5 Questions That Separate Good Roofers From Bad Ones
Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. Your roof protects everything underneath it, from your belongings to the people you care about most. Yet many homeowners do not realize just how wide the gap is between a professional roofer and one who cuts corners.
A roof replacement or repair is not something most people do often. Because of that, it can be difficult to know what separates a trustworthy professional from someone who is simply good at selling. Price alone does not tell the full story. In fact, choosing a roofer based on price is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make.
The real difference shows up in the questions a roofer can confidently answer and how they answer them. If you want to avoid costly mistakes, delays, and unnecessary stress, these five questions that separate good roofers from bad ones will help you make a smarter, more informed decision. Asking them upfront can save you thousands of dollars and protect your home in the long run.
1. Can You Provide Proof of Insurance?
One of the clearest ways to tell the difference between a good roofer and a bad roofer is how they handle insurance. A professional roofing contractor should be able to provide proof of both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance without hesitation.
General liability insurance protects your home and property. If a contractor accidentally damages your siding, gutters, landscaping, driveway, or interior during the project, this coverage helps ensure you are not left paying for repairs out of pocket. Roofing work involves ladders, debris, tools, and heavy materials, so the potential for accidental damage is always present.
Workers’ compensation insurance protects you as the homeowner. If a worker is injured on your roof and the contractor does not carry workers’ compensation, that injury could become your responsibility. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that they could be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, or legal claims if an uninsured worker is hurt on their property.
Bad roofers often avoid this topic altogether, provide incomplete documentation, or claim they do not need coverage because they use subcontractors. Some may even ask you to pull permits or sign paperwork that shifts liability onto you. Good roofers understand the importance of proper insurance and are happy to show proof because it protects everyone involved.
If a contractor cannot provide current insurance certificates, that is not a minor issue. It is a deal breaker.
2. Are You a Licensed Contractor in My Area?
Licensing is another foundational requirement that separates good roofers from bad ones. In Michigan, roofing contractors are required to hold a valid residential builder’s license. This license confirms that the contractor has met state requirements and is legally allowed to perform roofing work.
We hold two builder’s licenses, which allows us to operate properly and responsibly across the work we do. Our license numbers are listed in the footer of our website so homeowners can verify them easily. Any reputable contractor should make this information easy to find.
That said, there is an important distinction homeowners need to understand.
A License Does Not Automatically Mean Quality
Having a builder’s license does not guarantee excellent workmanship, clear communication, or ethical business practices. It simply means the contractor is legally allowed to work.
Some homeowners assume that licensing alone is enough to ensure a good outcome. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. A licensed roofer can still cut corners, rush jobs, or disappear after collecting payment.
That is why asking all five of these questions matters. A truly good roofer will not only be licensed, but also insured, transparent, organized, and willing to document everything in writing. When all five answers line up, that is how you separate good roofers from bad ones.
3. Can You Give Me a Quote Without Seeing My Insurance Claim?
This question only applies when insurance is involved, but it is one of the most revealing questions you can ask.
A professional roofer should be able to inspect your roof, create their own scope of work, and provide pricing based on what the roof actually needs. The roofer’s price should never be dictated by what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Good roofers perform a detailed inspection, identify all necessary repairs or replacements, and then submit proper documentation to the insurance company if additional items were missed. These supplements should be written, justified, and based on building codes and manufacturer requirements, not guesswork.
Bad roofers often ask to see your insurance estimate first. They may then adjust their price to match the claim amount instead of the actual scope of work. While this may sound convenient, it often leads to shortcuts, incomplete installations, or disputes later in the process.
This is not advice to choose a roofer simply because their estimate is lower than your insurance payout. That is a separate conversation. The key issue here is independence and professionalism. A bad roofer prices the job around the claim number. A good roofer prices the job around the roof.
4. How Will Something Unexpected Affect the Price, and Will You Put It in Writing?
Roofing projects do not always go exactly as planned. Some issues simply cannot be seen during an initial inspection. Rotted decking, multiple layers of shingles, old shake shingles, or hidden wood damage may only become visible once the existing roof is removed.
Even with over a decade of experience, we have occasionally been surprised by what was underneath a roof. That is normal in this industry. What matters is how the roofer prepares you for that possibility and how they handle it when it happens.
A good roofer explains these risks upfront and clearly outlines how unexpected issues will be priced if they arise. More importantly, they are willing to put those terms in writing before the job begins.
Bad roofers rely on vague language, verbal promises, or last-minute change orders with no documentation. Homeowners are then put in a difficult position mid-project, when their roof is already torn off and they feel pressured to agree to additional costs.
Clear written terms protect both the homeowner and the contractor. There should be no surprises when it comes to pricing.
5. Will You Show Me Photos or Videos of the Damage, and Can I Keep Them?
In today’s world, there is no excuse for a roofer not to document their inspection. Every contractor carries a camera phone, and modern roofing inspections should include clear photos or videos of any damage found.
A good roofer will walk you through what they see, explain it in plain language, and provide those photos or videos for your records. This documentation is especially important when insurance is involved, but it is valuable even for out-of-pocket projects.
Seeing the condition of your roof for yourself builds trust and helps you understand why certain repairs are recommended. It also gives you peace of mind that the work being proposed is necessary.
If a contractor refuses to share inspection photos, avoids documentation, or expects you to take their word for it, that is a major red flag. Transparency builds trust. Withholding information does the opposite.
Final Thoughts: Questions That Separate Good Roofers From Bad Ones
The roofing industry includes a wide range of contractors, and not all of them operate at the same level. Some prioritize quality, communication, and long-term results. Others focus on speed, volume, and getting paid as quickly as possible.
Asking these five questions gives you a clear framework for evaluating who you are dealing with before you sign a contract. Good roofers welcome these questions because they have nothing to hide. Bad roofers hope you never ask them.
If you are serious about protecting your home and your investment, these questions that separate good roofers from bad ones should always be part of the conversation. A few minutes of due diligence now can prevent years of frustration later.
Check out this reddit post for a further discussion on questions that separate good roofers from bad ones.
Get in touch with here us today for a free roofing inspection.