8 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Roofer

When people talk about the basic requirements for living, having “a roof over your head” usually ranks right after “food to eat.” Your roof protects not only your house but everything inside it—from your loved ones to your most cherished possessions. However, many homeowners are unfamiliar with the materials and maintenance that go into keeping a roof in good shape. Because of this, roofing issues can quickly become a major source of anxiety, and hiring a roofer can feel even more stressful.

To help you feel confident in making the best decision for your home and family, here is a list of helpful questions that you should ask any roofing contractor providing a quote for your new roof or repair.

1. Is Your Roofer Licensed and Insured?

A person is using a pneumatic nail gun to secure shingles on a roof. The image shows hands, the tool, shingles, and a rooftop setting.

Anyone can call themselves a roofing contractor. In Kitchener-Waterloo, not every type of roof-related work requires a license, and roofers are not required to have insurance. However, both items should be considered essential. A licensed roofer has demonstrated their knowledge and proficiency through testing, and insurance protects against potential litigation if an employee gets injured on the job.

2. What Is Their Reputation?

A person is using a smartphone and laptop with graphic bubbles showing ratings and reviews floating above, indicating online feedback or customer satisfaction evaluation.

When hiring a roofing contractor in Kitchener-Waterloo, choose one with a good local reputation. If other homeowners have been happy with their services, from professional roofing inspections to attic assessments, you’re likely to have a similarly positive experience. You can also ask for referrals from past customers to verify their experience. Be cautious of roofers who don’t have any reviews online, they might not be the best fit for your project.

3. What Roofing Products Do They Use?

A person is installing shingles on a roof, working with gloved hands, a nail gun beside them, under a clear sky with trees in the distance.

Many roofers partner with specific shingle manufacturers, receiving specialized training to become experts in installing their products. On the other hand, some roofers will often work with multiple brands to provide clients with a wider range of prices. Getting a sense of which products the roofer you’re hiring uses and why can help you determine which company is best for you.

4. Do They Use a Complete Roofing System from One Manufacturer?

Curved roof clad with dark asphalt shingles featuring a single skylight, set against a backdrop of lush green trees and a cloudy sky.

You should be wary of any contractors who mix and match products from different manufacturers, as that can mean they are trying to cut corners on the price of certain products. More importantly, combining products in this way can void a manufacturer’s product warranty. A complete, matching set of roofing components is key to a durable and long-lasting roof.

5. Do They Have Any Special Certifications?

A person is on a house roof inspecting or repairing it. They wear a safety harness, framed by leaves and branches, with chimneys in the background.

While licensing and insurance are the minimum requirements for any reliable roofing contractor in Kitchener-Waterloo, some go beyond by earning certifications that demonstrate advanced skills and expertise. For example, only a select few contractors earn Master Elite status from GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer—and The Roofman is proud to be one of them. If you’re considering GAF products for your roof, hiring a Master Elite contractor ensures you’ll receive the highest level of expertise, quality, and warranty protection.

6. What Is the Price Breakdown?

A person's hands typing on a laptop, with graphics overlaid showing "Quality" and "Cost" moving in opposite directions, indicating efficiency or optimization.

It’s important to ask for a detailed price breakdown when hiring a roofing contractor in Kitchener-Waterloo. While it might be tempting to go with the lowest bid, remember that experienced, certified, and insured roofers may cost more, but the investment is worth it. Inexperienced contractors often offer lower prices to attract customers, but you likely don’t want someone learning the trade on your roof. Quality workmanship and peace of mind come from hiring a seasoned professional.

7. What Is the Roofer’s Process and Timeline?

This image shows a close-up view of a calendar with various colored pushpins marking specific dates, suggesting a scheduling or reminder theme.

If your roof needs repair or replacement, you will want to know how soon the roofer plans to get to work. While things like poor weather, product availability, and emergency repairs for other clients can alter this timeline, your contractor should be able to give you an estimate for when they will begin work.

You’ll also want to know what steps are involved in the roofing process, in case the roofing company needs access to your driveway or to keep your family safe from falling materials during demolition.

It’s also appropriate to ask about the payment schedule, including any deposits so that you and the roofing company you hire are on the same page about the financial aspect of your agreement.

8. How Will They Ensure Your Property Is Handled with Care?

A person in a high-visibility vest and gloves is installing asphalt shingles on a sloped roof with safety equipment visible in the background.

A professional roofer should always prioritize handling your property with care during a project. This means taking specific measures to protect your home and yard from damage. A reliable contractor will clean up the driveway and ensure no nails or debris are left behind. To go the extra mile, some roofers, including our team, use special netting to control nails and prevent them from scattering across your property. Additionally, they should be prepared with rain protection to safeguard your home from potential water damage during the job.

At The Roofman, our mission is simple: take care of our customers by truly listening to their concerns and offering effective solutions. We believe in asking the right questions to understand your needs, but we also encourage you to ask us anything —seriously, we love questions!

With more than 30 years of hard-won experience, our customers are our top priority. If your roof needs to be inspected, repaired, or replaced, call us at 519-744-3830 or request a free estimate by completing this online form.