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# 13 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor

What to ask before hiring a roofer in Tennessee.

Read Time: 5 minutes
Sep 5, 2022

Fully screening a potential roofing contractor before hiring them can save you money and a headache. The major questions to ask a roofer include, **‘Are you licensed?’** and **‘Will You Be Removing and Replacing My Old Roof?’** These questions go beyond the basics of shingle types. By asking questions before hiring them you can ensure the highest-quality work and avoid stumbling into a roofing scam.

We answer 13 of the most important questions to ask a roofer ***before*** agreeing to [roof services](https://smithroofingservice.com/roofing-services/).

## 1. “How Long Does the Roof Take to Complete Start to Finish?”

Knowing ahead of time how long it will take to complete your roof gives you time to plan ahead. It also means you aren’t three weeks into a project that never seems to end. You want to know how long the process will take before the reroofing begins. It is common that a roof replacement won’t take more than a week to complete (assuming that your area does not require inspections which will add time to the process). Keep in mind that it may take longer than a week to *begin* your roof.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** 7 days or less starting on this date.

**Red Flag Answer:** It can be a few days or a few weeks.

## 2. “Are You Licensed?”

You want your roofing contractor to be licensed to offer roofing services. This license should be valid for the area where your home is located.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** Yes

**Red Flag Answer:** No

## 3. “How Will You Protect My Home from Damage During Installation?”

![Crossville home showing landscape protection in the yard.](https://smithroofingservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Anglewood-Drive-Crossville-TN-during-shingle-replacement-1.webp)

It does you no good to invest in a new roof only for your driveway or home to be damaged in the process. Your roofing contractor should have measures in place to ensure no damage is done to your property while your new roof is being installed.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** Stabilizers will be used to protect the gutters. Other measures will be taken to protect the rest of the home like Catch-all systems (landscaping protection tarps). And if there is any damage, there is a plan of action in place to repair any damage done during the reroofing process.

**Red Flag Answer:** The answer is elusive or nothing is mentioned when asking how they protect your home.

## 4. “Do I Need to Be Present During the Installation?”

People are busy and the installation process is likely to stretch throughout the week during regular work hours. It would be inconvenient for homeowners to be required to be onsite during the entire installation process. You also don’t need to be moved out during the installation process. However, there are times during the process that will be particularly loud. If you, your children, or your pets are particularly sensitive to loud noises you may want to consider a different place to stay during the installation.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** No

**Red Flag Answer:** Yes

## 5. “Do You Have Workers Comp and General Liability?”

![Roofing contractors working on roof](https://smithroofingservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/roofing-contractors-working-on-roof.jpg)

There’s only one right answer whether your roofer has workers comp and general liability—yes. You’ll want to get a copy of the roofer’s insurance from the insurance company directly. This is normal practice and most insurance companies will send homeowners a copy directly when requested. Don’t accept a copy from the contractor themselves.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** Yes

**Red Flag Answer:** No

## 6. “When Do I Need to Pay?”

You’ll want to know the payment structure upfront—before anything is signed. Depending on the company you work with, a small deposit may be taken before work begins. This is used to buy materials. But, if you are required to pay the full amount upfront, consider other options. By paying the full cost of the roof upfront you may be falling prey to a roofing scam.

Besides knowing when you need to make a deposit and when payments will be due, talk to the potential contractor about [**financing options**](https://smithroofingservice.com/financing/).

**Answer You Want to Hear:** You will receive a clearly defined payment structure in writing before starting the job.

**Red Flag Answer:** The total cost of the roof is due upfront or “the price can vary… we will give you the final price when done”.

## 7. “How Long is My Warranty and What Does It Cover?”

You’ll want to know what your warranty covers, how it can be voided, and how long it lasts for. This should be provided to you in writing before the work on your roof begins. On average, most roof warranties will last from seven to 10 years. While most warranties will cover smaller repairs, an Act of God (like a windstorm over 50mph or a tornato) can result in a voided warranty. This is all info you want to know and understand upfront.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** A written warranty is provided to you, explained before construction begins, and we will help you register the warranty (when applicable).

**Red Flag Answer:** No warranty is provided.

## 8. “How Can Unforeseen Circumstances Change the Overall Cost of My Roof?”

![Roofing materials laid out on bare roof](https://smithroofingservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/unforseen-working-materials-on-bare-roof.jpg)

While it not ideal, it’s common for your roofing contractor to find things during the roofing process that could have an effect on the cost of your roof. If your roofers discover rotted wood or another problem that could result in an increased overall cost, you’ll want to have a budget for additions already in the quote.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** An estimated cost for common unknowns will be itemized in your quote.

**Red Flag Answer:** We will “figure something out” if we find something.

## 9. “Are You A Local Company?”

You only want to work with local companies. Hiring a local roofing contractor can prevent you from becoming a victim of a roofing scam. Roofing scams tend to travel from area to area based on where storms have occurred. Either the job will be completed sloppily or not at all (after payment).

And recently there has been a trend in the roofing industry of companies being bought by Private Equity firms. While this is good for their stockholders, these groups often try to squeeze every penny from customers, the roofing company, and even closing if it does not make “enough profit”. These purchases mean you will have difficulty connecting with a local office for warranty claims should any issues arise in the future. And if they are closed up, that 25 year warranty is not longer protecting you.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** Yes

**Red Flag Answer:** No

## 10. “How Long Have You Been in the Area?”

Besides selecting a local company to avoid roofing scams, you’ll want to go for a company with a positive reputation and a long history of providing services in the area. It’s usually better to go for a company with many positive reviews going back many years. Otherwise, you’re gambling if they are going to do a good job on your home.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** “We have been installing roofs in Knoxville since 2016”.

**Red Flag Answer:** We are based outside this area (this could be a roofing scam.)

## 11. “When Will My Dumpster and Materials Be Delivered? When Will The Dumpster Be Picked Up?”

![Men measuring roof](https://smithroofingservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/men-measuring-roof-for-shingles.jpg)

A dumpster and materials will need to be delivered to your residence in preparation for the reroofing project. In most situations you want the dumpster and materials to be delivered as close to the start of the job as possible. Usually, this means the day before.

You also want the contractor to confirm they will be removing the leftover materials and dumpster from your property. Nobody wants to be left with an unsightly dumpster on their property. In most cases, your contractor should confirm they are picking up the dumpster the day the roof is complete or the day after.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** A clear timeline stating when materials and the dumpster will be picked up and dropped off in relation to the completion of your new roof.

**Red Flag Answer:** No clear answer or timeframe provided.

## 12. “Will All Metals in the Roof Be Replaced?”

When you get a new roof, you want an entirely new roof. This includes the fasteners, anchors, and restraints which offer further security to your roof. A reputable roofer will replace all metal when reroofing. This ensures the roof is more secure and durable.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** Yes, your roof will be entirely new.

**Red Flag Answer:** No.

## 13. “Do You Offer a Release of Lien From Your Vendors?”

A release of lien protects the homeowner from being pursued by the roofing manufacturer or supplier in the case that your roofer misses a payment. A release of lien is provided by the roofing manufacturer or supplier and given to you by a roofing contractor to prove a lien will not be placed on *YOUR* home. You need to have a release of lien to be fully protected. This isn’t something you want to take a chance with—unless you’re okay and able to pay for the same roof twice.

**Answer You Want to Hear:** Yes

**Red Flag Answer:** No

You should always be wary of door knockers immediately after storms. If the contractor provides a red flag answer avoid hiring them or do further vetting before signing them on as your roofing contractor. Have roofing questions left unanswered? Contact us for answers and a free estimate.

### Have more roofing questions?

Speak with one of our roofing experts.

[Contact us](https://smithroofingservice.com/contact/?utm_campaign=13-Questions-to-Ask-a-Roofing-Contractor)

Contact us Reach out to our team to schedule your free evaluation or get your questions answered. [**CONTACT US**](https://smithroofingservice.com/contact/?utm_campaign=Blog)

[**How to Know If You Need a New Roof** ![home roof repair attempt](https://smithroofingservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/roof-repair-signs-sidebar.webp) **Read full article**](https://smithroofingservice.com/time-to-replace-a-roof-in-tennessee/)

"Sam, Davis and the whole crew did a phenomenal job! We’ve already recommended them to our neighbors and our roof looks amazing! They worked with our insurance company and made a very stressful process much less stressful. They thoroughly cleaned up the yard of nails/debris (we have dogs so this was super important to us) and were good guys to work with. Highly recommend!"

—Keith W.

"A huge thank you, for the great job Smith Roofing did on our garage roof. Chris came out first and he explained everything to us. He was very professional and knowledgeable in his presentation to us. Joseph is over the installation, and he made sure everything was done correctly. We couldn't be happier and would recommend Smith Roofing to anyone."

—Pam C.

"Smith Roofing did an amazing job replacing our roof. Jake , our salesperson, provided a great plan and provided his expertise in choosing quality materials, and Brad came in with his crew and executed the plan to perfection. It has been a pleasure doing business with Smith Roofing. We’ve had lots of compliments on the new roof. I highly recommend choosing Smith Roofing for your roofing needs!"

—Shelly T.

"We had Smith Handyman install two screen doors and repair our roof. Paul Slack did the work and did a wonderful job. We live in an older home and nothing is square or standard. Paul was able to make the doors fit and the finished job looks great!! He was very personable and professional while working in our home. We will definitely hire Smith Handyman Service for our future needs."

John P.

"Living in an older home means many repairs! We had several small jobs that, thankfully, Smith Handyman Services were able to take care of in a timely fashion. Everything from roof repair to an older roof (while diagnosing other roof issues we might expect), resolving a plumbing issue and a toilette issue. We certainly hope to be using their services again."

Chuck A.

"I so appreciated Scott and his technician working in the dark to repair leak to make sure it was secure until weather cooperated so new roof could be put in place. I have found Smith Handyman Service to be a reputable company and recommend. Just praying for weather to cooperate so they can complete job. Scott has made me feel comfortable and kept me up to date on all job decisions. Feel like I made the right choice."

Carolyn R.

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