HomeScope Guide · Roofing contractor interview packet

Roof replacement bid and interview record

Community: ________________________
Roof area: ________________________
Property address: ________________________
Contractor: ________________________
Interview date: ________________________
Written bid total: ________________________

Ask every contractor the same questions. Record exact products, quantities, exclusions, unit prices, permit responsibility, payment stages, and final records in writing.

Roof planning guide

8 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring

Ask every roofer the same eight questions, then compare the written work - not only the total. A lower bid can become a higher final cost when it omits decking, flashing, ventilation, disposal, permits, protection, or final records.

Printable interview checklistNo contractor endorsements

Print the questions, system checklist, project sequence, and three-bid comparison grid - or save the packet as a PDF.

Contractor interview

What questions should you ask a roofing contractor?

Start with measured scope, the complete roof system, concealed decking costs, water-control details, ventilation, permits, property protection, and final records. Contractors may call the final approvals, warranties, lien documents, photos, and completed punch list “closeout.” Record each answer in writing so every contractor prices comparable work.

Measured scope

What measured roof area, pitch, access, stories, and existing layers does this price assume?

Exact system

Name the covering, starter, underlayment, ice protection, flashing, ventilation, fasteners, and ridge/edge components.

Decking

What decking condition is included, what is the per-sheet replacement price, and who approves an overage?

Water details

How will valleys, sidewalls, chimneys, skylights, penetrations, and kick-out flashing be handled?

Ventilation

Who evaluates intake and exhaust ventilation, and what calculation or manufacturer requirement supports the plan?

Permit and inspections

Who confirms the enforcing agency, applies, pays, schedules inspections, corrects issues, and delivers final approval?

Protection and cleanup

How are landscaping, siding, gutters, windows, driveway, attic, and magnetic nail cleanup protected and documented?

Warranty and final records

What workmanship and manufacturer coverage applies, who registers it, and what records do I receive before final payment?

Whole-system comparison

A roof is more than the visible shingle.

DeckExisting sheathing condition, replacement unit price, fastening, and approval method

Water controlUnderlayment, ice protection, valleys, drip edge, wall and chimney flashing, penetrations

Roof coveringManufacturer, product line, color, exposure, starter, field fasteners, ridge or hip caps

AirflowIntake and exhaust ventilation plan, blocked soffits, bath or kitchen exhaust termination

Edges and drainageFascia, soffit, gutters, downspouts, kick-out flashing, discharge protection

CloseoutInspections, photos, cleanup, lien documents, warranty registration, final approval

Project sequence

Plan milestones - not promised calendar days.

Measure and diagnose

Confirm roof area, slopes, layers, access, visible damage, attic ventilation, penetrations, and special details.

Make every bid price the same work

Give every contractor one written project description, compare exact systems, and verify credentials, references, insurance, warranty terms, and exclusions.

Confirm permit path and products

Resolve the enforcing agency, application or inspection steps, material availability, colors, dumpster and delivery placement.

Tear off, inspect, and approve changes

Document concealed conditions. Require written quantity and price approval before decking or structural overages proceed.

Install the complete system

Coordinate water protection, covering, flashing, ventilation, edges, penetrations, and weather protection.

Inspect and close out

Complete required inspections, cleanup, attic and exterior review, punch list, warranties, photos, receipts, and final records.

Weather, inspection availability, concealed damage, product availability, roof complexity, crew size, and change orders can alter elapsed time. Obtain a written sequencing and communication plan instead of relying on a universal duration.

Quote-comparison template

Put every bid on the same grid.

Measured roof areaBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Total price and cost per squareBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Tear-off layers and disposalBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Decking allowance and unit priceBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Exact covering and accessory productsBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Ice protection, underlayment and flashingBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Ventilation and penetrationsBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Permit and inspection responsibilityBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Protection, cleanup and final recordsBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Workmanship and manufacturer warrantyBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Payment milestones and final holdbackBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Exclusions and owner responsibilitiesBid 1 ___ · Bid 2 ___ · Bid 3 ___

Check the permit path Use interactive comparison →

Contract record

Write the agreed roofing system into the contract

□ Tear-off layers, disposal, deck fastening, and per-sheet replacement price
□ Manufacturer and product line for covering, starter, underlayment, ice protection, flashing, ventilation, fasteners, and caps
□ Exact exclusions, owner responsibilities, property protection, and cleanup standard
□ Permit applicant, fees, inspection scheduling, correction responsibility, and final approval
□ Payment stages, written change-order approval, workmanship warranty, and manufacturer registration

Before final payment

Collect proof that the work is complete

□ Required final inspection or approval
□ Completed punch list and cleanup review
□ Workmanship and manufacturer warranty records
□ Product receipts, photos, manuals, and registration
□ Lien documents and final paid receipt

Important: This packet organizes contractor answers; it does not verify a contractor, determine code requirements, or replace professional advice. Confirm current permit and inspection requirements with the responsible enforcing agency.