Your roof is one of the most expensive components of your home. A full replacement can cost $15,000 to $30,000 or more. The contractor you choose determines whether that investment protects your home for decades or creates problems that cost even more to fix.
Before you sign a contract, ask these questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know about whether a contractor deserves your business.
Licensing and Insurance Questions
Are you licensed to do roofing work in Colorado? Colorado does not have a statewide roofing license, but many municipalities and counties require local contractor licenses. Ask whether the contractor holds the licenses required by your jurisdiction.
Can you provide proof of general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage? This is non-negotiable. General liability insurance protects you if the contractor damages your property. Workers compensation protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify them with the insurance carrier. Do not just accept a printout.
What happens if a worker is injured on my property and you do not have workers comp? If the answer is anything other than presenting valid workers compensation documentation, move on to the next contractor.
Certification and Quality Questions
What manufacturer certifications do you hold? Look for the top-tier certifications: GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed Shingle Master, Malarkey Emerald Pro. Ask to see documentation and verify directly with the manufacturer's online locator tool.
How many brands do you carry? A contractor who carries only one brand will recommend that brand regardless of whether it is the best fit. A contractor with multiple manufacturer certifications can offer objective comparisons across product lines.
What warranty do I receive with your installation? The answer should include both the manufacturer's warranty (material and workmanship components) and the contractor's own workmanship guarantee. Ask for warranty details in writing before signing the contract roof replacement services.
Experience and Track Record Questions
How long have you been in business in Colorado? Longevity matters. A company that has operated in Colorado for years has weathered economic cycles, delivered on warranties, and built a track record you can verify. A company that appeared last month may disappear next month.
How many roofs have you replaced in my area? Local experience matters for navigating HOA requirements, building department processes, and area-specific weather challenges.
Can you provide references from recent projects? Any reputable contractor should be willing to provide references. But also check Google reviews independently. References are hand-picked. Reviews are not.
What is your Google review rating and how many reviews do you have? A company with hundreds of reviews and a rating above 4.5 stars has demonstrated consistent quality. Read the reviews. Pay attention to how the company responds to complaints.
Project-Specific Questions
What specific product do you recommend for my roof, and why? The answer should be specific. Not just a brand, but a specific product (e.g., GAF Timberline HDZ, not just GAF shingles). The reasoning should address your home's exposure, your budget, and your goals.
What does your estimate include? Ask for a line-by-line breakdown. A complete estimate should include tear-off and disposal of the old roof, decking inspection and repair, underlayment (including ice and water shield), shingles, drip edge at eaves and rakes, flashing, pipe boots, ridge vent, starter strips, and cleanup.
What is not included? This is just as important. Are there potential additional costs? What happens if the decking is damaged? What about code upgrades?
Who will actually be on my roof? Some contractors use their own employees. Others use subcontractors. Neither is inherently wrong, but you should know. Ask whether the crew has been trained and certified by the manufacturer.
Insurance Claim Questions
If the project involves an insurance claim, add these questions.
How do you work with insurance companies? The contractor should explain their process for documenting damage, reviewing adjuster scopes, and submitting supplements. They should NOT say they will handle everything or manage your claim. Colorado law requires homeowners to be involved in their own claims insurance claim assistance.
Will you review the adjuster's scope of work? The answer should be yes. The adjuster's scope is a starting point. A knowledgeable contractor reviews it for accuracy and completeness.
Have you worked with my insurance company before? Familiarity with specific insurance companies and their processes can streamline the claim.
Contract and Payment Questions
What are your payment terms? Standard practice is a deposit of 10 to 30 percent with the balance due on completion. Be cautious of any contractor who wants full payment upfront. For insurance claims, the payment structure often aligns with insurance disbursements.
Is the estimate a fixed price or can it change? Understand what circumstances could change the price (e.g., decking damage discovered during tear-off).
What is the cancellation policy? Colorado law provides a three-day right to cancel for contracts signed at your home. Beyond that, understand the contractor's cancellation terms.
Will you obtain the building permit? The answer should be yes. The contractor pulls the permit and schedules the inspection. This ensures the work meets code requirements.
Timeline Questions
When can you start? During peak season, expect 2 to 6 weeks from contract signing to installation. If a contractor can start tomorrow during summer, ask why they have no work scheduled.
How long will the installation take? Most residential roofs take 1 to 3 days. Complex roofs may take longer.
What happens if weather delays the project? The contractor should have a clear rescheduling process.
Red Flag Answers
Walk away if you hear any of these. We can waive your deductible (illegal in Colorado). Sign today and we will give you a special price (high-pressure tactic). We do not need a permit for this job (they do). We require full payment before starting work (never agree to this). We will handle your insurance claim for you (this should be a collaborative process, not a takeover) storm damage services.
Gates Enterprises: Ask Us Anything
Gates Enterprises welcomes every question on this list. We are quadruple manufacturer certified (GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, Malarkey Emerald Pro, CertainTeed Shingle Master), have over 301 Google reviews at 4.8 stars, and have been serving Colorado Front Range homeowners with transparent, quality work.
Call (720) 766-3377 or contact us online to start the conversation.