Published November 4, 2026 by Redbud Ridge Roofing
Most roofing problems we hear about started before the first shingle came off: a vague contract, a big deposit, or a contractor who can't be reached later. A little checking up front prevents a lot of them. You don't need to be a roofing expert to do it. You only need to know which questions to ask, what a good answer sounds like, and when to walk away. This guide covers the checks that matter most for homeowners and building owners in Oklahoma. You can apply these checks to any company, including our own Tulsa roofing contractor team and our residential roofing service.
Verify registration
Oklahoma requires roofing contractors to register with the Construction Industries Board. Ask for the registration number and look it up yourself on the board's website. Make sure the name on the registration matches the company name on the contract, and that it is current. A contractor who hesitates or offers only a sales rep's name deserves a closer look. Other trades, such as electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, have their own licensing requirements, and many cities also have permit rules.
Ask for proof of insurance
Request a current certificate of general liability insurance and information on workers' compensation coverage. A certificate sent directly from the agent is best, and you can call the agency to confirm it is active. This protects you if a worker is injured or if property is damaged during the job. Roofing is dangerous work, and you don't want to find out after an accident that a crew wasn't covered. Check the dates and coverage limits, and that the policy covers roofing work.
Find out who will actually do the work
Many companies use subcontracted crews, which isn't a problem on its own. What matters is who is responsible and whether they are covered. Ask these questions:
- Will the crew be your employees or subcontractors?
- Who will be on site and who is my contact during the job?
- Who checks the work before it is called finished?
- Do you have experience with this roof type? Tile, slate, metal and flat roofs need specific skills.
- Will you pull the permit if one is required?
Get a written scope
A good estimate spells out tear-off, decking price per sheet, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, shingle product and cleanup. If two bids differ a lot, comparing those lines usually explains why. Here's what to look for in each area:
- Tear-off: how many layers will be removed and where debris will go.
- Decking: a stated price per sheet, so a hidden rotten area doesn't become a surprise bill.
- Underlayment: the type of material, and where ice and water membrane is used.
- Flashing: whether metal will be replaced or reused at chimneys, walls and valleys.
- Ventilation: how attic intake and exhaust will be handled.
- Materials: the manufacturer, product line and color.
- Cleanup: magnetic nail sweep, landscape protection and final walk-through.
Our roof replacement page lists what a complete project should include, and the price list gives planning ranges to help you spot a number that seems too high or too low.
Compare more than the total price
A low bid may reflect an efficient company, or it may leave out flashing, ventilation or decking. A high bid may include better materials, or it may simply be high. Put the estimates side by side and compare them line by line. If one is far lower than the others, ask why. Questions like "Are you replacing the step flashing?" usually reveal the difference. Getting two or three written estimates is reasonable, and a good contractor will not object.
Understand the warranty
There are usually two: a manufacturer warranty on materials and a contractor warranty on workmanship. Ask for both in writing and find out what would void them. Manufacturer warranties commonly cover defects, may be prorated, and usually exclude hail and storm damage. Enhanced warranties may need a certified installer and specific accessories. A workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it, so ask how long they have operated under the current name and who you'd call if something goes wrong.
Know how payment should work
Payment terms say a lot about a company. A reasonable deposit or a payment on material delivery is common, with the balance due on completion. Be cautious about paying the full price before work begins. Tie payments to clear milestones, and pay by check or card rather than in cash, so you have a record. Ask for lien waivers when you make final payment, as they help protect you if a supplier or subcontractor claims that they weren't paid. Get any financing terms in writing and read them separately from the roofing contract.
Read the contract before you sign
The contract should name the legal business, address, phone number and registration, along with the scope, price, start and completion estimate, payment terms, warranty and cancellation terms. Changes should be made in writing. Be careful with short authorization forms that look like permission to inspect, because they can bind you to a contract if your insurance approves a claim. The Federal Trade Commission's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel many door-to-door sales, but there are exceptions, so read the terms. If you don't understand a clause, ask before signing.
Storm work and insurance claims
After hail or wind, you may be approached by many contractors. Take your time, even if the sales pitch is urgent. Protect the home with a temporary repair if needed, then do your checks. Your deductible is your responsibility, and an offer to waive it is a warning sign. A contractor can document damage and explain the work, but your insurer decides on coverage. Our guides on how a roof claim works and what to check after hail give you the full picture.
Watch for warning signs
- Pressure to sign the same day.
- Requests for full payment before work begins.
- Offers to absorb or waive your deductible.
- A contract that doesn't name a legal business and address.
- Promises that insurance will "definitely" buy you a new roof.
- No written scope, or a one-line estimate.
- Unwillingness to provide insurance directly from the agent.
- Damage you didn't see until a salesperson went up on the roof alone. Ask for photos and, if you're unsure, get a second opinion.
Check independent reviews
Look for recent reviews across more than one platform, and notice how the company responds to complaints. A long list of perfect reviews posted within a few weeks can be less useful than a mixed record over many years. Read the details, and look for mentions of communication, cleanup and how problems were handled after the job. Check that the business name, phone and address are consistent across listings. Ask to see recent nearby work if you can, and if possible, talk to a past customer.
What to expect once the job starts
A good contractor makes the job predictable. Before work begins, you should know the expected start date, how long the job should take, where materials and the dumpster will go, and who to call with questions. Expect a call if weather changes the schedule. Move vehicles out of the way, take fragile items off walls and let your neighbors know. During tear-off, the crew should protect landscaping, cover the attic where needed and keep the roof dried in at the end of each day.
If rotten decking appears, the crew should show you photos and use the per-sheet price from your contract. Ask for any other change in writing before the work is done. At the end, walk the property with your contact person, check the yard for nails and look at any flashing or vent work you asked about. Hold your final payment until the punch list is complete and the permit has passed its inspection, if one was required.
After the roof is finished
Your paperwork matters more than people tend to think. Ask for a final invoice that names the products installed, plus copies of any warranty registration and your lien waivers. Save photos of the finished roof, and note the installation date in the same folder. Those records make life easier if you file a claim, sell the home or need warranty service.
Check the roof after the first few heavy rains, and call promptly if anything looks wrong. A reliable company will want to hear about it, and quick reporting helps with any warranty claim. Finally, if you were happy with the work, leave an honest review. Good information helps your neighbors in the same way that it helped you, and it gives good contractors a reason to keep their standards high.
Questions to ask every contractor
- What is your Oklahoma roofing registration number?
- Can your agent send me a certificate of insurance?
- What exactly is included in your price, and what would cost extra?
- How do you handle rotten decking, and what is the price per sheet?
- What is your workmanship warranty, and is it in writing?
- Who is responsible for permits and inspections?
- How will you protect my landscaping and clean up afterward?
- What happens if it rains during the job?
- Who do I call if there is a leak a year from now?
We are happy to answer every one of these. When you are ready to compare, request an estimate or read about our residential roofing and roof inspection services. Use this list with any contractor you consider, including us.
