Questions You Should Ask a Roofer Before Hiring Them in Southeast Michigan
When it comes to protecting your home, few investments matter more than your roof. A properly installed roof keeps your home safe from Michigan’s heavy rains, lake-effect snow, ice dams, and strong winds. But here’s the challenge: not every roofing contractor delivers the same quality. Some companies focus more on sales than craftsmanship, leaving homeowners with hidden costs, unfinished work, or roofs that fail long before they should.
If you’re a homeowner in Southeast Michigan—from Macomb County and Oakland County to Wayne, Washtenaw, and Livingston—now is the time to act. With fall already here, the clock is ticking to get your roof replacement or repair finished before winter storms set in.
The key to choosing the right roofing contractor is knowing which questions to ask. In this guide, we’ll break down the must-ask questions to protect yourself, why fall is such a critical season for roofing in Southeast Michigan, and how to spot the difference between a slick salesman and a roofer who truly knows their craft.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Ask These Questions
Michigan winters are tough on homes. Ice, snow, and frigid winds test the limits of your roof. If your shingles are curling, cracking, or losing granules, your home could be at risk for leaks, energy loss, and even structural damage.
Fall is the sweet spot for roofing in Southeast Michigan:
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Cooler temperatures make shingle installation ideal.
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Crews work faster and more efficiently compared to hot summer days.
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Your home is protected before the snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles hit.
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Delaying could mean waiting until spring—leaving your home exposed for another winter.
That’s why it’s so important to get answers to these questions now, not later.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured in Michigan?
This is always the first and most important question. A professional roofer should be fully licensed by the State of Michigan and carry both liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.
Why it matters:
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A license proves they meet state requirements for roofing contractors.
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Insurance protects you from being held financially responsible if a worker is injured or if property damage occurs.
🚩 Red flag: If a roofer hesitates to show you their license or proof of insurance, don’t hire them.
2. Do You Use Subcontractors or Your Own Crews?
Many homeowners hear the word subcontractor and assume it’s a bad thing—but in today’s roofing industry, that’s not the case. Most roofing companies in Southeast Michigan can’t afford to keep a full staff of W-2 employees year-round, especially since roofing is such a seasonal business. Instead, they rely on trusted subcontractor crews.
Here’s what separates an average company from a great one:
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A quality roofing company partners with the same subcontractor crews on every job, not just whoever is available.
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These crews are often highly skilled specialists who have been working with the company for years.
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The company still provides supervision, materials, and project management, ensuring the job is completed to their standards.
In other words, the key isn’t whether a company uses subcontractors—it’s how they use them. The best roofing companies in Southeast Michigan treat their subcontractor crews as an extension of their own team, giving you the same workmanship and consistency every time.
🚩 Red flag: A roofer immediately claims that their roofers are in-house employees, they likely are not.
3. What Roofing Materials Do You Recommend for Michigan Homes?
Southeast Michigan’s climate is unique. Between humid summers and freezing winters, not all shingles hold up the same. Ask:
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Do you install architectural shingles like CertainTeed Landmark Pro or Malarkey Vista?
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Do you use upgraded ice and water shield for protection against ice dams?
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Do you understand the importance of attic ventilation and proper underlayment?
A roofer who knows Southeast Michigan will explain why certain products are better for our climate instead of pushing the cheapest or most expensive option.
4. What Warranties Do You Offer?
There are two warranties you should always ask about:
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Manufacturer’s warranty – covers the shingles and materials.
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Workmanship warranty – covers the installation itself.
Many reputable Southeast Michigan roofers offer workmanship warranties of 10 years or more. Anything less should raise concerns.
5. Can You Provide References From Local Homeowners?
A quality roofer should have no problem giving you recent references. Even better, they should have projects nearby that you can drive by and see.
In Southeast Michigan, ask specifically for jobs in places like:
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Macomb County (Sterling Heights, Romeo, Shelby Township, Clinton Township)
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Oakland County (Rochester Hills, Troy, Farmington Hills)
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Wayne County (Dearborn, Livonia, Canton, Detroit suburbs)
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Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline)
Seeing their work in your community is more valuable than any sales brochure.
6. How Will You Protect My Home During Installation?
Stripping off old shingles is messy, and protecting your property should be a top priority. Ask how they’ll protect:
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Siding and windows – usually with tarps or plywood.
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Landscaping and flowerbeds – covered and shielded.
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Lawns and driveways – cleaned with magnetic rollers to remove nails.
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Cleanup and haul-away – old shingles, nails, and debris should all be removed.
A professional roofer treats your home like their own.
7. How Long Will My Roof Replacement Take?
Timing is critical in fall. Most single-family homes in Southeast Michigan can be completed in one to two days with an experienced crew.
If a contractor says it will take weeks for a standard job, ask why. Long timelines can leave your roof vulnerable to storms.
🚩 Red flag: A roofer promises that every roof is just one day, especially with the days getting shorter. Every project is different and has its own timeline.
8. How Can I Tell You’re a Roofer and Not Just a Salesman?
This is one of the most overlooked—but most important—questions. Many large roofing companies send out salespeople whose only job is to close deals. They may not know much about roofing at all.
Here’s how to spot the difference:
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The salesman uses high-pressure tactics, limited-time “discounts,” or vague promises. They may not be able to answer technical questions about flashing, valleys, or attic ventilation.
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The roofer or project manager can clearly explain installation methods, materials, and solutions for your specific home. They’ll answer detailed questions with confidence and without hesitation.
💡 Pro tip: Ask how they’ll handle tricky areas like chimneys, skylights, or roof valleys. A real roofer will explain in detail. A salesman will dodge the question.
Choosing the right person ensures your roof is installed correctly the first time.
9. What Exactly Is Included in the Estimate?
Not all estimates are equal. Make sure you understand whether the quote includes:
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Tear-off and disposal of old shingles
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New flashing, drip edge, and ridge vents
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Ice and water shield
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Permits and inspection fees
A detailed, written estimate prevents hidden costs and helps you compare apples to apples. Estimates that are itemized are even better, it can be hard for homeowners to understand lump sum estimates.
10. What Payment Terms Do You Require?
Roofing is a big investment. Ask about:
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Down payments (avoid paying the entire amount upfront).
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Payment schedule (final payment should be due upon completion).
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Financing options, which many Southeast Michigan roofers now offer.
11. How Will You Communicate During the Project?
Clear communication is key to a stress-free project. A professional roofer should:
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Keep you updated on the schedule.
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Inform you of any weather delays.
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Be easy to reach by phone, text, or email.
If they’re slow to respond before you hire them, it won’t get better after you sign.
12. Do You Specialize in Residential Roofing?
Some contractors take on every type of project—roofing, siding, decks, even remodeling. While versatility isn’t bad, roofing requires specialized skill. Ask how many roofs they install annually. A company doing hundreds each year will have the experience you need.
Why Choosing the Right Roofer Matters Before Winter
In Southeast Michigan, the stakes are high. If you hire the wrong roofer—or wait too long—you could end up with:
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A temporary patch instead of a permanent solution.
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A spot on a waitlist until spring.
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Leaks, ice dams, and water damage from another brutal winter.
Getting it right the first time saves money, stress, and long-term headaches.
Wrapping It Up: Protect Your Southeast Michigan Home Before the Snow Flies
Your roof is too important to leave to chance. By asking these questions, you’ll quickly identify which contractors truly know their craft and which are just trying to make a sale. You’ll also make sure your home is ready for the Michigan winter ahead.
If you live in **Southeast Michigan—whether in Romeo, Bruce Township, Rochester, Troy, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, or anywhere in between—**this is the season to act. Fall roofing schedules fill up quickly, and once snow arrives, your options become limited.
Don’t wait. Contact a trusted Southeast Michigan roofer today for a free inspection and estimate. Protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind all winter long.