Learning Center

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Reviewed by: Timberwolf Construction Inc., NM Lic. #426379 · Updated September 12, 2026

Quick Answer

Before hiring a roofing contractor, confirm they're licensed and insured in New Mexico, ask for local references and proof of a physical business address, get a detailed written estimate, and clarify how they handle insurance claims and warranties. Taking these steps up front helps you avoid the unlicensed or out-of-state "storm chaser" crews that often appear after major hail events.

Why This Matters More Than People Realize

A roof is one of the largest investments most homeowners make in their property, and roofing is also an industry where poor-quality or fraudulent contractors can cause real financial harm. Asking the right questions before signing anything protects both your home and your wallet.

1. Are You Licensed in New Mexico?

Every roofing contractor operating in New Mexico should hold a valid state contractor's license. Ask for the license number directly and verify it through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division. A legitimate, established contractor will provide this without hesitation.

2. Are You Insured?

Ask specifically about both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Liability insurance protects your property if something is damaged during the work. Workers' compensation protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. A contractor unwilling to provide proof of both is a warning sign.

3. Do You Have a Local, Permanent Address?

Contractors with an established local address and a track record in the community have more accountability than crews that appear after a storm and are gone within days. If a contractor can't provide a verifiable local business address, that's worth treating as a red flag, especially in the aftermath of a hailstorm when temporary "storm chasing" crews are more common.

4. Can You Provide Local References?

Ask for references from recent local projects, ideally ones you can verify independently, such as through online reviews or by speaking with the homeowner directly. A contractor with a genuine local presence should have no difficulty providing several.

5. What Does Your Written Estimate Include?

A trustworthy estimate should be detailed in writing, not just a verbal number. It should specify the materials being used (including brand and product line), the scope of work, the timeline, and the total cost. Vague estimates that only state a lump sum without detail make it harder to know exactly what you're paying for.

6. How Do You Handle Insurance Claims?

If your roof work is related to storm damage, ask how the contractor works with insurance adjusters and whether they'll be present during the adjuster's inspection. Be cautious of any contractor who asks you to sign over your insurance claim check directly to them before any work has been inspected or approved.

7. What Warranty Do You Offer?

Ask about both the manufacturer's warranty on materials and the contractor's own workmanship warranty. These are two separate things — a strong material warranty doesn't protect you if the installation itself was done poorly, so a workmanship warranty from the contractor matters just as much.

8. Will You Pull the Required Permits?

Roofing work typically requires a permit in most New Mexico jurisdictions. A legitimate contractor will handle this as a standard part of the job. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time or money, treat that as a serious warning sign.

For more on this topic, see our guide on How to Spot Storm-Chasing Scams.

FAQs

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division maintains license verification records that can confirm whether a contractor's license is active and in good standing.

This term refers to crews, often from out of state, that travel to areas after major hailstorms to solicit roofing work quickly, sometimes using high-pressure sales tactics. They may do quality work, but the lack of a local, ongoing presence makes it harder to get warranty or follow-up support after they leave the area.

Getting more than one detailed, written estimate is generally a good practice, as it gives you a basis for comparison on both price and scope of work.

Not necessarily. A significantly lower quote can sometimes reflect lower-quality materials, an inexperienced crew, or a contractor cutting corners on scope. It's worth understanding exactly what's included before choosing based on price alone.

Have questions about your roof?

A free, documented inspection gives you real answers — no pressure, no obligation.

Request Your Free Roof Report