactive with communication - especially when Oregon weather has other plans.

“What warranties or guarantees do you offer?”

A reputable contractor should stand behind their work with warranties - both for materials and for labor. The manufacturer warranty covers defective materials, but the workmanship warranty covers installation errors. That's the one the roofer controls. Ask for written documentation outlining exactly what's covered and for how long. Be cautious of contractors who are vague about warranty terms. Because French Roofing is CertainTeed Certified, our installations may qualify for enhanced manufacturer warranty coverage on top of our standard workmanship warranty.

“Do you have any certifications or accreditations?”

Certifications from industry organizations and manufacturers demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and quality. Ask if the contractor holds any certifications or memberships in roofing associations. Certifications from manufacturers like CertainTeed indicate specialized training in installing specific roofing products - which directly affects the quality of your install and the warranty coverage you receive.

“How will you protect my property during the project?”

Roofing projects can get messy - debris, nails, old shingles everywhere. Ask the contractor how they plan to protect your landscaping, siding, windows, and other areas of your property. Will they use tarps or plywood to safeguard your yard? Will they do a thorough cleanup and magnet sweep afterward? At French Roofing, every job ends with a site that's cleaner than when we showed up.

“Who will be supervising the project, and how can I reach them?”

You should know exactly who's overseeing the work on your roof and who to contact if you have questions. Ask who the primary point of contact will be and how to reach them. Having a designated supervisor ensures clear communication and accountability throughout the project - not a game of phone tag with a random office number.

“Can you provide references or customer reviews?”

References and reviews give you real insight into a contractor's reputation and the quality of their work. Ask for references from past customers and actually contact them. Check Google reviews, Facebook, and the BBB. A contractor who's confident in their work will be happy to share their track record. French Roofing's reviews speak for themselves - check us out on Google.

“What is your payment schedule, and do you require a deposit?”

Understanding payment terms upfront avoids misunderstandings later. Ask about the payment schedule and whether a deposit is required before work begins. Be cautious of contractors who demand a large upfront payment or request cash-only transactions - that's a red flag. A fair, transparent payment structure is a sign of a professional operation.

Bonus: “Will you provide a detailed written estimate?”

It almost goes without saying, but just to be sure - always get a detailed written estimate before agreeing to any work. It should include a breakdown of costs for labor, materials, any additional fees, and standard terms for the project. Review it carefully, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification on anything you don't understand. A detailed, transparent estimate is the foundation of a trustworthy working relationship.

The Right Contractor Won't Mind These Questions

In fact, they'll welcome them. A contractor who gets uncomfortable when you ask about licensing, insurance, or warranties is telling you something. Clear communication and transparency are key to a successful roofing experience - the ones who answer openly are the ones worth hiring.

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Full Podcast

All 10 Questions - In Depth

If you made it this far without reading and just scrolled straight to the video - no judgment. This AI-generated podcast covers all 10 questions in a conversational format that's easy to absorb. Fair warning: the hosts aren't real, but the roofing advice definitely is. Throw it on while you're driving, doing dishes, or pretending to work (19 min).

Common Questions About Hiring a Roofer

Ready to Talk to a Contractor Who Welcomes Your Questions?

Schedule a free roof assessment with French Roofing. We'll answer every question on this list - and any others you've got.

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