Hiring the right roofing contractor can mean the difference between a roof that protects your home for decades and one that causes endless headaches. Before signing a contract, it’s important to do your homework and ask the right questions. Here are 10 key questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a roofer:
1. Are you licensed and insured?
A reputable roofer should carry both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you from being held liable if an accident happens on your property. Ask for proof of insurance before work begins. A general contractor’s license is not required in the state of North Carolina for projects under $40,000.
However, the knowledge and experience that comes with a license on staff is irreplaceable. We highly recommend working only with licensed companies.
Honour Roofing carries workers compensation and general liability insurance. Our female owner is also our general contractor. She is able to oversee all projects, big and small, going on within the company.
2. How long have you been in business?
Experience matters. A company that has been around for several years is more likely to stand behind their work than a “storm chaser” who disappears once the job is done. Honour Roofing started in October of 2022. Both owners have a combined 11 years of experience in the roofing industry.
3. Do you use subcontractors or in-house crews?
Some companies rely heavily on subcontractors. That’s not always bad, but you should know who will be on your property and whether they are properly insured and trained. Honour Roofing has used the same subcontractor crews since 2022. We have a great relationship with each crew member and we provide the bulk of their work. Each crew is required to carry general liability and workers compensation insurance in addition to what we carry as a company.
4. What warranties do you offer?
Roofing warranties come in two parts: the manufacturer’s warranty (covering materials) and the contractor’s warranty (covering workmanship). Be sure you understand both. Material warranties depend on the materials you choose to install on your roof.
Our labor warranty is good for 10 years from the date of installation and is backed by a surety bond.
5. Will you provide a written estimate?
A detailed written estimate prevents surprises. It should include the scope of work, materials, timeline, and cost breakdown.
All estimates are written and official. You will be given a digital or hardcopy to keep for your review and records.
6. How will you protect my property during the job?
Roofing can be messy. Ask how they will protect your landscaping, gutters, siding, and driveway from debris and nails.
Accidents happen. Replacing a roof is a messy business for sure. We utilize tarps, magnet sweepers, and dedicated clean up crews to pick up debris from the install. Should something be damaged during our work, we are happy to cover the cost of repair or replacement.
7. What is your plan for ventilation and code compliance?
In North Carolina, attic ventilation and building code compliance are crucial for roof longevity. Your roofer should be knowledgeable about local codes and ventilation requirements.
Not only is ventilation important in code compliance, all of the material warranties require proper ventilation to be valid. We install ridge vent standard on all roof replacements. Should your home also need intake ventilation, we are happy to quote for a variety of options.
8. Do you have local references?
Ask for references from recent projects in your area. A strong local reputation is one of the best indicators of quality and reliability.
We are happy to provide a list of references from previous customers, both residential and commercial.
9. How do you handle unexpected issues?
Sometimes problems—like rotten decking or hidden leaks—don’t appear until work begins. Find out how they handle additional costs or delays.
We have a member of our staff on site during every install. He/she is there to assist the crew and take hundreds of photos before, during, and after construction. Should we come across any extensive wood rot, those photos along with an estimate will be provided to the customer prior to moving forward.
10. What sets your company apart from others?
This is your chance to see how the roofer defines their values. Do they focus on transparency, quality materials, and long-term service—or just getting the job done fast and cheap?
If you are looking for the cheapest roofer in town, Honour Roofing is not your company. We pride ourselves on quality work at a fair price. We are not sales people. We will never ask you to spend your hard earned money on something you don’t need.
Final Thoughts
Your roof is one of the most important investments in your home. By asking these questions, you’ll protect yourself from poor workmanship, hidden costs, and future problems. At Honour Roofing, we believe in transparency, quality, and treating your home as if it were our own.