Selecting the appropriate contractor can significantly impact the success of your roofing project. Whether you are planning a minor roof repair or a complete roof replacement, asking the right questions will help you avoid costly mistakes. In the Tampa area, homeowners searching for a roofing company often compare multiple bids. But price should never be the only factor. Before hiring a contractor, it is wise to confirm their credentials, process, and service commitments. If you are searching for roofers in Tampa or comparing estimates for a roof replacement or roof repair, here is what you should ask before signing a contract.
Are you licensed and insured?
Start with the basics. Every roofing contractor working in Florida must hold a valid license issued by the state. Please request their license number and confirm it with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. A licensed contractor has passed exams, met experience requirements, and follows applicable building codes.
Equally critical is insurance coverage. Confirm that the contractor carries both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Liability insurance protects you if there is damage to your property. If an injury occurs on the job, workers’ compensation shields you from legal liability. Request to see proof of both policies and ensure they are current.
Do you offer warranties on materials and workmanship?
Most roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but the length and terms can vary. While some shingles come with 25-year warranties, others might have coverage for 50 years or more. However, material warranties do not cover installation errors. That is why you also need a workmanship warranty from the contractor.
Ask how long their workmanship warranty lasts and what it covers. Does it include labor to fix leaks or other issues that arise after installation? Are there exclusions? A reputable contractor should clearly explain both types of warranties and provide documentation before the job begins.
Will you provide a written estimate and timeline?
Avoid contractors who offer only verbal quotes or vague start dates. A professional should provide a detailed written estimate outlining the scope of work, materials used, projected start and completion dates, and payment schedule.
Review the estimate for clarity. Does it list the exact products, brands, or underlayment types? Are disposal fees, permit costs, and cleanup included? If you have specific requests, such as synthetic underlayment or ridge ventilation, ensure these are listed in writing.
A proposed timeline should also be included. Weather delays are sometimes unavoidable, but the contractor should communicate a realistic schedule and update you as needed.
Who will be on-site during the project?
It is common for a roofing company owner or salesperson to provide the estimate, but subcontractors or separate crews may perform the actual work. Ask who will be on-site and who will supervise the project. Will there be a foreman or manager present at all times?
Furthermore, confirm whether the workers are employees or subcontractors. Employees are generally covered under the company’s insurance, while subcontractors may not be. Either is acceptable, as long as the contractor remains accountable for quality and safety.
What is your cleanup process?
Roofing projects generate a significant amount of debris: shingles, nails, flashing, packaging, and more. Ask how the cleanup will be handled. Will the contractor use tarps to protect landscaping? Do they use magnetic tools to pick up stray nails?
Ensure that all debris will be removed from your property and hauled away. Inquire whether a dumpster will be used, and if so, where it will be placed. The cleanup process should be thorough and respectful of your home and yard.
Can you provide recent references?
Any reputable contractor should be able to provide contact information for recent customers who can speak to the quality of their work. Ideally, ask for references from homeowners who had similar projects done within the last six to twelve months.
Do not be afraid to call or email references. Ask if the project was completed on time and within budget. Were there any surprises? How responsive was the contractor to questions or concerns?
Additionally, look for online reviews. A pattern of positive feedback across multiple platforms adds credibility. Just be wary of any contractor who cannot provide at least three local references.
What products do you use and why?
Ask the contractor to explain their recommended roofing system. Which shingles, underlayment, flashing, vents, and fasteners will be used? Why are those products the best choice for your home?
Your contractor should be knowledgeable about material performance, wind ratings, energy efficiency, and code compliance. If the answers feel generic or uncertain, that may be a sign that they are not familiar with the latest industry standards.
How do you handle permits and inspections?
In most cities, roof replacements and structural repairs require a permit. Inquire whether the contractor will obtain all required permits on your behalf and schedule necessary inspections. This ensures that the work is legal and complies with local codes.
Never allow a contractor to pressure you into skipping permits to “save money” or speed up the job. Doing so can lead to fines, delays, and complications if you sell your home later.
What is your payment schedule?
Avoid contractors who demand full payment up front. A typical payment schedule involves a deposit, a progress payment during the project, and a final payment upon completion. Make sure this schedule is well-documented in writing and aligns with the project milestones.
Never pay in cash or agree to vague verbal terms. Payments should be documented with receipts and invoices for your records. A responsible contractor will be transparent and professional in all financial matters.
When you ask the right questions before hiring a contractor, you protect your home, your budget, and your peace of mind. From licenses and insurance to warranties and cleanup, every detail matters in a roofing project. If you live in Tampa and are planning a roof repair or roof replacement, take time to find a roofing company that prioritizes transparency, craftsmanship, and customer care. For trusted results and honest answers, turn to Avatar Roofing, a roofing company that takes your home’s protection seriously from start to finish.
