Top 10 Questions to Ask Residential Roofers in West Samoset Before Hiring

Before you hire residential roofers in West Samoset, asking the right questions can save you from a shoddy $14,000 roof that leaks in five years—or worse. Here’s the top 10 to cut through the noise, based on current standards as of 2025, with costs tied to a 2,000 sq ft home. These get you straight answers and peace of mind.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

• Why Ask: License proves they meet state standards; insurance (liability + workers’ comp) covers a $50,000 fall or $5,000 damage—not you.
• What to Hear: “Yes, license #12345, here’s insurance proof.” Check online—state boards track it.
• Red Flag: “Not needed”—walk away.

2. How Long Have You Been Roofing Homes?

• Why Ask: Experience cuts errors—5+ years means they’ve seen it all; 10+ is a bonus. Newbies botch complex jobs.
• What to Hear: “8 years, mostly local”—newer’s fine with stellar reviews.
• 2025 Note: Storms spike demand—veterans beat fly-by-nights.

3. Can You Share References or Past Jobs?

• Why Ask: Real clients show quality—$14,000 roof deserves proof over promises.
• What to Hear: “Here’s three—call or visit.” Local jobs you can see are best.
• Pro Tip: X search their name—2025 gripes surface fast.

4. What’s Included in Your Quote?

• Why Ask: Hidden costs (tear-off, permits) balloon bills—$14,000 can hit $18,000 mid-job.
• What to Hear: “Materials ($3,000), labor ($6,000), tear-off ($2,500), cleanup—$14,000 total.” Itemized is key.
• Red Flag: “We’ll figure it”—nope, get it locked.

5. What Materials Do You Recommend and Why?

• Why Ask: Tests expertise—should fit your climate, not their leftovers. Asphalt ($12,000-$18,000) vs. metal ($20,000-$35,000) matters.
• What to Hear: “Metal for your hail zone—$20,000, 60 years—or asphalt for budget, $14,000, 25 years.” Reasoning trumps sales.
• 2025 Edge: Cool roofs snag $500-$1,000 rebates—ask.

6. What Warranties Come with This?

• Why Ask: Covers flops—labor warranties vary, materials don’t. $1,000 leak in year one stings without it.
• What to Hear: “30 years materials, 5-10 labor”—5+ on labor’s 2025 norm for pros.
• Red Flag: “No labor”—you’re on the hook.

7. How Do You Handle Rot or Unexpected Repairs?

• Why Ask: Decking rot ($5-$15/sq ft) pops up—$1,000-$5,000 extra needs a plan, not a surprise.
• What to Hear: “We check post-tear-off, quote $10/sq ft, your OK.” Clear process.
• Warning: “Bill you later”—no control, no deal.

8. What’s the Timeline and Payment Plan?

• Why Ask: Sets pace—2-5 days for $14,000 asphalt—and guards cash. Full upfront risks scams.
• What to Hear: “2-3 days, 30% down ($4,200), rest done ($9,800).” Delays in 2025 need wiggle room—confirm.
• Red Flag: “Pay $14,000 now”—run.

9. Who’s Doing the Work—Your Team or Subs?

• Why Ask: Subs can slack—less accountability. $14,000 job needs oversight.
• What to Hear: “Our crew” or “Subs we vet—same insurance.” Either works if tight.
• 2025 Factor: Busy seasons lean on subs—ask how they manage.

10. How Do You Handle Cleanup?

• Why Ask: $2,000-$4,000 tear-off leaves nails, debris—tires pop ($100), kids hurt ($500 ER).
• What to Hear: “Full sweep, haul-off included—magnets used.” In the quote, not extra.
• Red Flag: “Your problem”—next.

How to Use These

• Ask All: Phone, email, in-person—record answers. Compare 3-5 roofers.
• Listen: Clear, confident beats vague or pushy—$14,000 needs trust.
• Verify: License online, refs called, X checked—2025 norms ($5-$7/sq ft labor) guide you.
• Example: Roofer A—licensed, 10 years, $14,500 all-in, 5-year labor, 2 days, own team—wins over B’s $10,000 “pay now” dodge.

Why It Pays Off

• Right Hire: $14,000, 25 years—$560/year.
• Wrong Hire: $10,000, leaks in 5, $12,000 redo—$22,000+ lost.
• 2025 Stakes: Storms, shortages—nail these, save $5,000+.

These questions for West Samoset Residential roofers are your shield—ask ‘em, and you’re set.