5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. And the contractor you choose to work on it matters just as much as the materials they install. A great roof installed by the wrong crew can still lead to problems. A good crew with the right process can make even a straightforward shingle job last years longer than it should.
If you’re figuring out how to choose a roofer, the best thing you can do is ask the right questions upfront. Not gotcha questions—just honest ones that tell you whether this is someone you can trust with your home.
Here are five we’d recommend asking any contractor you’re considering—and what the right answers sound like.
1. Are you licensed and insured in Maine?
Why it matters: This is the baseline. In Maine, roofing contractors are not required to hold a specific roofing license, but they do need to be registered with the state and carry proper insurance. A contractor without liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage puts you at financial risk—if a worker is injured on your property or your home is damaged during the job, you could be liable.
What the right answer sounds like: A good contractor will have their insurance documentation ready and won’t hesitate to share it. They should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation at a minimum. If they dodge this question or say “we’re covered” without providing specifics, that’s a red flag.
How we handle it: We’re fully insured and happy to provide documentation to any homeowner who asks. We’d rather you ask than assume.
2. What does your estimate include—and what doesn’t it?
Why it matters: A low estimate can look appealing until you realize it doesn’t include removing the old shingles, replacing damaged decking, installing ice-and-water shield, or hauling away debris. The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest job once the extras start adding up.
What the right answer sounds like: A detailed written estimate should spell out every step: tear-off, decking inspection and repair if needed, underlayment, ice-and-water shield placement, new shingle or metal installation, flashing (the metal around chimneys and vents), drip edge (the metal strip along eaves), cleanup, and disposal. It should name the specific materials—not just “shingles” but the manufacturer, product line, and color. And it should include the total cost with no hidden fees.
How we handle it: Every estimate we provide lists the full scope of work, specific materials (like Owens Corning or CertainTeed products), timeline, warranty information, and total cost. If there’s something that could change the price—like discovering rotted decking during tear-off—we tell you upfront what that would look like so there are no surprises.
3. Who’s actually doing the work?
Why it matters: Some roofing companies sell the job and then hand it off to subcontractors you’ve never met. There’s nothing inherently wrong with using subs, but you should know who’s going to be on your roof and whether the company you hired is standing behind the work those people do.
What the right answer sounds like: You want a clear answer about whether the company uses its own crew or subcontractors, and whether the person you’ve been talking to will be involved in overseeing the project. The best contractors are present on the job—not just at the sales meeting.
How we handle it: When you hire Maine Coast Roofing, Larkin is on the job. He’s not just the person who writes the estimate—he’s the general contractor overseeing your project with nearly two decades of experience. You’re not handed off to someone you’ve never met.
4. What’s your warranty?
Why it matters: A roof is a long-term investment, and the warranty behind it matters. There are two types of warranty to ask about: the product warranty (from the shingle or metal manufacturer) and the workmanship warranty (from the contractor who installed it). A great product installed poorly will still fail — so the workmanship warranty is where you find out how much the contractor trusts their own work.
What the right answer sounds like: The contractor should be able to tell you exactly what’s covered, for how long, and what would void the warranty. Vague answers like “we stand behind our work” don’t mean much without documentation. The strongest warranties come from manufacturers with established reputations and contractors who are certified by those manufacturers — certification means the manufacturer trusts the installer enough to extend enhanced warranty coverage.
How we handle it: Our projects include a manufacturer’s lifetime product warranty and up to a 5-year workmanship warranty from us. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and Brava Preferred Contractor, we offer enhanced warranty options that aren’t available through non-certified installers. Your estimate spells out exactly what’s covered.
5. Will you be here if I need you next year?
Why it matters: This is the question that separates local contractors from storm chasers. After a big nor’easter or hail event, out-of-state roofing crews show up, knock on doors, push homeowners to sign quickly, and then leave town once the work is done. If something goes wrong six months later—a leak, a warranty issue, a question about a section of flashing—they’re gone. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it.
What the right answer sounds like: You want a contractor with a physical local presence—an address, a phone number that someone answers, a reputation in the community. Look for a track record: How long have they been in business? Do they have reviews from local homeowners? Can you drive past jobs they’ve completed?
How we handle it: We’re Kayla and Larkin Campbell. Our business is at 7 Front Street in Belfast. Our kids go to school here. We shop at the same stores you do. We’ve completed over 300 roofs across the midcoast and beyond, and we carry a 4.9-star Google rating from homeowners in communities we’re part of. We’re not going anywhere—and that’s the point.
A few more things to watch for
Beyond these five questions, keep an eye out for a few warning signs when choosing a roofer:
Demands for large upfront payments. A deposit to secure materials is normal. Asking for 50% or more before work begins is not.
No written estimate. If a contractor won’t put the scope of work and price in writing, walk away.
Pressure to sign immediately. A good contractor gives you time to think. Anyone who says “this price is only good today” is creating artificial urgency.
No local references. Ask for references from homeowners in your area. A reputable contractor will have them ready.
Knocking on your door after a storm. Not every door-knocker is a scam, but many storm damage situations attract out-of-state crews looking for quick work. Take your time. Get your own inspection from a contractor you trust.
Frequently asked questions
How many estimates should I get before choosing a roofer?
Two to three estimates is usually enough to compare scope, materials, and price fairly. More than that can actually make the decision harder without adding clarity. The most important thing isn’t the number of estimates—it’s making sure each one is detailed enough to compare apples to apples.
Should I always go with the cheapest estimate?
Not necessarily. A low estimate may leave out important steps like proper ice-and-water shield installation, flashing replacement, or decking repair. Compare the scope of work line by line, not just the bottom number. The right question isn’t “who’s cheapest?”—it’s “who’s giving me the most complete job for a fair price?”
Does it matter if a roofer is certified by a manufacturer?
Yes. Manufacturer certifications—like Owens Corning Preferred Contractor or Brava Preferred Contractor status—mean the manufacturer has vetted the installer’s work quality and trusts them enough to extend enhanced warranty coverage. Non-certified installers can still do good work, but you won’t have access to the same warranty options.
What’s the difference between a general contractor and a roofing specialist?
A general contractor can handle many types of construction work but may subcontract the roofing to a separate crew. A roofing specialist focuses on roofing day in and day out—they know the materials, the installation details, and the Maine-specific challenges (ice dams, freeze-thaw, salt air) at a deeper level. For something as critical as your roof, a specialist with a strong local track record is usually the better choice.
Choosing the right roofer comes down to trust—and trust is built on honest answers to straightforward questions. The right contractor won’t be bothered by you asking. They’ll welcome it, because they know their answers will hold up.
If you’re weighing your options and want to see how we’d answer these questions for your specific project, we’d love to talk. Give us a call at (207) 200-1053 or reach out for a free estimate. No pressure—just honest answers from neighbors who’ve been doing this for nearly two decades.
