10 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Roof Replacement Contract

Replacing your roof is a major investment—and one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. Yet too many people go into the process without asking the right questions, only to find themselves dealing with hidden fees, poor workmanship, or long delays.

At Panda Exteriors, we believe transparency is key to a successful roofing project. That’s why we encourage homeowners to ask tough, direct questions before signing any contract—whether it’s with us or someone else.

To help you avoid contractor horror stories and protect your investment, here are the 10 most important questions to ask before committing to a roof replacement.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

This should be the very first question you ask—and if the answer is anything but “yes,” walk away.

A reputable roofing contractor must be:

• Licensed to operate in your state or municipality
  
• Covered by general liability insurance (to protect your home)
  
• And carry workers’ compensation insurance (to protect their crew—and you)
  

Without the right coverage, you could be liable for injuries or damage that occur on your property. At Panda Exteriors, we’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured in every market we serve.

What’s the Full Scope of Work and Timeline?

Don’t settle for vague promises like “a few days” or “we’ll get started soon.” Ask for:

• A written project timeline from start to finish
  
• Estimated work hours per day
  
• Any contingencies based on weather, materials, or scheduling
  

This helps you plan accordingly—and keeps your contractor accountable. At Panda Exteriors, we provide detailed project timelines up front and stay in constant communication throughout your replacement.

What Roofing Materials Will You Use?

Not all shingles are created equal. Ask:

• What brand and model of shingles will be installed?
  
• Will I receive matching accessories (underlayment, flashing, vents) from the same system?
  
• Are materials warranty-eligible?
  

We proudly install premium materials from brands like GAF, and we’ll walk you through every option, from color to performance. You should know exactly what’s going on your home—and how long it will last.

What Type of Warranties Are Included?

Roof warranties come in two forms:

• Manufacturer warranty (covers product defects)
  
• Workmanship warranty (covers installation quality)
  

Ask your contractor:

• How long is each warranty?
  
• Is the manufacturer warranty prorated?
  
• Is the workmanship warranty transferable if I sell my home?
  

Panda Exteriors offers industry-leading warranties, including GAF’s Golden Pledge® Warranty, with 50-year product and 25-year workmanship coverage—installed only by certified contractors like us.

What’s the Payment Schedule?

Before you sign anything, make sure you understand:

• How much is due upfront
  
• When progress payments (if any) are due
  
• Final payment requirements
  

Be wary of contractors who demand full payment before any work is done. A fair payment schedule ties installments to project milestones—just like we do at Panda Exteriors.

Bonus tip: Ask about financing options if you’re looking to spread out payments without draining your savings.

What Happens If There’s a Change Order or Unforeseen Damage?

Sometimes, once the old roof is removed, contractors discover:

• Rotting plywood
  
• Damaged decking
  
• Structural issues
  

Ask how your contractor handles:

• Change orders and how they’re approved
  
• Cost estimates for additional work
  
• Communication process for unexpected issues
  

At Panda Exteriors, we never move forward on change orders without your full approval, and we keep you informed every step of the way.

How Will You Protect My Property During the Job?

Roofing is messy—and without the right precautions, it can damage your siding, windows, landscaping, or driveway.

Ask:

• How will you protect my home and lawn during tear-off and installation?
  
• Will you use tarps, boards, or protective barriers?
  
• What’s your daily cleanup protocol?
  

We treat every home like it’s our own. Our crews lay protective sheeting, perform daily sweeps, and do a full magnetic nail sweep at the end of every job.

Will You Handle Permits and Inspections?

Some municipalities require roofing permits and inspections. Be sure to ask:

• Will you pull the necessary permits?
  
• Do you handle all final inspections and paperwork?
  

Contractors who ask you to “pull your own permit” may not be properly licensed—or may be trying to avoid local oversight. Panda Exteriors handles every step, from permit application to final inspection, so you don’t have to.

Who Will Be On-Site and Supervising the Project?

You want to know who’s actually working on your roof—and who you can turn to with questions or concerns.

Ask:

• Will the crew be in-house or subcontractors?
  
• Will there be an on-site project manager or supervisor?
  
• Who’s my point of contact during the job?
  

At Panda Exteriors, we assign a dedicated project manager to every job and keep open communication from start to finish. You’ll never be left wondering who’s in charge.

Can I See Reviews, References, or Photos of Past Work?

Any reputable contractor should be proud to show off their work and reputation. Look for:

• Verified Google and Better Business Bureau reviews
  
• Recent before-and-after photos
  
• Homeowner references you can contact
  

At Panda Exteriors, we’re proud of our 5-star reviews, verified testimonials, and growing gallery of successful roof replacements across Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Final Thoughts: Ask First, Sign Second

Too many homeowners sign a roofing contract in a rush—only to regret it when something goes wrong. Asking these 10 questions up front gives you the power to choose a trustworthy, professional contractor who values your home as much as you do.

At Panda Exteriors, we’re always happy to answer every one of these questions—and more—before you ever sign on the dotted line. Why? Because we believe in earning your trust, not just your business.

Smart homeowners ask questions. Savvy ones choose Panda Exteriors.