10 questions to ask any roofing contractor before you sign anything

Replacing a roof is one of the largest single investments a homeowner makes — and the roofing industry, unfortunately, has more than its share of contractors who cut corners, disappear after a deposit, or sell warranties they can’t actually honor. Knowing what to ask before you sign can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of grief.

Here are the ten questions we think every South Jersey homeowner should get clear answers to before committing to any roofing contractor.

1. Are you licensed and insured in New Jersey?

This isn’t optional — it’s the baseline. New Jersey requires contractors to carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Ask for certificate numbers and verify them. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor isn’t insured, you could be liable. Don’t skip this step.

2. Are you a certified installer for the shingle brands you use?

Manufacturer certifications like GAF’s Factory Certified program and Owens Corning’s Preferred Contractor designation aren’t just marketing — they indicate that a contractor has met installation standards, carries proper insurance, and can register extended warranty coverage on your behalf. Diamond Roofing holds both.

3. Will you pull a permit for this job?

Roof replacements typically require a local permit in New Jersey. A contractor who tells you a permit “isn’t necessary” or suggests skipping it to save time should be a red flag. Unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell your home or file an insurance claim.

4. What does the warranty cover — and who backs it?

There are two separate warranties: the manufacturer’s warranty on the shingles themselves, and the contractor’s workmanship warranty on the installation. Ask what each covers, how long each lasts, and whether the workmanship warranty is transferable if you sell the home. Diamond Roofing backs every job with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

A 30-year shingle warranty is only as good as the contractor who installs it. Improper installation voids manufacturer coverage — which is exactly why certified contractors matter.

5. Who exactly will be doing the work?

Some contractors sell the job, then hand it off to subcontractors with no connection to the company you vetted. Ask directly: will your crew install this roof, or will it be subcontracted? You deserve to know who will be on your property.

6. Will you do a full tear-off, or are you laying over existing shingles?

New Jersey code permits a maximum of two shingle layers on most residential roofs. Installing a second layer over an existing one saves labor cost but traps moisture, adds weight, and reduces the new roof’s lifespan. A full tear-off — while more expensive — is almost always the better long-term choice.

7. How do you protect my property during the job?

A professional crew will tarp landscaping and surrounding areas, use magnetic nail sweeps to clear the yard, and clean up completely before they leave. Ask how they protect windows, siding, and your lawn. The answer tells you a lot about how they work.

8. What is your timeline, and will you complete the job in one day?

An exposed roof deck is a risk — one unexpected rainstorm on an unfinished job can cause significant damage. Diamond Roofing is structured to complete most South Jersey residential roofs in a single day, with crews large enough to see the project through from morning to cleanup.

9. Can you provide local references I can actually contact?

Any established contractor should be able to provide recent local references — not just star ratings on a website, but names and phone numbers of homeowners in your area. If a contractor hesitates here, take note.

10. Will you beat a written competitor quote?

Diamond Roofing guarantees the lowest price in South Jersey and will beat any written competitor offer. You shouldn’t have to choose between quality and affordability — and with a certified contractor, you don’t have to.

What to watch for

Pressure to sign same-day, unusually low bids, no physical address, or reluctance to pull permits are all warning signs worth taking seriously.

Storm chasers — After major storms, unfamiliar trucks appear in neighborhoods offering “free roofs through insurance.” Always verify credentials before letting anyone on your property.

The right contractor will welcome every one of these questions. If asking them makes someone uncomfortable, that tells you what you need to know.

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