12 Questions to Ask Before Signing Any Roofing Contract in Indiana or Illinois

Signing a roofing contract without asking the right questions is how homeowners get surprised by costs they didn’t expect, warranties they can’t enforce, and work that doesn’t meet the standards they thought they were paying for.

These 12 questions — asked before signing, in writing — protect you.

1. What exactly is included in this price?

“Roof replacement” means different things to different contractors. A complete answer includes: tear-off, disposal, underlayment type, ice and water shield scope, drip edge, all flashings, and cleanup. Ask for a line-item breakdown if the estimate is summarized.

Professional inspection ensures no damage goes undetected

2. What shingle brand, product, and color will be installed?

This should be in the contract verbatim — not just “architectural shingles.” Get the GAF product name, the specific shingle line, and the color. Material substitution is a real practice; a specific written specification is your protection.

3. What happens if you find damaged decking under my shingles?

Ask specifically: How is decking replacement priced? Per sheet? Per board? Will you show me what needs replacing before you replace it? A legitimate contractor has a clear, documented policy. Vague answers about “extras as needed” are red flags.

4. Will you pull all required permits?

The permit should be pulled and posted before work begins. Ask specifically: “Will you pull the permit before crews arrive?” If they say permits aren’t necessary or suggest you can skip them — walk away.

5. What certification level do you hold with your manufacturer?

Not “are you certified” — but specifically what level. GAF Master Elite, GAF Certified, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster. The level determines what warranty you can receive. Verify it independently at the manufacturer’s website.

6. What exactly is covered by the warranty — and who backs it?

Three separate answers needed: material warranty (from manufacturer, how long, what’s covered), workmanship warranty (from whom — contractor or manufacturer, how long), and what voids each coverage.

Quality materials and expert installation make the difference

7. Are you licensed in Indiana AND Illinois (if applicable)?

If you’re in Illinois: ask for their IDFPR roofing license number and verify it at idfpr.illinois.gov. An Indiana license does not cover Illinois work. Unlicensed contractors cannot legally pull Illinois permits.

8. Can I see your current insurance certificate?

Ask for an actual certificate of insurance — not just a verbal confirmation — showing general liability AND workers’ compensation with current dates and your property as a certificate holder. This protects you.

9. What is the payment schedule?

Standard practice: a deposit at contract signing (typically 10-25%), balance at project completion after your inspection and approval. Any contractor requiring more than 50% upfront is a red flag. Full payment before work begins or before completion is a red flag.

10. Who specifically will be supervising my project on installation day?

Get a name. Ask about their experience. Know who to contact if you have questions during the day. Accountability requires a specific person.

11. How long will this take, and what’s my start date?

Get a realistic timeline in writing — expected installation date, projected completion, and what happens if weather delays occur. “Sometime next month” is not acceptable.

Alamo Roofing serves Lake County, Porter County & northern Illinois

12. What is your process if I have a problem after the work is completed?

Ask specifically: Who do I call? What’s the response time commitment? What does your warranty claim process look like? A contractor who’s vague about post-completion service is telling you something.

What Alamo’s Answers Look Like

We welcome every one of these questions and answer all of them in our written estimate. We’re happy to put everything in writing because we’re confident in what we’re delivering.