Hiring help

Ask better questions before roof work starts

A simple conversation guide for scope, registration, insurance, payment timing, warranties, and storm-pressure red flags.

Reviewed 2026-05-16

Short answer

The best roofer guide is a conversation script

Homeowners need exact questions they can ask under pressure. This guide turns consumer-protection guidance into a short, calm checklist.

What to do

Follow the homeowner workflow

  1. 1

    Ask for CIB registration, insurance proof, written scope, materials, schedule, and warranty terms.

  2. 2

    Avoid cash-only pressure, blank contracts, signing over insurance checks, and full payment upfront.

  3. 3

    Ask who handles permits, cleanup, supplements, and change orders.

  4. 4

    Make the script easy to text to a spouse, parent, neighbor, or HOA board member.

Details

What this guide is built to clarify

Doorstep mode

Use short questions that work when someone is standing at the door after a storm.

Estimate mode

Use deeper questions once a written estimate exists.

Red flags

Keep high-pressure sales signals separate from normal scheduling urgency.

Boundary

This is not a diagnosis, recommendation, or insurance outcome.

Use this page to organize questions, source links, and safe next steps. Official sources, licensed professionals, and written policy documents should control final decisions.

Sources

Check the latest source first