Top 5 Questions to Ask Any Roofing Contractor—Before You Sign Anything

The correct roofing contractor could be the distinction between a sturdy, issue-free roof and a pricey headache later on. No matter whether you’re investing in a new roof, scheduling repairs, or prepping your home for solar panels, asking good questions upfront is essential to making an informed, confident decision.

We at JCIS Roofing have worked with hundreds of homeowners throughout San Diego County and know what a quality, honest roofing experience is all about. To help you safeguard your investment, we’ve outlined the five questions you need to ask any roofing contractor — before you sign the dotted line.

Do You Hold a License, Bond or Insurance?

This is the first — and perhaps most important — question to ask.

Roofing contractors must be licensed with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to work legally in California. A valid license shows that the contractor has the required experience, tested skills and knowledge of safety codes to operate in your state.

You’ll also want to verify that the contractor is:

• Bonded, or covered financially if they fail to complete the work
• Insured (especially with general liability and workers’ compensation coverage)

Why it’s important: Without proper insurance, you could be held liable if a worker is injured on your property or if the contractor causes damage.

Pro Tip: Request the license number and check it yourself on CSLB’s website. JCIS Roofing is licensed by the CSLB #C1083214—we are also 100% bonded and insured for your peace of mind.

Which Types of Roofing Materials Do You Use and Why?

However, not all roofing materials are equal. From asphalt shingles to clay tile, metal, and flat replacement roofing membranes, each material has its strengths — and along with that, risks — based on your home’s location, style and needs.

You’re going to want a contractor that will:

• Guide you through the available material options
• Discuss each of the pros and cons
• Based on your specific climate and budget, recommend a solution

We must use only top quality range products from well known manufacturers.

Why it matters: Certain contractors may be skimping, using low-grade materials or reusing old components, such as flashings or underlayment. This can result in a prematurely failing roof — even if the work appears to be well done from above.

At JCIS Roofing, we only use trusted brand materials when we install, and we base our classifications around San Diego’s climate—heat-resistant shingles or humidity-resistant tile systems.

Can You Provide Local References and Examples of Your Work?

Experience counts—but local experience counts more.

Ask your contractor for:

• Client references in your area
• Photos for recent roof replacements or repairs
• Project information with similar considerations (materials or roof types)

Why it matters: Roofing requirements differ significantly based on such factors as weather conditions, city building regulations and even architectural styles. A contractor who has worked in your neighborhood will be:

• Weather at the coast and exposure to salt
• Inland heat and UV intensity
• City permits and HOA requirements

San Diego homes face unique roofing problems

JCIS Roofing is a family-oriented, San Diego, CA-based company with over 25 years experience serving the population of San Diego county homes and businesses. We’re proud to share examples and reviews of our work around communities such as Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, and more.

What’s in Your Estimate — and What Isn’t?

Roofing estimates can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, which is why it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting. A good contractor will sit down with you to go through a written estimate in detail.

Make sure to ask:

• Are going to freeze this estimate, or it will grow?
• Does it cover removing the old roof?
• What about permits, trash disposal and cleanup?
• Do they have warranties on materials and labor?
• How will unforeseen problems (such as hidden rot or structural damage) be addressed?

Why it matters: Vague or verbal quotes can lead to expensive surprises. You need a contractor who is transparent, communicative and will put everything in writing.

JCIS Roofing provides detailed, transparent estimates built around your budget, with no fine print or hidden fees. We believe in 100% transparency before the work starts.

Do You Provide Any Warranties or Guarantees?

As you might expect, a good warranty will tell you two things:

• The contractor will truly honor their work.
• They use some great quality long-lasting materials.

There are two different types of warranties that roofing contractors typically provide:

Manufacturer’s Warranty: Protects against defects in the roofing materials (typically 20–50 years, depending on the product).

Workmanship Warranty: Covers installation errors (varies by contractor).

Ask for both—in writing. Be sure to clarify:

• What is and isn’t covered
• How long the warranties last
• What if your roof misses the deadline?
• If you sell your home, whether the warranty is transferable

JCIS Roofing provides quality material and workmanship warranties so you can rest assured you’re investment is protected. Maintenance tips and check-ins are given to you to help you fully utilize your new roof.

Bonus Tips: What kind of red flags you want to avoid

And asking the right questions is key — but so is knowing when to walk away. Signs you can look out for that a roofing contractor is bad:

• They require full payment in advance
• They don’t have proper licenses or insurance
• Its estimate is either vague or way lower than others
• They avoid giving references
• They force a hurry up and give them a yes or no.

If something seems wrong, follow your gut. A roof is a big investment—and your first line of defense against the elements. You deserve to find a contractor that earns your trust from day one.

Final Thoughts

Getting a new roof means you have to choose a roofing contractor. It’s about keeping your home safe, your family safe, your mind safe. If you ask the right questions, you’ll cut through the contractors who are in it for the money and find a construction team that offers quality, performance, and lasting results.

At JCIS Roofing, we’re the kind of company we’d hire ourselves: honest, experienced and customer-first. Whether that means repairs, a new installation or simply a professional opinion, we’re here to guide you—no pressure, no pushy sales talk, just concrete roofing solutions.

Talk to a Roofer You Can Trust

Ready to start your roofing project with confidence? Call JCIS Roofing at 760.481.8006 or visit jcisroofing.com to schedule your free consultation.

We’ll answer your questions, walk your roof, and make sure you have everything you need to make the right choice.