Questions to Ask Before Signing a Commercial Roofing Contract

Key Takeaways

• Asking detailed questions before signing protects against future problems
• How contractors answer matters as much as what they answer
• Evasive or incomplete answers should prompt additional investigation
• Document answers and incorporate important commitments into the written contract
• Use these questions alongside the Verification Checklist

Company Background Questions

Assess business stability and permanence:

Essential questions:

1. How long has your company been in business under its current name and ownership?
2. What is your California contractor license number, and when was it issued?
3. Where is your main office located, and may I visit it?
4. How many full-time employees does your company have?
5. Has your company ever operated under a different name?
6. Have you had any CSLB complaints or disciplinary actions?

What good answers include:

• Specific dates and numbers, not vague ranges
• Willingness to provide verifiable information
• Consistent information across questions
• Invitation to verify independently

Warning signs:

• Vague answers ("many years," "several employees")
• Deflection or subject changes
• Inability to provide license number readily
• Reluctance to discuss business history

Scope and Specifications Questions

Clarify exactly what you're buying:

Essential questions:

1. What roofing system do you recommend, and why is it appropriate for my building?
2. What specific materials will be used? (brand, product name, thickness)
3. What is included vs excluded from this proposal?
4. Who pulls permits, and what inspections occur?
5. What preparation work is needed, and is it included?
6. How will debris and old materials be disposed of?
7. Will any work be performed by subcontractors?

What good answers include:

• Specific product names and specifications
• Clear distinction between included and excluded items
• Explanation of why recommended system fits your needs
• Transparency about subcontractor use

Warning signs:

• Generic descriptions without product specifics
• Unclear about what's included in the price
• Vague about permits or inspections
• Unwillingness to specify materials in writing

Warranty Questions

Evaluate warranty enforceability:

Essential questions:

1. What is the workmanship warranty duration and what does it cover?
2. What manufacturer warranties apply, and what do they cover?
3. What maintenance is required to keep warranties valid?
4. How do I file a warranty claim, and what is the typical response time?
5. Is the warranty transferable if I sell the property?
6. What happens to the warranty if your company is sold or changes ownership?
7. Can you provide references for projects where you've honored warranty claims?

What good answers include:

• Written warranty terms provided for review
• Clear explanation of coverage vs exclusions
• Defined maintenance requirements
• Documented claims process
• References demonstrating past warranty service

Warning signs:

• Verbal promises without written documentation
• Unclear about warranty exclusions
• Unable to explain claims process
• No examples of past warranty service

Pricing and Payment Questions

Understand cost structure and avoid price-first mistakes:

Essential questions:

1. What is the total project cost, and what does it include?
2. Can you provide an itemized breakdown of labor, materials, and overhead?
3. What is your payment schedule?
4. What deposit is required, and when is it due?
5. How are change orders handled, and what approval process applies?
6. Is this price guaranteed, and for how long?
7. Are there any conditions that could increase the final cost?

What good answers include:

• Detailed breakdown of pricing components
• Reasonable payment schedule (not front-loaded)
• Clear change order process with written approval required
• Transparent about potential cost variables

Warning signs:

• Large deposit required before work begins (more than 10-20%)
• Unwillingness to provide itemized breakdown
• Vague about potential cost increases
• Pressure to sign quickly for "special pricing"

Process and Timeline Questions

Set clear expectations for project execution:

Essential questions:

1. What is the expected project duration from start to completion?
2. What factors could delay the schedule?
3. Who will be my primary contact during the project?
4. How often will you provide progress updates?
5. What hours will crews be working on site?
6. How do you handle weather delays?
7. What is the final inspection and acceptance process?

What good answers include:

• Specific timeline with milestones
• Identified project manager with contact information
• Defined communication cadence
• Clear acceptance criteria

Warning signs:

• Vague about timing ("a few weeks")
• No dedicated project contact identified
• Unclear about how delays are handled
• No formal acceptance process

Reference Questions

When contacting provided references:

1. When was your project completed?
2. Was the work completed on schedule and as specified?
3. Were there any problems during installation, and how were they resolved?
4. Have you needed any warranty service? How was it handled?
5. How was communication during the project?
6. Would you hire this contractor again?
7. Is there anything you wish you had known before starting?

Prioritize references from:

• Projects at least 3-5 years old (to assess long-term performance)
• Projects similar in size and complexity to yours
• Clients who have received warranty service

What Answers Reveal

Confidence indicators:

• Direct, specific answers with supporting documentation
• Willingness to put promises in writing
• Encouragement to verify information independently
• Transparent about limitations or potential issues

Concern indicators:

• Vague or evasive responses
• Deflection to sales pitches
• Reluctance to document commitments
• Pressure tactics or artificial urgency
• Inconsistencies between verbal statements and written materials

Use answers to complete the Commercial Roofer Verification Checklist before making your final decision.