The top questions to ask a roofer before hiring are about licensing, insurance, warranty terms, and whether the estimate is written and itemized. Asking these upfront protects you from unlicensed crews, surprise costs, and work that is not backed by any guarantee.
Are You Licensed and Insured in Michigan?
Any roofer working in Detroit should be able to show proof of a Michigan roofing license and current liability insurance on request. Khabar Nonstop is licensed & insured, and we send documentation before any crew steps on your roof. If a contractor hesitates to show paperwork, treat that as a warning sign, not a formality.
Is the Estimate Written and Itemized?
A verbal quote is not a contract. Ask for a written estimate that breaks out materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, and permit fees separately. This is what lets you compare bids apples-to-apples instead of guessing what is actually included.
What Happens If It Rains Mid-Job?
Michigan weather changes fast. Ask how the crew protects an open roof deck if rain moves in before the job is finished. A serious contractor has a tarping plan ready, not an improvised one.
Do You Handle Insurance Claims?
If your roof has storm damage, ask whether the contractor will meet your adjuster on-site and document damage in a way insurers accept. Khabar Nonstop provides insurance claim assistance as a standard part of storm-damage jobs, not an upsell.
What Warranty Backs the Work?
Manufacturer warranties cover materials, but they do not cover a bad installation. Ask specifically about workmanship coverage. Every roof we install carries a lifetime workmanship warranty, separate from the shingle manufacturer’s own material warranty.
Can I See Local References?
A contractor who has done real work in Detroit should be able to point to recent jobs in your neighborhood, not just a generic portfolio. Ask for addresses or photos from the last few months.
How Many Estimates Should I Get?
Get at least two, ideally three, written estimates before choosing a contractor. A wide spread in price usually means one bidder is cutting corners on materials, permits, or crew experience, not just running a leaner operation. Compare the itemized breakdowns line by line, not just the bottom-line number.
What Should I Avoid Signing?
Never sign a contract with blank fields, an “as needed” pricing clause, or pressure to sign the same day as a storm-chaser knock. Legitimate Detroit roofers, including our crews, give you time to review the contract and ask questions before any signature is needed.
Why This Matters More After a Michigan Winter
Freeze-thaw cycles are hard on roofs that already have hidden weak points. A contractor who skipped proper flashing or used mismatched materials the first time around often gets exposed during a Detroit winter, when ice works into every gap. Vetting a roofer carefully up front costs you nothing and saves a second repair bill down the road.
Watch for Pressure Tactics
A reputable roofer gives you time to think, compare, and ask questions. If someone insists you sign today, offers a price that “expires tonight,” or discourages you from getting other quotes, treat that as a red flag rather than a limited-time deal. The best contractors are confident enough in their work and pricing to let you take your time deciding.
Ask About the Crew, Not Just the Company
Some companies subcontract the actual work to crews with little connection to the business you hired. Ask whether the installation crew is employed directly or subcontracted, and how long that crew has worked with the company. Consistency between the people who sold you the job and the people doing the work matters for accountability.
Bring this list to every estimate call. If a roofer cannot answer clearly, keep looking. See our full Detroit roofing contractor page for more on how we handle every job, or the roofing services overview for the full range of work we do.