10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a NJ Roofing Contractor
Quick Checklist Summary
Questions: 10 must-ask items
Rule: If they dodge any, walk away
Estimates needed: Minimum 3 written
NJ license required: Yes (HIC registration)
Max upfront payment: 1/3 of total
Written contract: Required by NJ law
Want to see how R&E Roofing answers every question?
Hiring a roofing contractor is one of the biggest home improvement decisions you will make. A new roof or major repair costs thousands of dollars, and choosing the wrong contractor can lead to shoddy work, voided warranties, and expensive callbacks that cost more than the original job. The difference between a great experience and a nightmare comes down to the questions you ask before signing the contract.
We put together this 10-question checklist based on our 28+ years of roofing experience in Essex County, NJ. These questions are designed to do one thing: separate trustworthy contractors from ones who will cause you problems. Print this list. Bring it to every estimate. If a contractor cannot answer all 10 clearly and confidently, move on.
For a more comprehensive version with 20 questions, see our full 20-question hiring guide. This condensed version covers the 10 most critical questions that every NJ homeowner must ask.
The 10 Questions
- 1. Are you licensed in New Jersey?
- 2. Do you carry general liability and workers' comp?
- 3. How long have you been roofing in this area?
- 4. Can I see your written estimate with itemized costs?
- 5. What materials do you recommend and why?
- 6. What warranties do you offer?
- 7. Will you pull all necessary permits?
- 8. What is your realistic timeline?
- 9. What is your payment schedule?
- 10. How do you handle unexpected problems?
1. "Are You Licensed in New Jersey?"
Why this matters: Legal protection, warranty validity, code compliance
New Jersey requires all roofing contractors to hold a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration through the Division of Consumer Affairs. This is not optional and not a suggestion. An unlicensed contractor operating in NJ is breaking the law, and any work they perform may not be recognized for permits, inspections, or warranty claims.
What to do: Ask for their HIC registration number. Go to njconsumeraffairs.gov and verify it yourself before the estimate meeting even happens. It takes 2 minutes.
Red flag: They say they are "working on getting licensed," claim they do not need one, or cannot provide a number on the spot.
How R&E Roofing answers: We provide our NJ HIC registration number immediately. We have been continuously licensed for 28+ years.
2. "Do You Carry General Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance?"
Why this matters: Financial protection if something goes wrong
Two types of insurance matter: general liability (covers damage to your property during the project) and workers' compensation (covers worker injuries on your property). Without workers' comp, if a roofer falls off your roof, you could be sued. Without general liability, accidental damage to your siding, windows, or landscaping has no coverage.
What to do: Ask for current certificates of insurance — not just a verbal assurance. Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to verify it is active. Minimum general liability should be $500,000, ideally $1 million+.
Red flag: They claim they are insured but cannot produce certificates, or they only have general liability without workers' comp.
How R&E Roofing answers: We carry both general liability and workers' compensation and provide certificates of insurance on request — no hesitation.
3. "How Long Have You Been Roofing in This Area?"
Why this matters: Local knowledge, reputation investment, accountability
A roofer who has been in Essex County for 10+ years has local reputation to protect. They know the building codes, the common roof styles, and the weather challenges specific to NJ. They have survived economic downturns, handled warranty claims, and built a customer base that depends on referrals.
Ask specifically about experience in your town. A contractor who has worked in Orange knows the Victorian conversion challenges. One who has worked in Montclair knows the slate and cedar requirements. One who has worked in Nutley knows the Cape Cod ice dam issues.
Red flag: They are based far away, have been in business less than 2 years, or cannot name specific local projects.
How R&E Roofing answers: 28+ years based in Orange, NJ. We have completed hundreds of projects across Essex County.
4. "Can I See Your Written Estimate With Itemized Costs?"
Why this matters: Transparency, comparison shopping, dispute prevention
A professional estimate breaks down every cost: materials (brand, type, quantity), labor, tear-off and disposal, permits, ice and water shield underlayment, ridge vents, drip edge, and any other components. A vague estimate ("roofing job: $14,000") gives you nothing to compare against other quotes and no recourse if the scope changes mid-project.
What to do: Get at least 3 written estimates. Lay them side by side and compare line by line. The most detailed estimate usually comes from the most professional contractor.
Red flag: Verbal-only quotes, single-number estimates with no breakdown, or refusal to put it in writing.
How R&E Roofing answers: Every estimate is written, itemized, and includes material specifications, labor breakdown, disposal, permits, and timeline. Delivered within 1-2 business days after the free inspection.
5. "What Materials Do You Recommend and Why?"
Why this matters: Ensures materials match your home, climate, and budget
A good roofer evaluates your specific roof — pitch, size, existing issues, ventilation, architectural style — before recommending materials. They should offer 2-3 options at different price points and explain why each option does or does not make sense for your NJ home.
For NJ's climate, materials need to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, nor'easter winds (60+ mph), ice dam conditions, and heavy snow loads. Not every material sold nationwide performs well here. Read our guide to best roofing materials for NJ weather for detailed comparisons.
Red flag: They push a single product without asking about your budget or preferences, or they cannot explain why one material is better than another for your specific situation.
How R&E Roofing answers: We present multiple material options with clear explanations of lifespan, cost, wind rating, and appearance for your specific home style.
Ask Us Any of These 10 Questions
R&E Roofing answers all 10 confidently — during your free, no-obligation estimate. 28+ years. Licensed. Insured. Based in Orange, NJ.
6. "What Warranties Do You Offer?"
Why this matters: Long-term protection for your investment
Two warranties matter: the manufacturer warranty (covers material defects — typically 25-50 years on shingles) and the workmanship warranty (covers installation errors — varies dramatically by contractor, from 1 year to 25 years). The workmanship warranty is the real differentiator. A contractor who offers a long workmanship warranty is confident in their installation quality.
What to do: Get both warranty terms in writing as part of the contract. Read the exclusions — some warranties are voided by lack of maintenance, improper ventilation, or acts of nature. Know exactly what is and is not covered.
Red flag: Vague warranty promises ("we stand behind our work") without specific terms in writing, or a workmanship warranty of less than 5 years.
How R&E Roofing answers: Written workmanship warranty plus manufacturer material warranties on every project. Specific terms, specific exclusions, specific duration — in writing before work begins.
7. "Will You Pull All Necessary Permits?"
Why this matters: Code compliance, resale value, insurance validity
In New Jersey, a building permit is required for any roof replacement covering more than 25% of the total roof area. The contractor — not you — should handle all permitting. Permits ensure the work is inspected for code compliance and create an official record that protects you when selling the home or filing insurance claims.
What to do: Confirm that permits are included in the estimate price, that the contractor will schedule the municipal inspection, and that you will receive copies of the approved permit after work is complete.
Red flag: They suggest skipping permits to "save money" or say they are not necessary. This is both illegal and dangerous for your home's resale value.
How R&E Roofing answers: All permits are included in our pricing. We handle the application, schedule the inspection, and provide you with copies of all approved permits.
8. "What Is Your Realistic Timeline?"
Why this matters: Planning, expectations, accountability
Get a specific start date and estimated completion date in writing. A typical NJ residential roof replacement takes 2-5 days depending on size, complexity, and weather. Ask what could delay the project and how delays will be communicated.
What to do: Compare timelines across your 3+ estimates. Beware of contractors who promise unrealistically fast work (rushing leads to mistakes) or give vague timelines ("we will get to it sometime next month").
Red flag: No specific start date, no commitment to a completion window, or promises that sound too good to be true.
How R&E Roofing answers: We provide specific start dates, estimated completion dates, daily work hours, and a clear communication plan for weather delays — all in the contract.
9. "What Is Your Payment Schedule?"
Why this matters: Financial protection against non-performance
The payment schedule protects you. The standard for NJ roofing projects is: 1/3 at signing, 1/3 at the midpoint, 1/3 upon completion. Never pay more than one-third upfront. Never pay the final installment until you have inspected the completed work and are satisfied.
What to do: Get the payment schedule in writing as part of the contract. Verify that the final payment is contingent on your satisfaction and completion of a walkthrough inspection.
Red flag: Demanding full payment upfront, requiring more than 50% before any work starts, cash-only payments, or no written payment schedule.
How R&E Roofing answers: Standard 1/3 - 1/3 - 1/3 payment schedule. Final payment after completion walkthrough. We also offer flexible financing options for larger projects.
10. "How Do You Handle Unexpected Problems?"
Why this matters: Prevents surprise costs and unauthorized work
Once the old roof comes off, hidden damage is not uncommon — rotted decking, deteriorated flashing, mold, structural issues. Before work begins, you need to know: will the contractor stop and contact you before doing any additional work? Is there a written change order process? How will additional costs be documented and approved?
What to do: Insist on a written change order clause in the contract that requires your approval — including a price for the additional work — before the contractor proceeds with anything outside the original scope.
Red flag: "We will just handle whatever comes up" without a defined process, or a history of surprise charges appearing on the final invoice.
How R&E Roofing answers: Our contracts include a written change order process. If we find hidden damage, we stop, document it with photos, explain your options with pricing, and get your written approval before proceeding. No surprises on the invoice.
How to Score Your Contractor
Use this simple scoring system when evaluating roofing contractors:
Excellent. Answered every question clearly and confidently. Get a final written estimate and check references.
Good, with gaps. Follow up on the questions they could not answer. If the gaps are in licensing, insurance, or payment terms — move on.
Concerning. Missing answers on half the checklist indicates a lack of professionalism. Get additional estimates from other contractors.
Walk away. A contractor who cannot or will not answer basic questions about licensing, insurance, and process is not someone you want on your roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most important question?
Licensing and insurance (questions 1 and 2). Without these, nothing else matters. An unlicensed, uninsured contractor exposes you to legal and financial risk that no amount of good workmanship can offset.
How many estimates should I get?
At least 3 from licensed contractors. Compare them line by line. The goal is not necessarily the cheapest price — it is the best combination of quality, warranty, professionalism, and value.
How much should I pay upfront?
Never more than 1/3 of the total project cost. The standard NJ schedule is 1/3 at signing, 1/3 at midpoint, 1/3 on completion. Full upfront payment is a major red flag.
How do I verify a NJ contractor's license?
Visit njconsumeraffairs.gov and search for their Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. Also check the NJ Division of Revenue for business registration and the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
What if I need more detailed questions?
See our comprehensive 20-question guide to hiring a roofer for the full checklist covering subcontractors, cleanup, photo documentation, and more.
R&E Roofing Passes Every Test on This Checklist
28+ years in Essex County. NJ licensed and insured. Written estimates, written warranties, written contracts. Free inspections. No pressure. Ask us anything.
Serving Orange, West Orange, Montclair, Bloomfield, Nutley, Newark, and all of Essex County, NJ