A very useful question is: “Can you clearly explain what you’re going to do, step by step, and what is covered in your guarantee?” How they answer tells you a lot.

A good roofer will calmly describe the process in plain language: what they’ll remove, what they’ll replace, which materials they’ll use, how long it should last, and what happens if there’s a problem later. They should be able to show you photos or examples of similar jobs and put key points in writing.

If they’re vague, rush you, or get irritated by basic questions, that’s a red flag. Roof work isn’t cheap, and it’s not easily checked once finished. You want someone who’s comfortable being transparent and standing behind their work.

That one question opens the door to clarity – about price, scope, timeline and responsibility – which is exactly what you need before anyone touches your roof.