Roofing Contractor Questions

The most important roofing contractor questions to ask before signing anything are about licensing, insurance, local presence, manufacturer credentials, and what the written contract actually covers. Florida’s roofing market includes a wide range of contractors — from established local companies with decades of track record to out-of-state storm chasers who arrive after a hurricane and disappear before warranty issues surface. Asking the right roofing contractor questions upfront separates the professionals from the problems and gives Treasure Coast homeowners the information they need to make a confident decision.

Here’s what to ask — and what the answers should tell you.

Why Vetting a Roofing Contractor Matters More in Florida

Florida’s licensing requirements for roofing contractors are among the most specific in the country — and for good reason. Roofing work done without a proper license, without pulled permits, or without adequate insurance creates liability that falls directly on the homeowner. A roof that fails because of poor installation has no warranty recourse if the contractor no longer operates. The questions below are the standard of care for any significant roofing investment.

8 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring

1. Are You Licensed to Perform Roofing Work in Florida?

This is the first question and the most important. Florida requires roofing contractors to hold either a State Certified Roofing Contractor license (CC) or a State Registered license through their county. Ask for the license number and verify it at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation before moving forward. A contractor who hesitates, deflects, or can’t provide a license number on the spot is not someone you should hire.

2. Do You Carry General Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Request certificates of insurance — not just a verbal confirmation — for both general liability coverage and workers’ compensation. General liability protects your property if the contractor causes damage during the project. Workers’ compensation protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your roof. In Florida, hiring an uninsured contractor can leave the homeowner legally and financially exposed for injuries that occur on their property.

3. Are You a Local Company With a Physical Presence in the Area?

After major storms, out-of-state contractors flood Florida markets, complete quick jobs, and disappear before any warranty issues arise. A locally established company with a physical address, a consistent crew, and years of completed projects in the Treasure Coast area has accountability that a storm chaser does not. Ask how long they’ve been operating in your area and ask for references from local homeowners they’ve worked with recently.

4. What Manufacturer Certifications Do You Hold?

Manufacturer certifications — like GAF’s Master Elite® designation, which Solace Roofing holds — require contractors to meet specific installation training, licensing, and customer satisfaction standards. They’re not participation awards. A GAF Master Elite® Contractor can offer enhanced warranty products unavailable through uncertified installers, including extended coverage on both materials and workmanship. Ask which manufacturer programs the contractor participates in and what those certifications actually unlock for you as a customer.

5. Will You Pull Permits for This Job?

Permitted roofing work in Florida is inspected by the local building department — which means an independent party verifies that the installation meets Florida Building Code requirements. Unpermitted roofing work is a red flag: it may violate your homeowner’s insurance policy, complicate a future home sale, and leave you with no code-compliant verification that the work was done correctly. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, roofing work that requires a permit must be performed by a licensed contractor who pulls that permit.

6. What Does Your Workmanship Warranty Cover and for How Long?

Material warranties come from the manufacturer and cover defects in the product itself. Workmanship warranties come from the contractor and cover installation errors. Ask specifically what the workmanship warranty covers, how long it lasts, and what the process is for a warranty claim. A contractor who offers no workmanship warranty — or a very short one — is signaling a lack of confidence in their own installation quality.

7. How Do You Handle Insurance Claims?

If your roof replacement or repair is related to storm damage, ask whether the contractor has experience working with insurance adjusters and what their process looks like. An experienced contractor can document damage thoroughly, communicate scope with your adjuster, and help ensure the approved claim reflects the full extent of what the repair requires. Solace Roofing works alongside homeowners through the insurance claims process from initial documentation through final repair.

8. What Does Your Written Contract Include?

Before signing anything, review the written contract carefully. It should specify the scope of work, materials by name and product line, timeline, payment schedule, permit responsibility, and warranty terms. Vague contracts — ones that describe work in general terms without naming specific materials or addressing permits — leave too much room for disputes after the job is underway. A reputable contractor provides a contract you can read, understand, and rely on.

The Right Questions Lead to the Right Contractor

Asking these roofing contractor questions before committing protects your investment, your home, and your peace of mind. The right contractor will answer every one of them directly, without hesitation, and back their answers up in writing.

Solace Roofing is a licensed, insured, GAF Master Elite® Contractor serving the Treasure Coast. Schedule your free roof assessment today — and bring your questions. We’re ready to answer all of them.

Solace Roofing | Craftsmen Who Care