Questions to ask before accepting a roofing quote

Before you accept a roofing quote, the questions matter as much as the price. A contractor who answers clearly is easier to trust; one who dodges is a warning sign.

Ask: What material brand and product line are you installing, and what is the manufacturer warranty? How many years is your workmanship warranty, and what does it cover? How many layers are coming off, and is disposal included? What is your decking replacement rate per sheet? What underlayment and ventilation are you installing, and will ice and water shield go in the valleys, and at the eaves if local code or climate calls for it? Who pulls the permit — you or me?

Ask about payment: What is the deposit, and when are the remaining payments due? A large upfront deposit is a red flag; most reputable contractors keep the bulk of payment until the job passes inspection.

Ask who actually does the work: Is this your own crew or a subcontractor? Are they licensed (if your state or city requires it) and insured where you live? Can I see the license number and a current certificate of insurance for general liability and workers' comp?

Finally, ask for references from recent local jobs and a written, itemized estimate — not just a one-line total.

QuoteVya turns your uploaded quote into a Clarity Score plus a custom list of these questions, so you walk into the conversation prepared.