10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor in Colorado
TL;DR
- Colorado does not issue a statewide roofing license. Verify local licensing and insurance before signing anything.
- Confirm who will work on your roof and who supervises the job.
- Get written workmanship and manufacturer warranties.
- Avoid contractors who pressure upfront payment or avoid documentation.
If you are comparing roofing estimates and the prices vary wildly, slow down. In Colorado, contractor vetting matters. Because Colorado does not require a state roofing license, homeowners must verify local licensing, insurance, and credentials themselves. The questions below give you a structured way to compare contractors and reduce risk.
Before you start calling contractors, review the Colorado Roofing Association guidance on selecting a professional contractor. It pairs well with the checklist below and helps you evaluate bids beyond price.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured for My City or County?
Colorado does not require a state roofing license, but many cities and counties require local business or contractor licenses. Ask for proof specific to your municipality and verify it if needed.
Verify two types of insurance:- General liability insurance
Protects your property if damage occurs. Request a current certificate and confirm coverage dates. - Workers’ compensation insurance
Required for contractors with employees. Without it, you could face liability for injuries on your property.
Do not proceed without documentation.
Red flag: Delays, excuses, or suggestions that insurance is unnecessary.
For more context on why documentation matters, read CRA’s warning on unlicensed contractors.
2. Who Will Be Working on My Roof?
Clarify:
- Employees or subcontractors?
- Who supervises daily?
- Are all workers insured?
Accountability should be clear. If subcontractors are used, insurance must extend to them.
Red flag: Vague answers about crews or supervision.
3. What Materials Will You Install?
Ask for:
- Brand and product line
- Impact rating for hail
- Wind rating
- Warranty terms
Colorado roofs must withstand hail, freeze-thaw cycles, and UV exposure. Contractors should explain why the selected materials fit local conditions.
Red flag: “Premium shingles” with no brand or specifications.
4. What Is the Timeline?
Confirm:
- Estimated start date
- Duration
- Weather delay policy
- Whether crews rotate between jobs
Most residential replacements take one to three days. Weather can delay work, but communication should be clear.
Red flag: Unrealistic speed promises or no timeline at all.
5. How Does Payment Work?
Standard structure:
- 10 to 30% deposit
- Balance due at completion or defined milestones
Your contract should clearly define:
- Payment amounts
- Triggers for each payment
- Final inspection before full payment
Red flag: Full payment upfront or cash-only demands.
6. How Do You Protect and Clean Up My Property?
Expect:
- Landscaping protection
- Magnetic nail sweeps
- Debris containment
- Final walkthrough
Cleanup standards should be explained before work begins.
Red flag: Dismissing cleanup concerns.
7. What Warranties Do You Provide?
You should receive:
- Workmanship warranty
Covers installation errors. Issued by the contractor. - Manufacturer warranty
Covers material defects. Issued by the manufacturer.
Ask:
- Length of workmanship coverage
- What is excluded
- How claims are handled
- Whether warranties are transferable
Get all terms in writing.
Red flag: No workmanship warranty.
8. How Are Change Orders Handled?
Unexpected damage is common once shingles are removed.
Confirm:
- Problems are photographed
- Pricing is documented
- Written approval is required before additional work
Red flag: Surprise charges without documentation.
9. What Certifications or Memberships Do You Hold?
Certifications are not guarantees, but they show professional investment.
Manufacturer Certifications
Programs like GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster typically require proof of insurance and training.
Colorado Roofing Association Membership
Colorado Roofing Association contractor members must show proper licensing history, carry workers’ compensation and general liability insurance, and sign a Code of Ethics. Contractors listed in the CRA directory strongly indicate established, insured local firms.
For more information, check out our guide: “Tips to Protect Yourself from a Fraudulent Roofing Contractor”
Verify credentials independently.
Red flag: Unverifiable certifications.
10. Can You Provide Local References?
Ask for recent projects in your area. Contact homeowners directly and ask:
- Was the job completed on time?
- Were change orders handled clearly?
- Was warranty support provided?
Red flag: No local references or only online reviews.
Final Step: Use a Structured Vetting Process
Hiring a roofing contractor in Colorado requires more than comparing price. Because there is no statewide roofing license, homeowners must verify local licensing, insurance, warranties, and credentials directly.
To reduce risk, start with contractors listed in the Colorado Roofing Association directory, then use the questions above to compare answers consistently.
If you want a quick refresher on common scam patterns, CRA also outlines common roofing scams in Colorado. Documentation, transparency, and clarity should guide your decision.
Your roof is too important to leave to assumptions.