Hiring a Roofer

12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Updated October 2026 · 8 min read · By the Knoxville Roofing Quotes team

Getting a new roof isn't like buying something on Amazon. You can't just return it if it sucks. Once that roof is on, you're living with it for decades – or living with the problems if you hired the wrong company.

When a roofing job goes sideways, the trouble usually traces back to something nobody asked about before the contract was signed. So here are the questions to ask before you sign anything.

1. "Are you licensed and insured?"

This isn't optional, but which license applies in Tennessee depends on the size of the job and the county. A state contractor's license is required before a roofer even bids or negotiates on a project of $25,000 or more (the roofing classification is BC-21). In Knox County, roofing jobs from $3,000 to $24,999 also need a state Home Improvement license. Blount, Sevier, Anderson, Loudon and the other surrounding counties haven't adopted the Home Improvement law, so for smaller jobs there, the state suggests checking with the local codes office about what license is needed.

On insurance, the state requires licensed contractors to carry general liability coverage and workers' compensation (unless they've proven an exemption). Home Improvement licensees also post a $10,000 bond. Ask for a certificate for each policy.

Red flag: They hesitate, get vague, or say "we're working on it."

Good sign: They immediately offer to show you their credentials or send copies.

Verify independently. You can look up Tennessee contractor and Home Improvement licenses at verify.tn.gov, and the Board for Licensing Contractors can tell you about complaint history at (800) 544-7693. Call the insurance company named on the certificate to confirm coverage is current.

2. "How long have you been in business?"

Roofing companies come and go. Some show up after storms, do questionable work, and are hard to reach once problems surface. You want someone who'll still be around when you need warranty service. Our map of East Tennessee roofing companies is a quick way to see which outfits are based near you.

Red flag: A brand-new company with no local track record, or they can't give you a straight answer.

Good sign: Several years of Knoxville-area work you can check: a real local address and past customers willing to talk.

3. "Can I see some references from recent jobs?"

Any contractor can show you their best work. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) suggests getting at least three references, so ask for recent ones, ideally from the past year. Then actually call some of them. Ask about communication, cleanup, whether the final price matched the quote, and if there were any issues.

Red flag: They can't produce any recent references, or every one is from years ago.

Good sign: They happily provide a list and encourage you to call anyone on it.

4. "Who will actually be doing the work?"

Some companies use their own crews. Others subcontract to whoever's available. Subcontractors aren't automatically bad, but you want to know what you're getting. TDCI specifically recommends asking whether the licensed contractor will do the job with its own employees or subcontract it out.

Red flag: They can't tell you, or they say "whoever's available that day."

Good sign: They have regular crews they've worked with for years.

5. "Will you pull the permit?"

Permit rules vary between the City of Knoxville, Knox County and the surrounding cities and counties, so ask whether your job needs one and who's responsible for getting it. The contractor should handle this, not you. If you want to double-check, call your local codes office. Permits mean inspections, and inspections mean accountability.

Red flag: "We don't need a permit" with no explanation, or "You can save money skipping the permit."

Good sign: They know the local requirement and list any permit as a line item in their quote.

6. "What's included in the price?"

Get specifics. A quote should break down:

Tear-off (are they removing old shingles or going over?)
Materials (brand, type, color)
Underlayment
Flashing (new or reusing old?)
Ventilation
Cleanup and haul-away
Dump fees
Permit

Lining several quotes up side by side is much easier with our free quote comparison worksheet.

Red flag: A single lump-sum number with no breakdown.

Good sign: Itemized quote that explains exactly what you're paying for.

7. "What happens if you find damage under the shingles?"

Nobody knows for sure what's under your roof until they tear it off. Rotted decking, damaged rafters – it happens. Know upfront how this is handled.

Red flag: "That never happens" or no clear answer.

Good sign: They explain their per-sheet price for decking replacement and will call you before doing any extra work.

8. "What warranty do I get?"

There are two types:

Manufacturer warranty: Covers defects in the shingles themselves. Many architectural shingles now carry a "limited lifetime" warranty, but full coverage only lasts for an initial period (10 years on GAF's current shingle warranty, for example) before it becomes prorated. Read the fine print.
Workmanship warranty: Covers the installation. This one comes from the contractor, and the length and terms vary a lot from company to company, so get both in writing.

Red flag: A "lifetime warranty" pitch with no written details, or a workmanship promise they won't put on paper.

Good sign: Clear written warranty documents for both manufacturer and workmanship.

9. "What's your payment schedule?"

Never pay in full upfront. Tennessee law limits home improvement deposits to no more than one-third of the contract price, and TDCI warns against paying cash. A typical structure:

A modest deposit, never more than one-third of the price
If they need money for materials, go with them and pay the supplier directly, as TDCI suggests
Progress payment when materials arrive or work starts
Final payment after completion and your walk-through

If insurance is paying for the roof, Tennessee's residential roofing law adds a layer of protection: the roofer can't require payment under the contract until your insurer confirms coverage in writing or your cancellation window has passed. Our roof insurance claims page explains how that window works.

Red flag: They want more than a third upfront, cash only, or full payment before starting.

Good sign: Most payment is due after the work is complete.

10. "How do you handle cleanup?"

Roof jobs create a mess. Shingle pieces, nails, packaging everywhere. A good contractor leaves your property cleaner than they found it.

Red flag: Vague answer or "we clean up most of it."

Good sign: They describe their process – tarps around the house, magnetic roller for nails, daily cleanup.

11. "Do you have any manufacturer certifications?"

Major shingle manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) certify contractors who meet their installation standards. Those certifications can unlock enhanced warranties that uncertified roofers can't offer.

Red flag: "Certifications don't matter" or they claim ones they can't prove.

Good sign: They're certified by one or more major manufacturers and can show documentation.

12. "Can you walk me through your process?"

A good contractor should be able to explain step-by-step what happens from contract to completion. How do they communicate? Who's your point of contact? What's the schedule? What if it rains?

Red flag: They can't explain their own process clearly.

Good sign: They have a clear, organized system they've refined over time.

Bonus: Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, it probably is. The contractor who pressures you to sign today, won't put anything in writing, or talks trash about every competitor? Walk away.

A good roofer wants you to feel confident in your decision. They answer questions patiently because they know informed customers make the best clients. If you'd like a head start, here's how our free matching works: you get up to three quotes from licensed, insured local roofers, and you can put every question on this list to each of them.

Find Trustworthy Roofers in Knoxville

Get up to three free quotes from licensed, insured local roofers, then ask them anything. No obligation.

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12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

1. "Are you licensed and insured?"

2. "How long have you been in business?"

3. "Can I see some references from recent jobs?"

4. "Who will actually be doing the work?"

5. "Will you pull the permit?"

6. "What's included in the price?"

7. "What happens if you find damage under the shingles?"

8. "What warranty do I get?"

9. "What's your payment schedule?"

10. "How do you handle cleanup?"

11. "Do you have any manufacturer certifications?"

12. "Can you walk me through your process?"

Bonus: Trust Your Gut

Find Trustworthy Roofers in Knoxville

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