Why This Matters More Than People Realize
A roof is one of the biggest investments most homeowners make in their property, and roofing is also an industry where poor-quality or fraudulent contractors can do real financial harm. Asking the right questions before you sign anything protects 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 and verify it through the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division. An established contractor will give you this without hesitating.
Not Sure What Your Roof Needs?Get a Free Roof Report with photos, or see a price for your home in about a minute.
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 check yourself, through online reviews or by talking with the homeowner. A contractor who's been working locally should have no trouble giving you several.
5. What Does Your Written Estimate Include?
A good estimate is detailed and in writing, not just a verbal number. It should spell out the materials (including brand and product line), the scope of work, the timeline, and the total cost. A vague estimate that only states a lump sum makes it hard to know 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. They're separate. A strong material warranty doesn't protect you if the installation 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.
What If a Roofer Damages My Stucco Parapet?
The contractor whose crew caused the damage is normally the one responsible for fixing it, and your contract and their insurance are how you hold them to that. Parapet caps, stucco returns and the stucco just below the roofline take hits during tear-off and flashing work on a lot of Albuquerque flat and pueblo-style roofs, so settle this before the job starts.
- Put it in the contract. A good contract says the contractor is responsible for damage their crew causes, names who repairs stucco and parapet caps, and says whether patched stucco gets color-matched.
- Get a certificate of insurance. Ask for proof of general liability coverage, the policy that typically responds to damage a contractor causes to your property, and call the carrier to confirm it's current.
- Photograph the parapets first. Take dated photos of every parapet, cap and stucco wall near the roof before work starts. Cracks are common here (see storm damage vs. settling cracks), and photos settle what was already there.
If a licensed contractor won't make it right, put your request in writing. After that you can file a Request for Investigation with the NM Construction Industries Division, with your contract, photos, invoices and messages. CID can fine a contractor or act on their license, but it says its investigation won't get money paid back to you. Recovering repair costs is a civil matter, so talk to your insurance agent or an attorney about that part.
FAQs
How can I verify a contractor's license in New Mexico?
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.
What is a "storm chaser" roofing contractor?
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.
Should I get multiple quotes before hiring a roofing contractor?
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.
Is the cheapest quote always the best choice?
Not necessarily. A much lower quote can mean lower-quality materials, an inexperienced crew, or a contractor cutting corners on scope. Know what's included before choosing on price alone.
Who pays if a roofer damages my stucco or parapet?
Normally the contractor whose crew caused it. Your contract and the contractor's general liability insurance are how you hold them to it, and dated photos taken before the job help show what was already there. If a licensed contractor refuses, you can file a complaint with the NM Construction Industries Division.
